Building Engaged Schools

America's schools can meet the challenges of globalization and increased expectations — but not by doing what they're doing today. So argues this book, which challenges the faulty assumptions that guide American public education. Focusing on process — standards, curriculum, and testing — rather than people has created lethargic, alienated students and cynical, disillusioned teachers. If schools can learn anything from the business world, it is that the best way to improve productivity is to tap into the talents and motivation of human assets. The book spells out new ways to select teachers and principals, nurture students and educators, and foster more meaningful community involvement. The potential is there — this engaging guide shows how to tap it, with the ultimate goal of a more fully engaged society, and a better future for America’s children.

Gary Gordon is Vice President and Practice Leader of The Gallup Organization’s Education Division. Before joining Gallup in 1994, Gordon’s career spanned over 20 years in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, personnel director, and assistant superintendent. As practice leader, Gordon consults with school districts and businesses on human resource, leadership, and workplace management. He contributed regularly to a variety of Gallup’s publications, and has been published in the State Education Standard and Phi Delta Kappan. Gary lives in Overland Park, Kansas.

Steve Crabtree has developed and produced publications for The Gallup Organization since joining the company in 1993. He is a contributing writer for the Gallup Management Journal. Crabtree earned his master’s degree in survey research and methodology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2000. Steve lives in Fairfax, Virginia.