Elaine McEwan has written "The Principal's Guide to Raising Achievement" with three goals in mind: 1) to convince school principals of the power that rests in them and their faculty to create a "school of readers"; 2) to introduce the most current research in reading instruction so principals and their faculty can make informed decisions; and 3) to shore the eight key components principals need to achieve their goals. The author explores some of the reasons why students can't read and suggests focusing only on those things that can be changed. Also summarized is the running debate between proponents of phonics and whole language, and reasons why reading instruction cannot be an "either-or" proposition. the book also described the eight key components that need to be in place to create a "school of readers," and sets forth the essential learnings that need to occur at each instructional level. Remedial reading and helping the at-risk and learning disabled child are also covered, as well as thirty-plus things you can do tomorrow to raise reading achievement in schools. There are many useful appendixes with practical information for immediate use.
This book is for elementary school prinicpals, as well as anyone concerned with successfully teaching all children to read.