James Rickabaugh Books

Why have decades of school reform had so little measurable effect on student achievement? Why have billions of dollars spent on technology, small-school initiatives, and school-choice options failed to improve our schools? Too often, educators are simply pulling the wrong levers, say Tony Frontier and James Rickabaugh. They explain that the various components of schooling fall into five categories: structure , sample , standards , strategy , and self . Understanding how these five levers work--and their relative power--can help unlock the potential for lasting improvements in teaching and learning. The authors show readers that changes to structure and sample (how schools are organized and how students are grouped) will not be effective without changes to standards (expectations for student learning), strategy (instructional strategies to engage students in meaningful learning), and self (the set of beliefs teachers and students have about their capacity to be effective). At the heart of this book is a simple message for teachers, administrators, board members, and education policymakers at all levels: the key to success is not doing more work and making more changes, but doing the right work, and making the right changes.

In this compelling book, James Rickabaugh, a former superintendent and current director of the Institute for Personalized Learning (IPL), shares the transformative findings from five years of research and practice. He introduces a straightforward yet impactful model designed to personalize student learning experiences by fostering commitment, ownership, and independence. This model has been rigorously tested across urban, suburban, and rural districts, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing student engagement and achievement across various academic and economic contexts. Rickabaugh equips principals and educational leaders with step-by-step guidance for implementing the model, alongside a thorough overview of the research underpinning its development. Central to the model is a comprehensive framework that focuses on three core components: learner profiles, customized learning paths, and proficiency-based progress. The book also includes tools and activities for assessing and adapting the model to meet the unique needs of students and staff. Additionally, Rickabaugh offers strategies to boost enthusiasm for the change process among all stakeholders, from classrooms to the wider community. Real-life examples and reflections from students, teachers, and administrators illustrate how schools have thrived with minimal additional resources. This work serves as a blueprint for significantly improving student outcomes and eq