Small Schools, Big Ideas: The Essential Guide to Successful School Transformation

Mara Benitez · Jill Davidson · Laura Flaxman · Ted Sizer · Nancy Faust Sizer

Nov 2009 · John Wiley & Sons

About this ebook

Small Schools, Big Ideas shows how the principle-based and equity-focused model from the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) can be used to redesign existing schools and create new schools that prepare students for this century's challenges and opportunities.

Filled with inspirational stories and illustrative examples from schools that have successfully implemented CES principles and practices, Small Schools, Big Ideas offers information and inspiration needed to:

• Transform schools in order to achieve equitable outcomes for all students
• Understand various school design options
• Establish school vision, mission, and goals to raise educational expectations and results
• Develop transformational leadership
• Cultivate a professional learning community
• Implement student-centered teaching, learning, and curricula
• Build productive relationships with families and communities
• Establish strategies for sustainability

These recommendations and proven strategies can help educators transform their schools to become truly equitable, personalized, and academically challenging.

About the author

Mara Benitez is senior director of school development for the Coalition of Essential Schools. Jill Davidson is director of publications at CES and also edits its journal, Horace. Laura Flaxman is co-founder and co-principal of ARISE High School, a model school in the CES network. The Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) has been at the forefront of creating and sustaining personalized, equitable, and intellectually challenging schools for over twenty-five years.