Adam Geller, CEO, EDTHENA, Video Coaching Platform, supports the Exemplary Schools Organization leadership program.

Continuing to improve a school or district is essential in order for students to enter a highly competitive society. Igniting School Performance provides practical strategies to engage stakeholders in the critical planning process to improve learning for all students. The “Five Guiding Principles” outlined in the book provide an excellent framework to get the systemic performance results needed in our schools.

— Darlene Davis, former Superintendent of Schools, Cheltenham Township School District

There is a great deal of talk in the field of education regarding school performance initiatives. Dr. Vincent Cotter provides educational leaders with a framework of how to expect nothing less than excellence from yourself, those that you lead, and the community within which you work when it comes to improving school performance. His second book, Igniting School Performance, is required reading for future Superintendents, principals and school leaders who are looking for a systemic improvement approach and the “will” to succeed.

— Joseph A. Carracappa, Principal, Upper Moreland High School

There are no excuses. The wealthiest, most powerful democracy in the world can fix our underperforming educational system. Dr. Cotter has documented the roadmap to improve outcomes and graduate our children with the necessary skills for both personal success and for the success of our country. These outcomes are possible despite the disparity of social and economic conditions. “Igniting School Performance” is a must read for School Board members, Educational Administrators, Teachers and Parents with school-age children.

— Thomas J. Marchozzi, former Colonial School Board Member, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lehigh Valley Health Network

The true mark of leadership is turning theory into practice. As School President for nine years, I witnessed my school district transform from an underperforming system to a top tier district by utilizing the tools outlined in this book. Performance is Key is a road map for other leaders who not only care about performance but recognizes that All Children Can Learn and Succeed.

– Marc Orlow, Esq., Former School Board President, Colonial School District.

Dr. Cotter and Dr. Hassler get it! Collectively, they have detailed a practical set of strategies that they have employed in building successful schools and school districts.  This publication, if followed, will encourage practicing principals and superintendents to better focus on those troubling A gray areas that we all face in administration.  Further, it serves as a reasonable guide to be revisited when looking at leadership, operations and instruction in need of improvement.

-Harry J. Gaffney, Regional Superintendent (Ret.), School District of Philadelphia, Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Education, Saint Joseph’s University.  

What is clear at the onset of and throughout this book is the vast experience of the authors. Cotter and Hassler lay out a convincing and contextual process for any leader desiring to achieve the moniker of high performance. Their framework of alignment, accountability, an achievement-based attitude and adept leadership provide a clear and convincing pathway to organizational improvement. Not only is their research base and practical application sound, what jumps off of every page are the wisdom, experience and success that the authors possess.  Read this book.  These are leaders who know what they are talking about because they have done it and done it well.

– Dr. Steve Constantino, Nationally Recognized Speaker and Consultant, Author of “Engage Every Family: Five Simple Principles,” Chief Academic Officer, Department of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia.