Several of the nine characteristics are discussed in some resources.  The books in the following list address many of the key characteristics of high-performing schools.  They provide an effective starting point for busy educators who have limited time for reading.  These resources are also useful for school study groups.

Publications:

• Barth, R. S. (1990). Improving Schools from Within: Teachers, Parents, and Principals Can Make the Difference. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
• Blase, J. and Kirby, P. C. (1992). Bringing Out the Best in Teachers: What Effective Principals Do.  Newbury Park, CA: Corwin Press Inc.
• Cotton, K. (1995). Research You Can Use to Improve Results. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.
• DuFour, R. and Eaker, R. (1998). Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement. Bloomington, IN: National Educational Service and Alexandria, VA:  Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
• Glickman, C. D. (1993). Renewing America's Schools: A Guide for School-Based Action.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
• Holcomb, E. L. (2001). Asking the Right Questions: Techniques for Collaboration and School Change. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
• Marzano, R. J., Pickering, D. J., and Pollock, J. E. (2001). Classroom Instruction that Works:  Research-Based Strategies For Increasing Student Achievement. Alexandria, VA.: ASCD.
• Newmann, F. M. and Associates. (1996). Authentic Achievement: Restructuring Schools for Intellectual Quality. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
• Schlechty, P. C. (2001). Shaking Up the School House: How to Support and Sustain Educational Innovation. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
• Schmoker, M. (1999). Results: The Key to Continuous School Improvement. (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
• Senge, P., Cambron-McCabe, N., Lucas, T., Smith, B., Dutton, J., and Kleiner, A. (2000). Schools That Learn: A Fifth Discipline Fieldbook for Educators, Parents, and Everyone Who Cares about Education. New York: Currency / Doubleday.
• Zemelman, S., Daniels, H., and Hyde, A. (1998). Best Practice: New Standards for Teaching and Learning in America's Schools. (2nd ed.). Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

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