Challenges of the 21st Century
From No Child Left Behind to Every Student Succeeds
The Importance of Closing the Gap
Technical Change Versus Cultural Change
2 The Framework of Modern School Culture
Schools in the Era of Accountability
Institutional Predetermination
A War of Paradigms
Intrinsic Motivation
Connection to the School and Community
Flexibility
Positive Pressure
Willingness to Confront
Pedagogical Skill
A Unifying Force
A Loose Connection
An Enthusiastic Nature
The “Honeymoon Period” and Compliance
Tweener Attrition
The Importance of Leaving Nothing to Chance
Flight Response
Student Bargaining
Pedagogical Characteristics
Organizational Response
Stress and Pressure
Opposition to Change
The Old Contract Versus the New Contract
Belief in the Normal Distribution
Skill Levels
Warring Paradigms
Emotional Versus Rational
Formal Versus Informal Culture
The Three Ds
Defamation
Disruption
Distraction
A Necessary Evolution
7 “Drop Your Tools”: A Lesson in Change and Our Best Chance at Eliminating Fundamentalism
Inspiring Fundamentalists to Drop Their Tools
Level One Fundamentalists (Why?—Having Communication)
Level Two Fundamentalists (Who?—Building Trust)
Level Three Fundamentalists (How?—Building Capacity)
Level Four Fundamentalists (Do!—Having Accountability)
Ending Division
Developing a Systematic and Schoolwide Focus on Learning
A Collective Focus on Purpose
Effect on School Culture
Celebrating the Success of All Stakeholders
Institutionalized Celebration
Impromptu Celebration
Celebration and Positive School Culture
Creating Systems of Support for Tweeners
Removing the Walls of Isolation
Providing Intensive Professional Development
Implementing Skillful Leadership and Focus
School Culture
Leadership
Believers
Tweeners
Survivors
Fundamentalists
Epilogue: A Significant Impact
Sample
Data Collection
Variables
About the Author
Anthony Muhammad, PhD, is a much sought-after educational