Summary
Brad Greene: New paradigms for creating high-quality schools
The book is primarily intended for principals and professionals who want to make their schools high-quality. By reading the book, they will learn that they should first become leaders who contribute to the creation of an atmosphere of trust, not fear. "The biggest obstacle to learning is fear: of failure, of criticism, of being stupid, of speaking up, of risk, of trying, of disapproval, fear of disappointing others, and even fear of success. We must create conditions in which students will dare to risk making mistakes. A quality teacher allows every student to make mistakes without being punished for it. Eliminating fear calls for commitment. Accepting mistakes encourages learning."
From the Preface: Establishing trust means creating a sense that I am interested: I am here to help you, not to hurt you; I mean your good. When you achieve success, when you work well and when you satisfy your needs, I do the same. It depends on whether we have created a climate of trust or fear, whether we will do quality work or just "satisfactory" work. The most important skill needed to create such an atmosphere is the ability to lead others. This much-needed book clearly describes what Brad Greene did when he decided to turn Apollo High School into a quality school. As its principal, Brad has demonstrated the skill and management style necessary to create quality schools, what I call management by leadership. (William Glasser)
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