Titilayo Tinubu Ali

Disrupting Disruption shows how three racially and ethnically diverse school districts--Union NJ, Union City OK, and Roanoke City VA--have defied the demographic odds, boosting overall graduation rates while shrinking or eliminating the opportunity gap. These districts resemble many others in their student population. What makes them distinctive is their relentless focus on developing and supporting teachers and engaging students; constantly seeking ways to do a better job; using data to enhance learning; developing partnerships with parents and local organizations; and relying on stable, supportive leadership. Disrupting Disruption demonstrates that disruption—whether by inflicting a discipline-and-punish regime on our nation's schools, or replacing them with charters or vouchers—is not the best way forward.

Disrupting Disruption shows how three racially and ethnically diverse school districts--Union NJ, Union City OK, and Roanoke City VA--have defied the demographic odds, boosting overall graduation rates while shrinking or eliminating the opportunity gap. These districts resemble many others in their student population. What makes them distinctive is their relentless focus on developing and supporting teachers and engaging students; constantly seeking ways to do a better job; using data to enhance learning; developing partnerships with parents and local organizations; and relying on stable, supportive leadership. Disrupting Disruption demonstrates that disruption—whether by inflicting a discipline-and-punish regime on our nation's schools, or replacing them with charters or vouchers—is not the best way forward.