List of Tables and Figures Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Too Much Change, Not Enough Improvement Not All Change Is Desirable Distinguish Between Change and Improvement Improvement Means Positive Impact on Learners The Impact of Leadership on Student Outcomes Reflection and Action 2. Understand the Challenge of Improvement Understand Theories of Action Espoused Theories of Action Versus Theories in Use Helping to Change Theories of Action Reflection and Action 3. Two Approaches to Leading Improvement: Bypass and Engage The Limitations of the Bypass Approach The Bypass Approach: A National Initiative From Bypass to Engagement Reflection and Action 4. The Four Phases of Theory Engagement Phase I. Agree on the Problem to Be Solved Phase II. Inquire Into the Relevant Theory of Action Phase III. Evaluate the Relative Merit of the Current and Alternative Theories of Action Phase IV. Implement and Monitor a New, Sufficiently Shared Theory of Action Reflection and Action 5. Learning How to Lead Improvement: Coaching That Engages Principals Excerpt 1: Engage Others' Thinking Excerpt 2: The Self-Referential Critique Excerpt 3: Bypass and Reframing Reflection and Action 6. Learning How to Lead Improvement: Professional Learning That Engages Participants The Context Phase I. Agree on the Problem to Be Solved Phase II. Reveal the Relevant Theories of Action Phase III. Evaluate the Relative Merit of the Current and Alternative Theories of Action Phase IV. Implement and Monitor a New, Sufficiently Shared Theory of Action Reflection and Action Afterword by Stephen Dinham References Index
Reduce Change to Increase Improvement provides a practical structure for helping system and school leaders increase improvement while reducing ineffective change and innovation. By drilling down to the beliefs and values that inform the actual practice of change leaders, Robinson identifies the mindset, processes, and actual behaviors that contribute to successful reform efforts and, importantly, provide school leaders with concrete tools that enable them to be more effective.