Introduction Questions

• What was your take away from the story about Josh and I? What wasn't the intended take away and why is that important?
• What are your thoughts about the three levers for adult behavior change that we use? Where else in your life/work do these three levers make sense?
• Where in your life have people had an empowering mindset about you -- and that made all the difference for you?
• What came up for you as you reflected on the five continuous improvement steps -- focus mindset, clarify priorities, monitor progress, align resources, and communicate results? Where else in your life/work could this continuous improvement framework be useful?

Chapter 1 Questions

• Why does the distinction between inputs, outputs, and outcomes matter?
• Why does the difference between student outcomes and adult outcomes matter?
• What's the harm in a school board being intensely focused on adult inputs to the exclusion of focusing time on student outcomes?
• Where are you seeing examples of patronage-focused, contribution-focused, or founder-focused governing boards in your life?
• What would it take for a governing board to transition from being patronage-focused to being student outcomes-focused?
• What came up for you as you read the analysis of school board conference sessions? What would make a difference?
• What came up for you as you read the analysis of school board training requirements? What would make a difference?
• At the end of the chapter, there are some potentially controversial ideas about systemic reforms. Which ones might work or not work? What are better ideas?