50 Tools for Building Brilliant Schools is a companion to the handbook, Building Brilliant Schools: What G.R.E.A.T. Leaders Do Differently. That book is a guide that identifies critical underpinnings for a successful school and outlines a pathway for leaders to construct and maintain those foundations. Throughout my years of experience as a teacher, school leader, leadership coach, and mentor, I’ve spent a lot of time pondering the question of what makes a brilliant school. I’ve noticed recurring assumptions, priorities, and actions that served as a firm base for a flourishing, excellent educational setting. I’ve gathered these into what I call pillars- broad, deep, sound structures that, together, can transform struggling schools into thriving, engaging, student-centered, equitable places of learning. They can also turn fairly successful schools into brilliantly successful schools. These pillars are:

Gratitude-noticing, understanding, and actively appreciating people and situations Relationships-the real, trusting, and reliable connections with others Expectations-the assumptions, intentions, and possibilities we project to each other Achievement-what we believe and how we act to help each other attain at best levels Tenacity-how we keep trying, working, adapting, and hoping-without giving up

That first book, Building Brilliant Schools, defines and explains (with research-backed findings) each of the G.R.E.A.T. pillars. In addition, it gives details about the benefits, obstacles, interventions, attitudes, and behaviors that build and sustain each pillar. It is filled with mindsets, concrete steps, and actions to help leaders and other educators get results with each pillar.

How do you propel student achievement and meet students’ social and emotional needs at the same time? How do you transform school culture so that students are eager to come to school every single day? After decades of leading schools to G.R.E.A.T.ness, Dr. Andy unlocks his time-tested pillars that educators can use to transform school culture and increase student achievement.

Using each pillar of his G.R.E.A.T. Leadership Philosophy™, his school:

Moved from having one of the highest dropout rates to one of the lowest in the state. Leapt from having one of the lowest graduation rates to one of the highest in the state. Won 7 state championships over a five-year period, compared to one in the school’s history. Achieved consistent student academic growth each school year. Reduced assaults and fights to almost zero each year.