All the books I have selected have a common theme. They all about transforming schools into what Peter Senge calls 'learning organisations. They are all are about re-inventing schools as true democratic communities focussed on realising the voices, passions, talents, dreams and the gifts of all students. Books are by nature subversive; they challenge the status quo and our own thinking. They provide us with inspiration and the courage to all work in our own way to create a More Informed Vision of education for the 21stC. The are, to paraphrases Fullan, all about 'what is worth fighting for'.

Most of the more recent books are available from www.amazon.com (opens in new window). Reading the reviews and extracts on the Amazon site is an excellent way to gain insight about any book. Number of books are available through the www.ascd.org site (opens in new window). In NZ the West Auckland Education Centre is a good place to inquire.


'Big Picture' Books - creating a vision to transform the world

1. 'Experience and Education' by John Dewey. Written in 1938 it is a concise summary of his thoughts. It was written in light of criticism of his progressive ideas. Dewey outlines what could be called a More Informed Vision applicable for the 21stC. As relevant as ever if we value developing a true democratic society
2. 'The Aquarian Conspiracy' by Marilyn Ferguson in 82. Clearly describes the irrevocable shift overtaking us in all areas of life. Chapter five, a new way to learn, education is well worth a read.
3. 'The Hungry Spirit' by Charles Handy written in 97. All Handy's books are a great read! This is a book about' beyond capitalism - a quest for spiritual purpose in a material world'. Chapter on education.
4. 'Leadership and the New Science' by Margaret Wheatley. Along with her 'There must be A Simpler Way' an outstanding and poetic book. A book that will change your views on leadership and organisations forever. About creating environments for self organisation based on relationship, trust and continual growth. A favourite book.
5. 'The Path of Least Resistance' by Robert Fritz 84. All about the need to have creative rather than responsive/reactive outlook. Creative people invent processes to achieve what drives them Schools equally. Those who respond become trapped by compliance. We have a choice.
6. 'The Fifth Discipline.' by Peter Senge 92. The art and practice of the Learning Organisation. Many organisations Senge believes have learning disabilities. This is a remarkable book about the 'cutting edge of management. See also the 'Fifth Discipline' and 'Dance of Change' handbooks for practical strategies. He has new book on transforming schools.
7. 'Thriving on Chaos', by Tom Peters. Love the title - relates well to schools. All Tom Peters books (and there are lots) are thought provoking and challenging, as is his web page: www.tompeters.com (opens in new window).
8. 'Flow', by Mihaly Czikszentmihaly 1990. All about how to help people gain optimal experience that comes from achieving something worthwhile. Reshapes how we motivate people. All about 'peak perfornmace' and focussed concentration where we lose track of time - go with the 'flow' .With appropriate challenges all can achieve 'flow'.
9. 'Nattering on the Net', by Dale Spender, 1995. A really interesting book, written from a feminist viewpoint that illustrates how the form of communication alters how we think, from monks, through to the printing press and now information technology. A great chapter on education. See also 'The Cluetrain Manifesto' 2000 and website www.cluetrain.com. for revolutionary point of view and 'Silicon Snake Oil' 1995 by Clifford Stoll for some words of warning. Best educational site Jamie McKenzies www.fno.org (opens in new window). Get his e-zine.
10. 'The 7 Habits of highly Effective People', by Stephen Covey. How to base your organisation around basic principles and values to provide a moral compass for all decisions you make. How to shape your own life. Inspirational and practical. See also 'First Things First', an ideal book for stressed school leaders. How to work smarter not harder!
11. 'Simplicity', by Edward de Bono 1998. An author known worldwide for his writings on thinking and creativity eg. Thinking Hats. In this book de Bono explains the advantages of the key value of simplicity. Love it. Great quotes. Check also his site: www.edwdebono.com (opens in new window).

1. 'Redesigning Education', by Lynn Stoddard Hawker Brownlow. This book shows why traditional education is so resistant to change and it provides a practical model to redesign your school. Moves away from the obsession with curriculum and instead focuses on three dimensions of human greatness: identity, responsibility, and inquiry - developing a passion for learning. An antidote for current curriculum confusion. Schools that base there teaching on this book have a clear vision to follow. It values each student's unique gifts and talents as a priority.
2. 'The Right To Learn', by Linda Darling Hammond 1997. This is a powerful insight into the dilemmas that school systems face when attempts are made to redesign them so as to realise the talents of all students. Should be set reading for all in the Ministry of Education (and the Minister) if they really want to create a 21stC system. At least read the reviews on Amazon. Why do we persist with failing systems that continue to alienate far too many students?
