1. The journey begins 2. Defining and creating the capacity for Transformation 3. The ‘both... and...' of management and leadership 4. Leadership as Catalyst for Transformation 5. Introducing the Four Stages of School Transformation 6. The Fourth Stage of School Transformation 7. Learning ‘how' to Transform: The Process Elements, Leadership and Cultural Dynamics 8. Learning how to transform - exploring, exemplifying and extrapolating our transformation model In Summary Index
Offers a model of sustainable school improvement and transformation enabling schools to improve at any level with case studies of successful implementation.
David Crossley is an independent education consultant. His proven, yet innovative ideas derive from leading four very different schools, design of a major internationally validated raising achievement program involving 700 schools in England and work with many other outstanding school leaders and academics. He is committed to ‘school-led system leadership’ and the ‘by schools for schools’ approach. In addition to his work in the UK he has contributed to school improvement programmes in the USA and the Middle East and is regularly invited to speak at a range of conference in the UK and internationally.
‘Learn to Transform is a masterpiece of school improvement
literature! Authors David Crossley and Graham Corbyn provide theory
that is customized to fit a wide variety of particular school
settings, vignettes that bristle with the messy on-the-ground
realities of schools in challenging circumstances, and proven
strategies for success. I learned an enormous amount from this
book, which is a welcome addition to the change literature for
school leaders in all countries and contexts.' Dennis Shirley,
Professor of Education at the Lynch School of Education, Boston
College, USA.
'We know that more of what we have done in the past will not create
the ambitious future we have for our young people - a future where
we can realistically expect that every young person is engaged,
motivated and excited by learning and achievement so that they
themselves act on the belief that there is never a ceiling on their
potential. The real test of another book on school transformation
is the ability to combine a compelling vision of what the next
phase of transformation might look like with practical but
inspirational case studies. This book does both with great
conviction and in a very readable manner.' Dame Yasmin Bevan, DBE,
Executive Principal and Headteacher of Denbigh High School and
Challney High School for Boys, Luton, UK. (In 2009 Denbigh High
School won the Times Educational Supplement's 'Secondary School of
the Year'.)
'This is the book for our times. It properly encapsulates what we
all now know to be true: the most effective and sustainable way for
schools to improve is to work powerfully in partnership with each
other. The great thing about this book is it shows how this
actually happens, how any school can do it and how great
achievement is possible for every one of our students. It confirms
some of the best and most innovative approaches taking place in our
schools and how these things can make a real difference. I have no
hesitation in recommending it very highly.' Stephen Munday,
Executive Principal, Comberton Village College, Cambridge, UK.
'This book adds immensely to our understanding of school
improvement and is essential reading for all school leaders and
teachers. In presenting a philosophy, style and distinctive
approach to school improvement and transformation a fine balance is
struck between theory and practice. Schools are challenged to think
beyond the dependency of government led ‘top down' initiatives; to
be innovative and take charge of their transformation agendas. The
authors demonstrate not only how to transform a school, but more
importantly how to sustain transformation and the importance of
cultural elements in that process. Learn To Transform informs,
challenges and inspires.' Alan Yellup, Headteacher, Wakefield City
High School, Wakefield, UK.
'Learn to Transform is both a timely and important book. For those
committed to changing schools and school systems for the better, it
provides a clear framework and a robust model of change. It also
signals that transforming schools and school systems is within our
reach and that securing better outcomes for all young people in all
contexts is a real possibility.' Alma Harris, Professor and
Pro-Director (Leadership), Institute of Education, University of
London, UK.
'I am sure that Directors of Children's Services will welcome this
exceptional book for its passionate commitment to raising the
achievement of all students and for its succinct summary of current
thinking. What will appeal to them most is that it sets out a
flexible, very practical model which brilliantly combines the three
key drivers of school improvement: content, process and
culture. It stresses the imperative of empowering schools to
drive their improvement and shows how school to school support can
create the capacity to support that change.' Jonathan
Crossley-Holland, Director, Strategy Children's Services & Local
Authorities Tribal Group, and Former Director of Education
Sheffield
Praise for the 1st edition:'The English Secondary School system is
in a time of profound transformation. This process has two key
characteristics. First, schools are increasingly taking
responsibility for their own development rather than relying on
Government or external intervention; and secondly and crucially,
they are also taking responsibility for each others' development.
It is this commitment to system reform that is radically changing
the landscape of the secondary system in England. In Learn to
Transform David Crossley, a leading member of this movement,
describes in concrete detail some of the key strategies and
processes involved. This book provides a valuable contribution to
the literature on School Transformation. It clearly indicates what
needs to be done, eloquently describes strategies for
transformation and provides tangible evidence that the
transformation is indeed possible. Learn to Transform is at the
same time both practical and optimistic.'Professor David Hopkins,
HSBC iNet Chair of International Leadership, Institute of Education
University of London, UK
![]() |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
![]() |