Five Big Ideas: Leading Total Instructional Alignment, Aug/2008

“Lisa Carter was a great speaker. Every minute was well spent and valuable.”
—Martha Lenthe, teacher, Lighthouse Christian Academy, Indiana

“I left feeling more prepared for the journey ahead. Very well presented!”
—Christie Spurlock, teacher, Lighthouse Christian Academy, Indiana

In this sequel to Total Instructional Alignment, the author peels back complex layers of the change process to reveal the five big ideas at the core of successful schools. Focus on these foundational ideas to simplify decision making and eliminate distractions from your efforts to promote effective teaching and learning. Teachers and administrators alike will appreciate this straightforward approach to solid leadership for school improvement.

1. Make the overwhelming, complex work of school improvement understandable and achievable.
2. Create a clear path for action through common sense thinking and foundational research.
3. Dive deeper into the principles and practices defined in Total Instructional Alignment to transform your school into a powerful teaching and learning organization.
4. Bring about meaningful change in your schools and school systems by creating conditions to support these ideas and implement them effectively.
5. Study a concise overview of the three interconnected steps of the Total Instructional Alignment process: (1) alignment of the system, (2) alignment of standards, curriculum, and assessment, and (3) alignment of instructional practices in the classroom.

About The Author:
Lisa Carter is a nationally recognized presenter, keynote speaker, author, and consultant. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Lisa has served as an administrator at the elementary and secondary levels and has worked in rural and urban schools. Fifteen years ago, she became affiliated with Dr. Lawrence Lezotte and effective schools research, a relationship that inspires her work today.

Lisa is a dynamic public speaker whose expert knowledge comes from real experience as a practitioner. Her presentations focus on the Total Instructional Alignment™ process, transitioning to the Common Core State Standards through Total Instructional Alignment™, effective teaching, effective schools research implementation, and instructional leadership development.

Lisa received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and master’s degrees in early childhood education and school administration from East Carolina University. She also has an education specialist degree.