We cannot personally control many of the factors that challenge our current system of education, but each of us controls his or her attitude towards these challenges. It is this individual mindset which determines the approach each of us will take when we encounter difficulties in the education process. Developing a mindset that encourages personal responsibility, fosters participation and eliminates denial will best serve the cause of raising student achievement in ways that are both meaningful and lasting.
With that purpose in mind, this book seeks to make explicit the concepts of ownership, leadership and management within the context of public education. Understanding the nature of these roles can better motivate and guide all stakeholders as they work to improve the performance of our schools. In the critical enterprise of creating successful life-long learners, we must all own American public education.