3. 'The Learning Revolution', by Gordon Dryden and Jeanette Voss1997 One of the biggest selling education books of all time. Links new research and modern information technology and provides evidence of educational breakthroughs to inspire from around the world. All schools should have a copy. Great quotes for the staffroom or newsletter! See website www.learningweb.co.nz (opens in new window).
4. 'The Learning Game', by Michael Barber1996. Arguments for an educational revolution. A stimulating UK educationalist Barber proposes a complete restructuring of the teaching profession and a radical new approach to education leading towards the vision of a learning society if we are to face the growing alienation of many of our future citizens. I love his use of the phrase 'free market stalinism' in regard to modern curriculums!
5. 'Shaping School Culture', by Deal and Peterson 1999. This book describes the critical elements of school culture - ' glue' that hold the community together. Also talks about 'toxic' cultures! An excellent guidebook for school leaders to transform their school.
6. 'Improving Schools From Within', by Roland Barth. Has been fighting for improving school since the 70s. This book is an inspiration for principals who want to transform 'their' schools by creating conditions to release the creativity of their teaching teams. Another favourite book! Have lost my copy!
7. 'Value Added Leadership', by Tom Sergiovanni 1990. All of this authors books are worth reading. In this book he describes the importance of leadership rather than structural change as the most important element. What is needed are principals with spirit, courage and perseverance to take the necessary risks. Shared values and beliefs he holds as vital to provide the moral fibre. Principals as hero makers!
8. 'What's Worth Fighting for Out There', by Hargreaves and Fullan 1998. The final book in a valuable 'worth fighting for' trilogy. The other two were fighting for principalship and fighting for your school. Schools, they believe, must go 'wider' in to the community and 'deeper' into their own practice. You must read all three.
9. 'The Underachieving School', by John Holt 1970. John Holt's books (along with Barth, Kohl, Postman and Goodman etc) were 'our Bibles' in the 70s! Critical of what passed for tradition education their criticisms are still valid - schools are still failing too many students. If you can find some of these books read them. All written from the heart. We mustn't let them down again! All were lively provocative reads.
10. 'Accelerated Learning for the 21stC', by Rose and Nicholl 1997. A book that covers all aspects of the books title. Essential reading for all teachers. Learn how to teach your students how to access their innate ability. Good antidote for current mindless curriculums. Great quotes.
11. 'Wise up', By Guy Claxton 1998. A book that goes beyond problem solving. Claxton argues compellingly for instilling in students, if they are to thrive in uncertain times, the need to 'know what to do when you don't know what to do', particularly in moments of emergency. The new three 'r's, he believes, are: resilience, resourcefulness and reflexiveness, also the importance of creativity, intuition and insight.
12. 'Beyond Discipline', by Alfie Kohn 1996. Most discipline plans and classroom management techniques are all about controlling students - making students comply. Kohn focuses on the need to create caring communities where decisions are made together - beyond discipline.
13. 'Education on the Edge of Possibility', by Caine and Caine 1997. Another favourite. The authors believe we are poised on the edge of chaos - and possibility. Educators have a chance to shake of old assumptions and be part of a real educational transformation. Check out at www.ascd.org . Also Kohn above.
14. 'How to Improve Your School', by Brighouse and Woods 1999. Inspired by ideas and practices of teachers, advisers and principals in Birmingham UK. This book takes a practical look at how improvements can be made in any school. Shows how intentions can be turned into action. Provides both the compass and a map for school improvement. About real school facing real problems and succeeding!
15. 'Learning Schools', Learning Systems, by Clark 2000. Part of an UK series about school transformation. Based on the metaphor of a journey. All about how schools can control their own destiny in a climate of ever increasing cental direction. Both practical and creative. Similar books are: 'School Improvement in an Era of Change' by Hopkins, Ainscow and West and 'Changing Our Schools' by Stoll and Fink. All share a similar message of school empowerment.
16. 'The Heroes Journey' by Brown and Moffett1999 Another ascd book. Based on the metaphor that individual and shared acts of heroism have inspired courage and hope through out the ages. Education now needs such heroes as current school structures are exhausted. This is a book about the power of hope, shared vision, values and collective purpose. Learn how to leave 'home' and face up to the 'dragons' to realise your 'Holy Grail' and create your school as authentic learning c9omminity. Inspiring!
