A Handbook for Improving Student Achievement in Secondary Schools

Democratic values, student achievement, and effective citizenship are intrinsically linked. The research, however, is that students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, have few opportunities to practice democratic citizenship in secondary schools.

Alongside current threats to democracy, this should concern us all: professional learning communities, teacher-leaders, parents, consultants, administrators, school districts, human rights activists, minority leadership, the justice system, local communities, university faculties, state education departments, and citizens in general.

Democratic citizenship is a superordinate goal – a composite of communicative abilities, freedom with responsibility, inclusiveness, career preparation, community mindfulness, evidence-based thinking, collective ownership, distributed leadership, and support for those in need. Student leadership, including school research (their own school and others), not only benefits the school generally, but helps prepare high school students for freedom, responsibilities, and opportunities as democratic citizens.

Such leadership has foundations: student-chosen teacher advisors, daily advisories, collaborative learning expertise, student-led assemblies, self-regulation, leadership credit courses, and virtual/personal connections with student leaders in other schools, districts, and countries.

Expanded contributions are student feedback on teacher performance, student-led (parent-student- teacher) conferences, after-school activities leadership, reciprocal teaching, and participation in school/district decision making. All under the auspices of improved language capability, teacher modeling and encouragement, a learning to learn focus, and gradual release of responsibility.

Endorsements

John Hattie

“There is never a dull moment reading this book. Centred on the principles of democracy, it points to the need for broad participation and thus calls for schools to do more, do better, and do wonderful things to ignite a love of learning. Orchard masterfully outlines seven key theorems to make his case; a compelling roadmap for educators to foster effective learning strategies.”

Professor Emeritus John Hattie, Melbourne Laureate

Michael Fullan

“Jack Orchard’s 'Handbook for Improving Student Achievement in Secondary Schools' is powerful, timely, and an action-packed message for us to get going in transforming secondary schools. Orchard’s Handbook is grounded, urgent, insightful, and deeply practical. Anybody in high schools can act on this agenda. Read this book with others, be collectively inspired, and get down to the excitement and frustrations of engaging in breakthrough change. The good news is that students, teachers (and eventually parents and communities) will be excited to join in and make the long-awaited transformation of secondary schools.”

Professor Emeritus Michael Fullan, OISE/University of Toronto

Musa

Regarded as the wealthiest man to have ever lived with an estimated wealth of 400 billion dollars in today’s money, Mansa Musa’s life is shrouded in mystery and legend. Known for his lavish journey to Cairo, where he gave away so much gold that the Egyptian economy was ruined for decades, not much is known about Mansa Musa; until now.

Musa: Mansa of Mali spans fifty years of political and familial turmoil of the famed West African ruler. A ruler that had an executioner on hand at all times. A ruler that annexed smaller kingdoms, forcing them to pay taxes or into slavery. A ruler who removed his brother from the line of succession and placed his ill-prepared son on the throne upon his death. These facts create a narrative of a different Musa of popular culture, but of a ruler who ruled with absolute authority and held on to power by any means necessary.

A story that crosses from the banks of the Niger River in the Malian Empire capital, the busy streets of Cairo, to the rolling hills of the newly formed Ottoman Empire. Musa: Mansa of Mali weaves historical facts and speculation into a story laden with assassination and coup attempts. Loveless marriages that are politically necessary, and consequential decisions that have an impact for generations to come.

A Children's Guide to Story Yoga

A Children’s Guide to Story Yoga is a fun and playful way for teachers and parents to engage children with mind-body movement, while they gain confidence in their own bodies. Using sequenced yoga postures and storytelling, this book brings in early methods of SI (Somatic Intelligence), using mindfulness as a natural way of everyday life. The mindful poses and stories used in the book have been created with sequenced instructions, with a short story about the pose or the character used in the pose.

Twiblets II – Their Arctic Adventures and Transformations

In this second adventure, the Twiblets embark on a daring quest to inhabit the Arctic – a far more challenging environment than the deserts they faced before. This journey tests their physical, psychological, and cultural limits, pushing even these model creatures of goodness to the brink.As they adapt to the Arctic’s extreme cold, avalanches, glaciers, and other ecological trials, they receive special gifts from nature that alter their appearance and abilities. These changes create tension with the original Twiblet communities, leading some expeditioners to rebel before ultimately rediscovering their core values.Their return enriches the Twiblet society with new diversity and sets the stage for their pivotal role in shaping Earth’s future, including the creation and support of the first humans and other species. This story weaves a tale of resilience, transformation, and the interconnected spirit of all Earthly beings. 

We're All Healing Here

She was not born with wisdom; she gathered it along the way. Refusing to let the world break her, she found the strength to rise above every challenge life placed in her path. She was never weak – she simply had to discover the power within herself.

Through pain and brokenness, she climbed the ladder of healing, searching for the true meaning of love. In the end, she realized that love begins with loving herself.

This book is my heart, pieced together for you to hold. Be gentle – we are all healing here.

