Arrows: A Systems-Based Approach to School Leadership

Transformational leadership begins with willing individuals. Individuals who are ready to set aside their personal comfort for the needs and unity of the collective team. In education, now more than ever, we need individuals who are willing to lead in a time of transformation. But from where are we leaving and to where are we headed? Which direction should we take, as leaders of learning, in our classrooms, schools, and communities? How do we avoid change for change's sake, and rather--shift the conversation altogether? How do we clarify the vision of learning? Simplify the impact of highly effective teaching in our classrooms? Create collaborative, empowered space for our teachers and students?

Educational leaders and authors, Sarah Henry and Carrie Rosebrock, explore these questions and offer experiential and research-driven answers in their book, Arrows: A Systems-Based Approach to School Leadership. Arrows is the personal story of a decade's worth of growth and alignment within the Brownsburg Community School District in Brownsburg, Indiana. Unlike other educational leadership books, Arrows is the story of what happens when, not one school--but an entire district--simplifies its vision, clarifies its goals, and truly aligns its arrows.

This is a story of leadership in action. Of a relentless desire to support and reach all students, from all backgrounds, from all experiences. An honest account of the impact of diligent collaboration and processes. It is a story of both systems and service; of both belonging and access.

Arrows is a study in action--the story of what can happen when leadership alignment creates a sustainable system of support, clarity, love, and belonging.

"In Arrows, Rosebrock and Henry provide an inspiring account of how schools can achieve exceptional results--when everyone in the system focuses, unswervingly, on the improvement of curriculum and instruction. "

Mike Schmoker, author of Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning.

"Rosebrock and Henry have done a nice job hitting all the bases in Arrows. They have not only provided a thorough review of DuFour's "Four Essential Questions" but have also stressed the importance of PLCs using protocols to guide and structure the work of PLCs. Their text is conversationally readable; a sure bet for schools floundering in their school improvement work."

--- Daniel R. Venables

Education Consultant & Author

Founder of the Grapple Institutes