17. 'Nothing's Impossible', by Lorraine Monroe 1997. A personal view, and leadership lessons, of how one person transformed a failing school in Harlem. Illustrates how a single-minded belief in caring teachers, a disciplined but focussed environment, and a refusal to accept mediocrity can transform the lives of inner city kids. A visionary and inspirational book about how to survive through setbacks to achieve onus's dream. Transforming school can be done if the will and skill and perseverance are present! We need more such personal accounts.

1. 'Kid Are Worth It!', by Barbara Coloroso 1995. Although this is a book about parenting I really like it's three kinds of family metaphor ( 'jelly fish', 'brickwall' and 'backbone') because it equates to the model of teaching we believe in - a 'best of both worlds' model. Imagine a triangle (see our logo) the bottom left represents 'child centred' learning, the bottom right 'traditional' teaching, the top 'learning centred'. Choice, creativity and freedom, plus rigour effort, depth, discipline and perseverance combined create a More Informed Vision of learning for the 21stC. 'Toughlove' teaching! A good book on parenting as well. Parenting and teaching with dignity for all!
2. 'In the Early World', by Elwyn Richardson 1972. This book continues to be an inspiration for all creative teachers. Republished 2000 by NZCER.$24 This book poetically outlines how a gifted teacher develops his student's sense of values and their individual creativity in a small rural NZ school. A book is about the 'art of teaching' making use of the students personal worlds, their interests and the immediate environment - all aspects undervalued in our current imposed technocratic curriculums Where are the Elwyns today? Full of wonderful examples of the power of quality students writing and art. A must for all teachers. A unique book, as relevant as ever.
3. 'Drawing on the Artist Within', by Betty Edwards 1987. A most interesting book which exemplifies a more informed vision of learning. It is about the idea that anyone can learn to do anything - in this case learn to draw. It outlines the creative process and if you ever wanted to be more creative this is the book for you. The book focuses on one of Gardner's eight intelligences - the artistic mindset. Full of practical fun activities.
4. 'Emphasis Art', by Frank Wachowiak 1977. About developing artistic sensitivity and talent in all your students. The book is another excellent example of the positive role of the teacher in the creative process combing creativity with discipline Skills are not left to chance but taught imaginatively, sequentially and purposefully. A book that values both the process and the product. If you can get a copy get one!
5. 'Teachable Moments', by woods and Jeffery 1996. A UK book that values, as we do, the idea that teaching is an art form - aesthetic, intuitive and expressive. The authors worry that the proliferation of centrally imposed policies, curriculum and assessment demands is putting creative innovative teachers at risk. To be authentic teachers must stay true to their principles and beliefs. A book that confirms that methods and processes are as important as curriculums. Identifies features of creative teaching and as current initiatives flounder they point the way to a hopeful future. Applies worldwide.
6. 'The Passionate Teacher', by Robert Fried 1995. The inflated rhetoric of Mission Statement will not develop quality learning - only the passionate teaching outlined in books such as this. The skill of a teacher is crafted over time but at heart it is always based on the passion the teacher has for the job. Such a passion can only be developed if school is a true learning community where teachers are provided the conditions to create 'magic'. Every teacher's passions are the key to their success. A book about doing fewer things well. Robert Fried is a coordinator for the Coalition of Essential schools. www.essentialschool.org (opens in new window).
7. 'A School As a Home For the Mind', by Art Costa 1991. A book that has influenced me greatly the past few years - I have worn out my first copy! The book defines the 'intelligent behaves' that Costa has helped refine and how to infuse them into all programmes at all levels of schooling. Costa places a premium on the development of the most importance resource we all have - our mind. If implemented thinking skills would require a total rededication of the value system of a school and in the process the school will become a 'home for the mind' Along with Bena Kallick Costa had written three recent books on Intelligent Behaviours which provide greater assistance for schools who really are focused on the future needs of their students.
   Refer www.habits-of-mind.com or www.ascd.org (links open new windows).
8. 'The Quality School', by William Glasser 1990. Glasser has written several books to describe his views on quality learning and teaching. Earlier books were 'Schools Without Failure' and 'Control Theory in the Classroom' Students will work hard if there is quality in both what they are asked to do and how they are asked to do it. He believes we must create school that satisfies students needs. Many schools follow Glasser's approach. Great books. Practical.
9. 'Alongside the Child', by Leonard Marsh 1970. UK. No doubt out of print but another bible for us in the 70s. What children learn Marsh believes depends on what teacher believe. Another book about the craft of teaching. Encourages us to really look at children were doing and see how we can extend them if we ant to achieve quality results. About doing things well - not rushing through curriculums. The best of the child centred learning of the 60s - messages still apply today. Represents a number of similar book from that exciting era - before the days of ecomnic rationalism!
