Principals Matter
A Guide to School, Family, and Community Partnerships
—William Ruff, Assistant Professor
Montana State University
'An excellent book. Each chapter opens with relevant research and presents suggestions for practical applications. I would buy this book for a task force or professional learning community'
—Julie C. Burger, Principal
Frederick Leighton Elementary School, Oswego, NY
Research has shown that strong principal leadership is critical to developing effective school partnerships that include diverse school, family and community members. This book provides administrators with a clear road map for initiating partnership programs that are goal-focused, equitable, and sustainable.
In this research-based resource, the authors highlight the work of principals who have cultivated successful partnerships across many settings to show other school leaders how they can develop the necessary supportive school cultures. Examining the administrator's role in the success and quality of home-school partnerships and student outcomes, this guidebook:
- Synthesizes research on principal leadership, school and community partnerships, and urban education reform
- Discusses the role of fathers in children's learning and working with families that live in poverty, are linguistically diverse, or have children with disabilities
- Offers practical recommendations for evaluating and refining partnership programs to ensure they are linked with student achievement goals.
"The book provides a vast overview of the many key aspects of partnerships between schools, families, and communities grounded in data and research that illustrates the positive impact that strong stakeholder partnerships have on student achievement. The examples, vignettes, and stories provide rich material to illuminate the points addressed."
"An excellent book. Each chapter opens with relevant research and presents suggestions for practical applications. As a principal, I would buy this book for a task force or professional learning community."
"There is so much valuable information in this book that any administrator, regardless of experience, can gain huge benefits from reading it and putting into effect many of the suggested activities and programs."
"What sets this book apart from other school and community source books is that it addresses specific populations that are often alienated by schools: fathers, parents of children with disabilities, and families of poverty. It provides a good overview of key research on the topic of family involvement in schools, its impact, and practices for obtaining involvement."
I utilized bits and pieces of this text - it was not my primary text.