Presenting a unique team-based problem-solving model, this book shows how to turn K-8 school change from a daunting prospect into an achievable goal supported by a concrete plan. A framework is provided for addressing any schoolwide academic or behavior issue via four clear-cut steps: problem identification, problem analysis, plan development, and plan implementation/evaluation. User-friendly features include procedures for navigating each step, extended case examples, frequently asked questions, and 12 reproducible forms; the large-size format and lay-flat binding facilitate photocopying. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible materials, as well as online-only practice exercises with answers. This title is part of The Guilford Practical Intervention in the Schools Series, edited by T. Chris Riley-Tillman. Reviews: “Transforming Schools is systematic and comprehensive, but not complicated. The examples and accompanying tools make this far more than a hypothetical book about problem solving—it is a detailed, practical resource that you can start using right away. The approach is pertinent to all types of student issues. Excellent visuals are used throughout to provide clarity and coherence to the progressively building concepts and examples.” —Randy Allison, MEd, EdS, independent consultant, Educational Solutions, Waukee, Iowa “What a magnificent resource for practitioners working in and with school-based teams! It shows how to effectively engage in problem solving to improve outcomes at student and systems levels. The authors break down the problem-solving process into memorable steps, each with strategies not just for what to do, but also how to do it. Examples, sidebars, step-by-step instructions, and rich illustrations enhance user understanding. This book will be useful in many contexts, both preservice and inservice. Its straightforward practicality makes it a great candidate for self-directed professional learning communities.” —Karen Elfner Childs, MA, Associate in Training and Technical Assistance, Florida’s PBIS/MTSS Project, University of South Florida “An invaluable guide for anyone interested in facilitating change in schools. Losoff and Broxterman provide tools and strategies to tackle systemic problems, and illustrate their use with real-world examples. I recommend this book to educators and students interested in learning how to apply the problem-solving process to make positive changes for students.” —Jose Castillo, PhD, NCSP, Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, University of South Florida “A helpful tool for educators embroiled in the day-to-day struggle to implement solutions to problems that occur in a complex system. Transforming Schools provides the gift of emotional distance to examine tangled issues comprehensively for transformative outcomes. Pragmatic solutions to familiar problems are mapped out using manageable techniques and time-saving materials. Because team-based problem-solving strategies are a running theme throughout this work, there are myriad useful tips around team building and team-oriented, data-based decision making.” —Dianna Carrizales-Engelmann, PhD, Director of Administration and Lecturer, College of Education, University of Oregon About the Authors: Rachel CohenLosoff, PhD, NCSP, is Associate Professor in the School Psychology Department at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she teaches courses in systems theory and change and is involved in a multi-year grant to implement the problem-solving model presented in Transforming Schools. Her research and publications focus on the factors that influence the implementation of a systems change. Prior to her academic appointment, Dr. Losoff worked as a school psychologist and systems change agent in several elementary schools in the Chicago Public Schools and in two suburban middle schools. Kelly Broxterman, PhD, NCSP (formerly Kelly McGraw), is Associate Professor in the School Psychology Department at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She facilitates a multi-year grant to implement the problem-solving model presented in Transforming Schools in a high-needs school, and is a lead coach for the Illinois MTSS Network. Dr. Broxterman teaches courses in systems theory and change and conducts research on the factors that influence the implementation of a systems change. Coauthor of RTI Team Building: Effective Collaboration and Data-Based Decision Making and RTI in the Classroom: Guidelines and Recipes for Success, she has made over 75 national and regional presentations in the areas of MTSS and consultation.
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