Solving Problems in Schools: A Guide for Educators
by Paige Leavitt
Category: Problem solving

Far from being a stagnant process, problem solving requires creativity, judgment, and insight. However, flashes of brilliance seldom occur in a vacuum. Systematic analysis stimulates insight. This book can help both teachers and administrators add structure to common sense. This guidebook provides practical examples and organizational tools to tackle specific problems and find enduring solutions. An approachable and flexible problem-solving process is introduced and explained in a step-by-step fashion. Learn how to: --systematically approach problems; --communicate in a common language; --organize relevant information; --build consensus; --make objective, informed decisions; --devise effective solutions; and --monitor progress. Using helpful tools for idea generation, data collection, analysis, implementation, and measurement, this book details how to efficiently ensure problems are systematically addressed. A short excerpt from Solving Problems in Schools: Most prevailing problems within education persist not because of willful disregard, but because processes get off course, underlying theories change, short-range remedies falter, and solutions do not apply to varied classroom environments. As a result, those with the best intentions waste their time and energy until their frustrations resurfaces in a new batch of problem solvers who address the same problems and often make the same mistakes.