The Soul of the Schoolhouse

Soul of the Schoolhouse: Cultivating Student Engagement fills an important void in the literature on engaging contemporary students in our schools. The authors have produced a comprehensive book that covers both theory and application to practice. Ranging from prominent models of student engagement to classroom methodologies designed to motivate students and make them active participants in their own learning, the topics that comprise the book will help all stakeholders think about student engagement in new ways. There are practical discussions on the role of schools, parents and community members, as well how sports and other co-curricular activities can work in tandem with academics to build a culture of connection and participation. This is a must-read for educators, parents, and even students themselves! -- Judith L. Klimkiewicz, EdD, senior consultant for K-12 College/Career Education and Workforce Development, Commissioner's Office, Massachusetts, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, superintendent of schools, retired, Nashoba Valley Technical School District, MA
I highly recommend Soul of the Schoolhouse: Cultivating Student Engagement to all who are concerned about the state of American education. With student disengagement linked to many problems—such as high drop-out rates, mental health issues, academic underachievement, substance abuse, and even student violence in our schools—finding the “hooks” to keep learners involved in their education and able to be architects in their own learning is more important now than ever. This book can help teachers, administrators, community partners, and higher education faculty explore ways to make each child and adolescent an integral part of all aspects of his or her schooling. I particularly like the scope of the topics, as savvy practitioners know that it is not enough merely to consider academic variables in student success but to view the roles that other programming such as athletics, extracurricular activities, and school policies play in helping all students achieve their goals. -- Elizabeth Jean Ed.D, professor, Van Loan School of Education, Endicott College, Beverly, MA
Soul of the Schoolhouse: Cultivating Classroom Engagement offers insight into the ways in which engagement strategies at the school level can be developed and implemented in order to improve student outcomes. This tome includes a comprehensive look into the theories of student engagement, then elucidates administrative practices, school law, creating effective curricula, and the importance of school culture. These are vital considerations for administrators who wish to create a well-rounded, exciting educational experience for all learners and staff members. Readers will benefit from the whole school approach of this book and the myriad suggestions contained in each chapter. There is no doubt that this book reaches the very core of student engagement practices. -- Lesley M. Lewis, MAMT, Instructional Leadership Specialist, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA