Frederick M. Hess Books

A practical and entertaining volume, Cage-Busting Leadership will be of profound interest and value to school and district leaders--and to everyone with a stake in school improvement. Rick Hess aptly describes his aims at the start of this provocative book: "I believe that two things are true. It is true, as would-be reformers often argue, that statutes, policies, rules, regulations, contracts, and case law make it tougher than it should be for school and system leaders to drive improvement and, well, lead. However, it is also the case that leaders have far more freedom to transform, reimagine, and invigorate teaching, learning, and schooling than is widely believed." In his travels across the country, Rick Hess has met school and system leaders who have shared stories about evading, blasting through, or reshaping unnecessary and counterproductive constraints. Drawing on these stories, and with his sharp eye, Hess shows current and aspiring leaders how they can cultivate and sustain powerful cultures of teaching and learning.

What if the system itself is the problem? Instead of mandating new solutions based on elusive standards, pedagogy, and assessments, could breakthrough school improvement come from removing entrenched bureaucratic barriers and rethinking restrictive norms? Imagine the freedom to start from scratch. This reform advocates for creating an environment that encourages new solutions and provides the necessary infrastructure for their success. The author promotes an entrepreneurial approach that emphasizes outstanding teaching and learning, showcasing organizations with bold alternative strategies that signify promising shifts in K-12 education. Key proposals include: * School systems driven by performance data and compelled to compete on cost and quality. * Personnel policies aimed at attracting, retaining, and rewarding teachers and leaders dedicated to excellence. * Education funding structured to support innovative ventures and foster creative problem-solving. The ultimate goal should not be to create a new best system but rather to develop schools that can evolve alongside the students and society they serve. This work serves as a catalyst for conversation and change, making it essential reading for practitioners, policymakers, aspiring education entrepreneurs, and anyone dedicated to school excellence and the future of education reform.