Ebook: Community, Collaboration, and Collegiality in School Reform : An Odyssey Toward Connections

A "tale from the trenches" of educational reform, this book chronicles a year in the life of four teachers as they implement an innovative new program.This remarkably candid "tale from the trenches" follows four teachers as they implement "Connections"--an interdisciplinary, inclusive program option for ninth-grade students at "Cedar City" High School. As Sheryl (English), Dan (science), Bernie (social studies), and Tim (special education) forge bonds of community, collaboration, and collegiality, their experiences take on the dimensions of an epic journey, or odyssey. Interpreted through an ecological lens, this book offers important insight into the world of teaching in an era of school reform. The Connections journey was marked both by stories of triumph and tales of crisis. The stories reflected an emerging vision not only of Connections as an interdisciplinary program, but of the teaching team as a collaborative, collegial community. By illuminating the real world of Connections, this book offers insights for teachers and administrators, policy makers and students, and all who value community, collaboration, and collegiality in schools.Nina G. Dorsch is Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University.