The “Change Agents” Book
Start your change agent journey.
Educators, you are the hope you’ve been looking for.
Change Agents: Transforming Schools From the Ground Up
By Justin Cohen
Based on school transformations the Partners in School Innovation team has supported, our book presents time-tested, research-based practices through narratives chronicling the efforts of real-life educators. It includes thoughtful checklists and discussion questions to help educators strengthen the skill sets and mindsets needed to implement sustainable school improvement.
A lot has changed in recent years, but the solution to turning schools into lively, loving, learning communities remains the same: you. This book provides a blueprint for you to become the change agent your students need.
Change Agents Chapter Overview
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Introduction
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Chapter One
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Chapter Two
Assembling Your Crew
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Chapter Three
Finding Bright Spots & Building Momentum
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Chapter Four
Focus, Follow Through, See: The Art & Science of Implementation
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Chapter Five
Who Said Change Was Gonna Be Easy?
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Chapter Six
Culture Eats Strategy For Lunch
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Chapter Seven
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Chapter Eight
Leading With Love
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Chapter Nine
Hi, I’m From the Central Office. And I’m Here to Help.
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Chapter Ten
The Practice of Freedom
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Chapter Eleven
Thriving Schools, Thriving Communities
Praise for Change Agents: Transforming Schools From the Ground Up
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"There is only one way to generate change...together. This volume helps us do just that."
Gloria Ladson Billings, professor emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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"It is a must-read for any school or district that wants to become an even more vibrant place to teach and learn."
John B. King, former United States Secretary of Education
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"A solid contribution to the literature and a powerful take on school improvement."
Christopher Emdin, author of Ratchetdemic
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"This book shows us the art and science of a school improvement methodology that is people-centered, asset-based, and equity-focused."
Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
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"For those who have not given up on the possibility that creating equitable schools is attainable, this book will be an invaluable resource."
Pedro Noguera, dean, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California
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"Transforming public education so that it addresses pervasive inequality is complicated, but Cohen delivers a clear vision for how to begin."
Alexis Hoag-Fordjour, law professor and former civil rights lawyer
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"Cohen rightly reminds us that education, when done right, can be a tool for advancing freedom, justice, and, ultimately, democracy."
Marvin Lynn, dean and professor, School of Education & Human Development, University of Colorado - Denver
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"Cohen provides powerful stories about educators making the principles, tools, and methods of improvement science come alive, the human challenges that can arise along the way, and the exhilaration that comes with effective transformation."
Anthony Bryk, author of Learning to Improve and president emeritus of Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
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"This fabulous book is an inspiration when our schools need honesty, healing, and hope. By telling the stories of real teachers and leaders working across differences, Cohen brilliantly fuses modern reform efforts and ongoing civil rights struggles."
Ellen Moir, founder and former CEO, New Teacher Center
