What is this book about?
Drawing on more than 20 years of school leadership experience, Tom Miller, Ed.D., distills crucial insights into his book, 10 Indicators of High-Performing Charter Schools. Tailored for charter school leaders, the book addresses the alarming trend of charter school failures within their first decade, where 25 percent fail in the initial five years, and 40 percent within the first 10 years. The author presents a blueprint for success, combining personal experiences and observations from numerous charter schools nationwide.
The book emphasizes the significance of high standards, effective governing boards, mission-driven decision-making, and a well-defined education plan. It delves into strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining quality staff; fostering a healthy school culture; involving parents strategically; ensuring fiscal security; and establishing robust relationships between school heads and governing boards. Communication and execution of mission-based promises are key themes.
Miller contends that the 10 indicators outlined in the book are pivotal for personal, professional, and organizational effectiveness, asserting that leadership is paramount. He emphasizes the need for a plan to uphold these indicators, warning of consequences when ignored. Drawing on experiences in over 500 schools worldwide, the book encourages leaders to create visions for each indicator, implement shared strategies, and inspire followership.
The book underlines the necessity for timely spending adjustments to avoid suffocation and failure. It urges readers to gain clarity on the indicators, offering proven methods and step-by-step strategies for implementation, fostering collaboration among management, teachers, and the board. Ultimately, 10 Indicators of High-Performing Charter Schools presents a comprehensive guide for charter school leaders to transform challenges into opportunities for success.
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What Education Experts
Are Saying About the 10 Indicators...
"This book is a must read for any busy volunteer board member wanting to quickly grasp the essence of their role as a steward of a multi-million dollar public enterprise. It masterfully dissects the challenges that charter school boards confront daily, offering practical strategies for success. Dr. Tom Miller's deep understanding of the subject matter makes this a must-read for those striving to create and sustain effective charter school leadership."
- MarciCornell-Feist
Charter School Governance Expert
"As a leader formerly overseeing a network of charter schools, I appreciate the author's understanding of these unique, educational dynamics and the cycle of intention, execution, and reflection he describes. This book offers a strategic blueprint for fostering innovation, facilitating collaboration, growing leadership, and bringing change that promotes excellence in charter schools."
- Dr. Joel Medley
Previous Director, NC Office of Charter Schools
"Tom’s doctoral research was amongst the earliest work nationally about the characteristics of high performing charters. With more than a decade of guiding charters and promoting leadership development, this book builds on a credible body of work to reveal what charter leaders can do to keep the main things the main things. Tom’s great work allows us to implement research informed practice. All charter proponents should read this book as they can. All charter critics should read this book now. "
- Dr. John Fischetti
Professor of Leadership and School Transformation
"The 10 Indicators of High Performing Charter Schools is a must read for charter school leaders. It provides a practical and convincing hands-on approach to leading charter schools. The book is extremely well researched, with valuable examples and a compelling narrative that speaks directly to the heart of effective leadership. Dr. Miller has done a marvelous job of providing rich guidance and ideas for both aspiring and current school leaders."
- Dr. Les Stein
(Colonel, USMC, Ret.), Director, Graduate Leadership Program at Northeastern University
"Having known Dr. Miller for over a decade, I can attest to his unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Ten Indicators of High-Performing Charter Schools is a culmination of his expertise, offering a profound understanding of what distinguishes truly exceptional charter schools. A must-read for educators, leaders, and policymakers alike."
- Dr. Bryan Setser
Wayfinder for Leaders, Teams, and Organizations
"Tom's book is a compelling guide for charter schools looking to elevate their governance. It highlights the nuances and challenges charters face - and provides practical solutions. Wise board members and leaders strive to be proactive...which makes this book a must read."
- Dr. Jim Goenner
President & CEO of the National Charter Schools Institute
"Tom’s doctoral research was amongst the earliest work nationally about the characteristics of high performing charters. With more than a decade of guiding charters and promoting leadership development, this book builds on a credible body of work to reveal what charter leaders can do to keep the main things the main things. Tom’s great work allows us to implement research informed practice. All charter proponents should read this book as they can. All charter critics should read this book now. "
- Dr. Jim Goenner
President & CEO of the National Charter Schools Institute
"Dr. Miller’s book is brimming with value for anyone willing to read and follow his guidance. As a veteran school leader himself, his ideas and recommendations far surpass pleasant academic notions. He knows what works."
- Dr. Brian Carpenter
Governance and Leadership Expert
"I have participated in over 1,000 charter school board meetings across multiple states, and this book addresses all of the critical and persistent issues that charter school leaders face. "
- Ryan Schumm
Charter School Finance Expert
What Charter School Principals
are Saying About the 10 Indicators Book
"Having worked closely with Dr. Tom Miller for years, '10 Indicators of High Performing Charter Schools' is a testament to his unparalleled expertise in the field. This book reflects the depth of his commitment to charter school success. It's a must-read for fellow leaders who value practical insights and transformative leadership."
- Joy Warner
Charter School Founder
"Having had the privilege of a close professional relationship with Dr. Tom Miller, I can confidently say that '10 Indicators' is a reflection of his deep understanding of charter school leadership. This book is a roadmap for success, offering practical advice for both founders and principals. An essential addition to any charter school leader's library."
- Ted Duncan
Charter School Principal
"Dr. Tom Miller's nation-wide experience in the public charter school space is condensed down into this comprehensive guide to growing your school from wherever you are to wherever you want to be. This is a must-read guide for any school leader, board member, or community partner that is entering the public charter school space."
- Geoff Gorski
Charter School Principal
Fill out the form to join the upcoming book study
March 4, 7:00 PM EST
March 11, 7:00 PM EST
March 18, 7:00 PM EST
March 25, 7:00 EST
April 1, 7:00 EST
Plus two bonus live group sessions TBD
Written By Charter School Leadership Expert, Tom Miller
Tom Miller, Ed.D. understands the unique set of challenges facing both aspiring and experienced charter school leaders today. Tom has spent more than two decades at the forefront in school leadership.
Tom got his start as an exceptional children’s teacher who, over time and personal growth, worked his way into becoming the executive director of one of the most successful charter schools in Florida.
When he wrote his dissertation on the characteristics of effective charter schools in 2011, he was recruited by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to be a statewide consultant.
Through his multiple leadership and influence certifications, he started his own business, Leaders Building Leaders, facilitating elite-level leadership development and executive coaching to schools.
Tom lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and he is the father of two and the lucky husband of one beautiful wife, Jennifer.
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