Developing Inviting Schools

Over 400 schools throughout the world have adopted Invitational Education to foster innovative thinking, sustained positive action, and the creation of socially and emotionally safe schools. As educators are now involved in an epic rethinking of what they do and how they do it, Developing Inviting Schools provides a dependable guide for improvement. Written by two of the creators of the Inviting Schools movement—Purkey and Novak—along with Joan Fretz who works with public schools, this book updates and extends the construct of invitational learning to assist today’s teachers and leaders. The authors present a simple, but not simplistic framework that offers real-life responses to such challenges as faculty morale, school safety, conflict management, community involvement, student behavior, motivation, and school success. Use this resource to create, sustain, and enhance the social and emotional climate of your school.Book Features:A defensible theory of practice based on the community values of intentional care, respect, trust, and optimism.A deep dive into the basic assumptions that guide life in schools.Guidance for developing and maintaining positive school climate initiatives.Practical examples of how Invitational Education works in real-life situations.A fresh and innovative approach to a positive social and emotional learning environment.

"In addition to introducing theoretical foundations and practical resources, the authors make a strong case for the timeliness of the approach, linking their theory to current educational issues and topics, particularly focusing on safety, inclusion, and belonging. Although the theory itself is not new, its potential value and impact is timely and relevant for schools and communities across the globe."--ICCTE Journal, "The book Developing Inviting Schools: A Beneficial Framework for Teaching and Leading is the culmination of over one hundred years of aggregate experience of three highly influential educators. The third author, Joan Fretz, is a highly sought-after presenter and expert on issues of school climate. The first two authors, William W. Purkey and John Novak have been publishing powerhouses on educational issues since the 80s and show no signs of letting up. As evidence of their longevity in the field, I am approaching retirement, and, as a young man in college, I used a textbook jointly authored by both of them. Purkey, now in his 90s, may yet have more books in him; however, whether he does or not, this book may very well be his magnum opus as it seems to sum up, and bulk up, all he has been advocating over the decades."--Education Today

William W. Purkey is professor emeritus of counselor education at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. John M. Novak is professor emeritus of education at Brock University, Ontario. Joan R. Fretz is a consultant and leadership coach and former school administrator and teacher for Long Island, New York, public schools.