10. 'Envisioning Process as Content', by Costa and Liebmann 1997. One of a trilogy that invites a new vision of education for the 21stC. It's theme is that the timer has come to envision process as content, to develop the dispositions and behaviours future citizens will require. It is about teachers looking in greater depth at what learning is of most worth and the role of the teacher in this process. Chapters about what is common to all learning areas. Subtitled 'Towards a Renaissance Curriculum' The theory behind the vision. Required reading for all in the Ministry of education!
11. 'Smart Schools', by David Perkins 1992. Perkins writes that we now know enough about learning, motivation and change to do a far better job of education. The problem is what he calls 'the knowledge action gap'! Teachers continue to teach in much the same way as they always have. What are the 'smart schools' doing? Perkin's shares what it is they do. One of the problems is doing too many things and not doing them well enough. School should focus on: retention of knowledge; understanding of knowledge; and active use of knowledge. Knowledge includes 'know how' The book focuses on basic well-established principles of teaching and learning. A vision of a smart school is defined. As a way to combat the energy draining imposed pressures. This is a most valuable common sense book.
12. 'Multiple Intelligences', by Howard Gardner 1993. Multiple Intelligences is all about recognising and valuing that students can be smart in a number of ways ( 'frames of mind') , many of which have not been recognised by traditional schooling. Garner believes in going into depth to uncover student's talents rather than being obsessed with coverage. Gardner's research affirms what progressive teacher have intuitively known and why many school failures do well in real life and vice versa!
13. 'Schools for Talent Development', by Joseph Renzulli 1994. This is a practical plan for school improvement aimed at developing all students' talents. Renzulli, a long time writer in the field of gifted education, believes gifted programmes are good for all learners. This book provides a practical guide for infusing more effective practices into existing middle and lower secondary schools. My ideal for such schools. Includes ideas from Gardner Costa , Bruner, Barth, Bloom, de Bono, Senge, Vygotsky .etc. The basis for any serious School Improvement Team.
14. 'Nurturing Multiple Intelligences in the Australian Classroom', by Vialle and Perry. This is one of the best beginning books on the subject. Explains the intelligences (except naturalist, which Gardner has recently identified,) and how to introduce them into your school. See also book s by Thomas Armstrong and Tom Hoerr. West Auckland Education Centre has a wide range of books on the topic available.
15. 'So Each May Learn', by Silver, Strong and Perini 2000. Another ascd book. A book that Gardner approves of linking Multiple Intelligences Learning Styles, Integrated Teaching and classroom organisation. The book outlines how a range of individual learning differences can be accommodated at all levels of schooling. Based on a four group rotational method - each group utilises a slype with its own learning and assessment tasks. Most interesting. www.ascd.org (opens in new window).
16. 'Promoting Social and Emotional Learning', an ascd publication 1997. This book develops the ideas of personal intelligences of Gardner and the work of Daniel Goleman ('Emotional Intelligence'). Drawing on recent studies and visits to schools implementing emotional intelligence it describes approaches to the subject all school can use. Covers how to implement, and evaluate such programmes. An excellent book on this important topic. A key to solving problems of alienated and unhappy students.
17. 'The Differentiated Classroom', by Carol Ann Tomlinson an ascd book 1999. Covers how to plan your classroom to cover a range of students. Full of practical examples. Affirming to primary schoolteachers who face up to this problem evert day of their teaching. A book about the craft of teaching - suitable for all levels.
18. 'Motivation and Achievement', by Kay Alderman 1999. A book for trainee teachers to develop an understanding of motivation and how to develop strategies to foster it. but ideal for all who struggle to motivate some of their less successful students. It shows how to develop a classroom structure and methods that provide optimal motivation and to provide students with the tools to be self-regulated learners. Covers: goal setting; the importance of effort and perseverance (rather than relying on talent or luck); how to enhance student's skills etc. Lots of practical examples to develop teachers and student strategies. Another book about the craft of teaching.
19. 'The First Days of School', by Harry and Tripi Wong 1991. This is a wonderful practical book for beginning teachers - all teachers, and particularly tutor teachers. About beginning the first day, completing your first year, in a way that determines your success or failure for the rest of your career but only if you are prepared to be a continual learner. What makes an effective teacher? How to develop positive expectations. Classroom management. Lesson mastery. A bit like a manual for the craft of teaching. Strong on common sense and practicality.

The titles of the books I have included in themselves send out a clear message!