The Leadership Brain: Strategies for Leading Today?s Schools More Effectively

by David A. Sousa

Overview

Cognitive neuroscientists are gaining greater insights into how the brain interacts with and learns from the environment. Now David A. Sousa, one of the foremost experts in translating this research into classroom practice, examines the brain-compatible leadership practices that sustain effective teaching and learning.

The Leadership Brain provides a new model for a whole-brain approach to educational leadership. Examining what we know about the adult brain, and how to apply these lessons to effective school leadership and team management, this powerful resource provides you with the necessary tools to:
Understand the differences in learning and retention, left and right hemispheric preferences, higher-order thinking, and the nature of creativity
Initiate and lead productive change within your school
Effectively shape and manage school culture
Address the call for ethical and spiritual leadership
Understand how thinking habits influence our actions, especially with problem solving and conflict resolution
Reduce misconceptions about students with disabilities, gifted, and minority students
Use information about the influence that modern society has on student learning and their different expectations

The Leadership Brain includes valuable self-assessment tools, resources, and practical applications that will help instructional leaders develop a modern, creative, team-centered school where all students and teachers can reach their full potential.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632206831
Publisher:	Skyhorse
Publication date:	03/17/2015
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author and is a member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society. Dr. Sousa has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bridgewater State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. He has been an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University. Dr. Sousa has been interviewed by Matt Lauer on the NBC Today Show and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.

Table of Contents

About the Author ix

Introduction 1

Changing America's Schools 1

About This Book 2

1 Understanding Leadership 7

Schools Need True Leaders 7

Attributes of a Leader 8

Organizational Expectations 11

Leadership Styles 12

What Style of Leader Am I? 15

Impact of Brain Research on Leadership 18

Major Points in Chapter 1 19

2 Linking Leadership to the Brain 23

Brain Structure and Function 23

Learning and Retention 28

Leadership and the Brain 30

Creativity 34

Imagery (Visualization) 43

Major Points in Chapter 2 46

3 Brain-Compatible Curriculum 63

Students' Expectations About Learning 63

Deciding What Should Be Learned 67

Revising Curriculum 72

Curriculum for Special Needs Students 84

Integrating Technology into the Curriculum 86

The Pitfalls of Curriculum Change 88

Major Points in Chapter 3 89

4 Brain-Compatible Instruction and Assessment 101

Components of Brain-Compatible Instruction 101

Assessment 115

Major Points in Chapter 4 122

5 Teacher Evaluation 139

Traditional Models of Teacher Evaluation 139

Teacher Evaluation for the 21st Century 141

Designing a Comprehensive Teacher Evaluation Program 146

Evaluating Principals and District Office Administrators 159

Major Points in Chapter 5 161

6 Ethical and Spiritual Leadership 185

Ethical Leadership 186

Brain Research and Ethical Behavior 200

Spiritual Leadership 202

Major Points in Chapter 6 210

7 Transforming School Culture 223

Types of School Culture 223

Monitoring School Culture 224

Attitudes and Beliefs about Schooling 225

Attitudes and Beliefs about Students 234

Parents and School Culture 237

Transforming through Collaboration 243

Working with Teams 246

Staff Development 249

Major Points in Chapter 7 253

8 Putting It All Together 271

A Whole-Brained Approach to Leadership 271

Developing and Retaining Educational Leaders 280

Conclusion 286

Major Points in Chapter 8 288

Glossary 289

References 293

Resources 301

Index 305