Leadership for Deeper Learning

"Authentic, candid, and insightful, Richardson, Bathon, and McLeod present a captivating picture of innovative leadership. Their stories of some of the most innovative and forward looking schools in the world should be read by everyone. Their analyses of the qualities of leaders of these schools are inspiring and brilliant. A must read!"--Yong Zhao, Foundation Distinguished Professor, University of Kansas

"Leadership for Deeper Learning is filled with inspiring stories of profound changes in a wide variety of schools and the leaders who enabled them. It’s a deeply hopeful book that deserves to be read by every aspiring change leader."--Tony Wagner, Senior Research Fellow, Learning Policy Institute, and Author, Learning By Heart

"We have moved past the point of arguing whether or not schools need to change to meet the challenges and opportunities brought by automation, a globally interconnected economy, and instant access to information. Still, what that transformation looks like and how it comes about are still very much open questions. Our best shot at bringing about the change our schools need is through empowering our teachers and students to experiment, learn, and share – and this transformation will be accelerated (or hobbled) by leadership. In Leadership for Deeper Learning Richardson, Bathon, and McLeod present practical lessons from leaders working at the very center of this transformation. Through the lenses of practicing leaders, we gain insight into how the creation of authentic and meaningful learning experiences for students can be nurtured and amplified – ultimately bringing about the large-scale shifts necessary for our students to thrive in the exciting future before them."--Jason Glass, Commissioner & Chief Learner, Kentucky Department of Education

"Leadership for Deeper Learning offers a look inside 30 'schools of the future' that already are thriving in diverse contexts. Models vary widely, but all are guided by courageous leaders determined to make school a place of engagement, excitement, equity, and connection. The authors are the perfect guides for this whirlwind tour, mixing expert insight with color commentary in a hopeful message about what school can be."
--Suzie Boss, PBL Advocate and Author, Reinventing Project-Based Learning

"In Leadership for Deeper Learning, authors Richardson, Bathon and McLeod, share their research and insights regarding the attributes and practices school leaders possess that impact student learning at deeper levels. The book is filled with numerous real-school examples that detail learning models and activities that take the reader beyond the traditional model of most existing schools and challenges educators to have the courage to do what it takes to move beyond the status quo. This is a book I will encourage school leaders to read!"--Jimmy Casas, Educator, Leadership Coach, Author, Speaker

"At a time when long-standing educational systems are being tested, Leadership for Deeper Learning serves as a powerful testament of what schools can (and should) be. This book is a must-read for all educational leaders! It’s full of examples from inspiring and thoughtful leaders who are changing the lives of students around the world. With example after example, you will be compelled to gather your community and take immediate action to create a school that meets the needs of each and every learner."--Katie Martin, Author, Learner-Centered Innovation; VP of Leadership and Learning at Altitude Learning

"Leadership for Deeper Learning is being released at a time when educators need it most. The covid-19 pandemic has challenged teachers and leaders like never before in terms of new delivery models and learning losses, but it also has fueled new thinking about how to leverage face to face education in more engaging and authentic learning. The stories told by Richardson, Bathon, and McLeod will lift tired spirits and inspire school leaders to courageously consider how deeper learning could enrich their schools for both teachers and students. The authors offer energizing descriptions of the leadership practices that have transformed the schools in their study. As they note, these effective practices differ only in "desire, direction and degree" and thus will build on familiar ground for others to become more innovative leaders in the decade ahead."--Pam Tucker, Professor Emerita, University of Virginia

"Do you believe schools as we know them must change and adapt to the advances in technology and globalization we are experiencing today? [This book] uses successful school change models, found in school systems throughout the world, to show us how that transformation might occur. …As a former superintendent, I see this book as a potential motivator for teachers and administrators alike. Authentic, performance-based examples are offered as models to provide inspiration for you to develop your own mindset which should include student choice and stakeholder involvement."
- From the School Administrator, John W. Hannum, Assistant Professor, Caldwell University, Caldwell, N.J.