Making Money

In the vibrant backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and the dynamic streets of the West, Making Money unfolds the inspiring journey of Fawaz, a young Saudi man driven by unwavering faith, strong moral principles, and remarkable intelligence. As he navigates the complex landscape of international business from 1999 to 2017, Fawaz uses his extensive knowledge and experience to establish successful branches for various global companies. Fawaz becomes a beacon of hope and a role model for countless young people, illuminating paths to success through hard work and perseverance.

Each character he encounters weaves their own intricate narrative, intertwined with his journey, highlighting the rich tapestry of aspirations, dreams, and cultural exchanges. With eloquent prose and a keen eye for the nuances of urban life, the novel captures the pulse of globalization—from the mingling of traditional Saudi customs with Western influences in food, fashion, and ideology. As Fawaz rises to prominence, readers are invited to explore the transformative power of ambition, community, and cross-cultural connection.

In Making Money, embark on a compelling exploration of ambition and identity against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, where the quest for prosperity leads to profound personal and collective growth. Join Fawaz and his companions as they navigate the complexities of modern existence, discovering the true meaning of success along the way.

What's Wrong With This Picture: Daisy Plays Music

Daisy is a young dog with musical talent.One day, she decides to play musical instruments. As she learns to play them, she makes mistakes.Can you spot the mistakes she needs to correct if she wants to improve?In this coloring book, each page has a fun sketch for you to color while helping Daisy become a better musician.

Twiblets – The First Beings of the Earth and Our Solar System

Have you even wondered how the surface of the earth became so lush and beautiful? It was not always that way and wasn’t made beautiful without a great deal of special help from the Twiblets. Twiblets come from the sun. It was a huge risk for them to venture to the Earth to provide their special magic and assistance to coax life and beauty from the many dry and brittle seeds on Earth’s surface. In fact, several areas of the Earth were especially a challenge to the Twiblets unique abilities. One in particular of these was the deserts. This story is about the Twiblet adventures and challenges in the earthly deserts.

Love Comes More Than Once

Grace Wallace found herself a single mother, left to raise two daughters on her own. She poured her energy into becoming an extraordinary jewelry designer and gemologist, sought after by royalty, celebrities, and wealthy patrons for her talents. When a famous fashion designer requests that Grace create some extraordinary jewelry pieces, she eagerly accepts, hungry for the next challenge. Her search for rare and fabulous gems to incorporate into her designs takes her deep into the mountains of Colombia, where she suddenly finds herself kidnapped. Her partner and benefactor Charles Winslow desperately seeks help from a friend to find Grace. What follows is a thrilling and perilous journey to locate Grace and uncover why she was taken. Through resourcefulness, courage, and the enduring power of human connection, Grace must fight to take back her freedom as those who care for her refuse to give up the search.

The Reason I Breathe

The Reason I Breathe: My Journey with Autism Against All Odds is about my life raising twins, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum and the navigating, fumbling, fighting and all the lessons learned that came along with it.

In this book, you will discover how I had to put my ego and fears aside and trust my gut instincts that something alarming was going on with my son Dwight’s development. Taylor, his twin sister, was the sounding alarm for me that my son was not progressing with his language and social skills as she had been. It felt as though Dwight was going silent overnight right before my eyes and distancing himself from the family.

Defying the words of my then husband and his family, I set out on a journey to seek answers and to secure resources and support that my son desperately needed. I was mocked and severely criticized from their father for wanting to find out what was happening to our son, despite that I kept going, and it forever changed the dynamic of our family.

This led me to building my own community of support, this led me to thinking outside the box by writing to politicians in order to secure the proper school placement and resources he needed, this led me to advocating to help other families in need of the same support but above all this led me to a strength and courage that I never knew I had when I left the twins’ father after many years of abuse, humiliation and the destruction of my self-esteem.

After taking a leap of faith and enduring some lean years, I was able to create an environment of love, peace and security for my family and I sat back and watched the twins thrive in our new life.

Joey the Blue Monkey

Join Sam on an exciting trip to the zoo, where he meets a very unusual new friend! Joey isn’t like the other monkeys; he’s blue, and only Sam can see him.

Together, they have a wonderful adventure exploring the zoo and seeing all the amazing animals.

This heartwarming story, based on a true event, celebrates the power of imagination and the special bond of friendship.

Phoenix Rising: My Journey with Bipolar Disorder

Sometimes, in the midst or in the immediate aftermath of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it can feel as if one’s life is on fire. From the raging highs of mania to the desperate lows of deep depression, and every single difficult-to-discuss characteristic in between, this illness can be extremely destructive. The imagery of a phoenix is the perfect metaphor for someone touched by these unquenchable flames.

This publication is a contribution to the conversation about mental health. It’s another story. It’s another voice. It’s an attempt to get these issues out of the shadows. It’s an effort to make it okay to talk about symptoms like dark intrusive thoughts, hyper-sexuality, and the anguish of suicidal ideation, along with countless other manifestations. It strives to chip away at secrecy and shame, which can surround these topics.

This book is meant to serve as a tool for openness and hope. Remember, the phoenix always rises from the ashes. Keep rising!