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Leading 21st-Century Schools
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Leading 21st-Century Schools
Harnessing Technology for Engagement and Achievement



240 pages | Corwin
'A wonderful resource for novice or experienced administrators who are ready to jump into the 21st century with their students and schools. The text handles all key aspects of understanding the role and relevance of technology in today's schools as well as planning for future integration. What better way to usher in a 21st-century schools initiative than with sharing this valuable resource' - Jill M. Gildea, Superintendent, Harrison School District £36, Wonder Lake, IL

Today's schools have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to help students achieve academically and prepare for their futures in the 21st century. Written for school leaders, administrators, and technology directors, this user-friendly guide describes how to develop and lead effective schools that meet the needs of 21st-century learners, integrate new technology into teaching and learning, and realize measurable performance improvement.

Aligned to the newly updated National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators ( NETS.A), this resource helps educators develop an actionable plan for introducing new technology, managing change, and building support across the school community and beyond. The authors emphasize 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, and creationeativity and provide:

- Descriptions of Web 2.0 tools - including wikis, blogs, social networks, and many others - and their applications for creative, innovative instruction

- Strategies for effective use of technology within and across pre-school to Sixth form content areas

- Personal stories from leaders of technologically advanced and nationally recognized schools

- An overview of relevant legal, ethical, and safety considerations

- Recommended activities and resources within every chapter

Lead your team in developing a true 21st-century school that opens up new avenues for teacher-student collaboration and achievement.

 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Part I. 21st-Century Schools: A New World for Administrators, Teachers, and Students
 
1. Leading 21st-Century Schools: What School Leaders Need to Know
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
Why Change?

 
What Is Your Vision of 21st-Century Schools?

 
What Has Changed?

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Way Through Modeling: Principal Dave Meister's Story

 
New Literacies

 
What Drives These Changes?

 
Technology Standards for Teachers

 
Technology Standards for Administrators

 
What Remains the Same?

 
A Word About Leaders and Systemic Change

 
Conclusion

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
2. The Digital Information Age: Who Are Our Students and Teachers?
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
Who Are Our Students?

 
Who Are Our Teachers?

 
How to Lead the Millennial Generation

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Way by Empowering Others: Principal Keith McClure's Story

 
Conclusion

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
Part II. New Tools and Strategies for Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century
 
3. New Tools for Collaboration, Communication, and Creation
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
The New Tools and How They Work

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading by Learning: Principal Bo Adams' Story

 
Conclusion

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
4. Other Technology Tools to Consider
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
Internet Resources

 
Traditional Hardware and Software Assets

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Way by Promoting Both Accountability and Creativity: Principal Dr. Roberto Pamas' Story

 
Content-Specific Uses of Technology

 
Conclusion

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Change Together: Principal Susan T. Phillips' Story

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
5. Instructional Strategies for Teaching and Learning With Technology
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
Is Your School Ready for 21st-Century Teaching and Learning?

 
Strategies for Teaching and Learning Across the Curriculum

 
Open Source Initiative

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Way by Engaging My Students: Teacher Clay Burrell's Story

 
Conclusion

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
Part III. Leading the Way
 
6. Strategic Leadership: Encouraging and Assessing Technology Integration
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
What Can Be Done to Promote Individuals' Technology Integration?

 
Adoption of Innovation - Understanding the Process

 
Steps Toward Changing the Culture

 
A Technology-Rich Lesson Plan: Will We Know It if We See It?

 
Two School Leaders' Story... Leading the Way by Developing Professional Learning Communities: Executive Director Dr. Enid Silverstein and Coordinator Mary Wegner's Story

 
Conclusion

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
7. Increasing Communication to Build Community
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
Communication Tools for School Leaders' Uses

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Way by Communicating Through Podcasts: Superintendent Jay Haugen's Story

 
E-Portfolios for School Leaders

 
Communicating and Collaborating With the School Board

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Way by Communicating With Constituents: Retired Superintendent Mark Stock's Story

 
Harnessing Community Support

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Way by Engaging All Stakeholders: Principal Michael Waiksnis' Story

 
Conclusion

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
8. Privacy, Permission, and Protection: Steps to Ensure Success
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
Education Is Key

 
Acceptable Use Policies

 
Copyright

 
Evaluating Web Sites

 
One School Leader's Story... Leading the Way to Students' Safe Use of the Internet: Principal Susan T. Phillips' Story

 
Conclusion

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
9. Important Considerations for 21st-Century Leaders: Hard Questions and Answers
What You Will Learn in This Chapter

 
Key Words in This Chapter

 
Introduction

 
Preparing for and Managing Constant Change

 
Technology on Its Way to a Classroom Near You

 
Addressing the Digital Divide

 
Limited Resources and Your Needs

 
Leading the Way for the Next Generation: Professor Scott McLeod

 
Supporting Risk Taking

 
Conclusion

 
Activities to Consider ...

