EPI Book Recommendations: Whatever It Takes

A monthly-ish column from our friends Jerry, Ron and Howard at Education Partnerships, Inc. (EPI) who work with GEAR UP principals. They will offer a short review of a book that will inspire, motivate, and/or challenge educators. This month, Jerry reviews Whatever It Takes: How Professional Learning Communities Respond When Kids Don't Learn by Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Gayle Karhanek.

This is an “oldie” (published in 2004!) in regards to Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) but it provides practical and pragmatic advice for teachers and administrators regarding the improvement of learning for all students. Dufour is joined in this publication by Rebecca Dufour who brings elementary and middle school expertise to this valuable and worthwhile topic and nicely balances Rick’s often High School only insights.  However, perhaps the most valuable part of the book is the Appendix that is packed with documents and examples from mission statements to intervention forms that have been gathered from schools with whom these two outstanding educators and researchers have worked. Folks who have read this book comment that it becomes a tremendous resource as they move forward in the goal of ensuring success for all students. 

Note: We have several copies of this book available and that we would be glad to send to the principal of any school in which there is a person who would like to use it.