Learning-Centered School Leadership: School Renewal in Action

"Shen and Burt provide a refreshing perspective on renewing ownership of learning from within schools as opposed to blindly implementing reform. The authors remind us that school renewal is far more challenging and satisfying than simple reform fixes. They build on the generational legacy of John Goodlad and bring school renewal into the complex world of accountability forresults. Their work extends the field of school leadership." (Bradley Portin, Dean and Professor of Education, University of Washington, Bothell) "As a Learning-Centered School Leadership practitioner, I have lived the meaningful philosophies of school renewal versus the informational blizzard from the cottage industry of school reform. I can fully attest to the truth and accuracy of this important work in school improvement. The authors have encapsulated in written form and action research what took decades for me to stumble upon on my own. I wish I had this knowledge and insight at my fingertips years ago!" (Dave Powers, Former Michigan Middle Level Principal of the Year and Past President of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals) "Shen and Burt provide a refreshing perspective on renewing ownership of learning from within schools as opposed to blindly implementing reform. The authors remind us that school renewal is far more challenging and satisfying than simple reform fixes. They build on the generational legacy of John Goodlad and bring school renewal into the complex world of accountability forresults. Their work extends the field of school leadership." (Bradley Portin, Dean and Professor of Education, University of Washington, Bothell) "As a Learning-Centered School Leadership practitioner, I have lived the meaningful philosophies of school renewal versus the informational blizzard from the cottage industry of school reform. I can fully attest to the truth and accuracy of this important work in school improvement. The authors have encapsulated in written form and action research what took decades for me to stumble upon on my own. I wish I had this knowledge and insight at my fingertips years ago!" (Dave Powers, Former Michigan Middle Level Principal of the Year and Past President of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals)

Jianping Shen is the John E. Sandberg Professor of Education and currently the Gwen Frostic Endowed Chair for Research and Innovation at Western Michigan University. Walter L. Burt is an associate professor of educational leadership at Western Michigan University. He worked in the K-12 system for 28 years, up to the superintendent level, before becoming a faculty member.