 
 
Glossary
 
Resources Cited in This Book
 
References
 
Index

"This well-written, well-organized, and relevant text provides a wonderful resource for novice or experienced administrators who are ready to jump into the 21st century with their students and schools. The text handles all key aspects of understanding the role and relevance of technology in today’s schools as well as planning for future integration. What better way to usher in a 21st century schools initiative than with the sharing of this valuable resource."

Jill M. Gildea, Superintendent
Harrison School District #36, Wonder Lake, IL

"If you’ve never heard of ‘nings,’ ‘voice-threads’, ‘TeacherTube’ or ‘MERLOT’, you’re missing out on the latest-greatest opportunities to advance student learning in your classroom. This book is a MUST for teachers and administrators who are advancing and integrating technology in the classroom."

Bruce Haddix, Principal
Center Grove Elemenary School, Greenwood, IN

"In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of technology, educational leaders need to know and understand the skills necessary to survive in 21st-century schools. This book is a must-read for every school-based administrator."

Pam Quebodeaux, Principal
Dolby Elementary School, Lake Charles, LA

"If you think you are already using technology in your school, read this book! It is loaded with great ideas and strategies that can be implemented right away."

Beth Madison, Principal
George Middle School, Portland, OR

"A must read for all administrators who are leading their schools into the 21st century. This guide will provide practical strategies for leading the way in changing our classrooms to prepare our students for a 'Techy Future.'"

Pamela Maxwell, Principal
E.E. Oliver Elementary School, Fairview, Alberta, Canada

"This is a compelling book and a must-read for any current or would-be administrator who is going to serve in a 21st-century school. It will not only assist us in understanding our students, but help us in meeting the baseline operational expectations we have from both our students and staff."

Rick Miller, Superintendent
Oxnard School District, CA

"This book addresses a timely and important topic. While some school administrators embrace technology and make its productive use a focus, others are so swamped with a multitude of responsibilities they do not have the time to immerse themselves in all the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. This book will be a valuable reference for busy school administrators and anyone interested in learning how use technology as a genuine tool for learning."

Jeannine S. Tate, Director of Field Relations and Undergraduate Studies in Education
George Mason University

"Lynne Schrum and Barbara Levin’s exceptional new book Leading 21st Century Schools is specifically written for anyone in a position of district or school leadership who is responsible for leading out change in their schools. It does an outstanding job of simultaneously addressing both the big picture, as well as the who, what, when, where, why and how issues related to building the capacity for change needed to successfully support teachers and students to using technology effectively for both engagement and achievement."

Ian Jukes, Director, Corwin Author, Literacy is NOT Enough
The InfoSavvy Group

Important reading for students going into the K-12 teaching area

Mrs Anne Pinchera
Other, Excelsior College
December 6, 2010

This text provides a clear understanding of technology leadership AND the tools needed to be a technology leader. And, although it is geared mostly to administrators, the content is applicable to teacher leaders and library media specialists as well.

Dr Linda Macaulay
Educational Technology and Literacy, Towson University
February 15, 2010

Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface

Chapter 1


Lynne R. Schrum

Lynne Schrum is Dean of the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Previously, she was the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at West Virginia University. Prior to that, she was a professor and coordinator of elementary education in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. Her research and teaching focus on preparing teachers for the 21st century, appropriate uses of information technology, and leadership in a digital world. She has written eleven books and numerous articles on these subjects; the most recent is How 2, Web 2: How to... More About Author

Barbara B. Levin

Barbara Levin has been a Professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) since 1993. She was an elementary school teacher for 17 years before earning her Ph.D. at the University of California-Berkeley. Dr. Levin served as the Director of the Teachers Academy at UNCG, assistant department chair, and director of graduate studies. She was awarded the first Mentoring-Advising-Supervising (MAS) Award in the School of Education at UNCG. Dr. Levin also served as an Associate Editor for Teacher Education Quarterly for 8 years, and was co-PI on a 5-year, $1.4 million... More About Author