10 Lessons from New York City Schools

What Really Works to Improve Education

In this provocative and practical book, author Eric Nadelstern provides a proven-effective blueprint for narrowing the achievement gap in our schools, especially for children of color who have been historically underserved. The author, one of the chief architects of the New York City reforms under Joel Klein, discusses the cutting-edge changes that were implemented in the last decade in NYC and identifies the ten most important lessons learned about whole-school-system improvement. In this last decade, NYC’s public schools underwent extensive reforms that increased graduation rates by 30%—the first significant increase in more than 50 years. For the first time, this book presents an insider’s view of the “Bloomberg-Klein years” and the reforms that transformed the nation’s largest school system. *10 Lessons from New York City Schools *is a must-read for those who believe schools can succeed and for all those who want to understand how.

Eric Nadelstern is a Professor of Practice in Educational Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he directs the Summer Principals Academy (SPA). He is former Deputy Chancellor of the Division of School Support and Instruction for the New York City Department of Education, founding Superintendent of New York's Autonomy Zone, and founding Principal of the International High School at LaGuardia Community College. The latter has since been replicated fourteen times in New York City and twice in California.

“This is a lucid, insightful book chock full of real-world proposals. For those who want real change, this is a must-read.”
—Joel Klein, former Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education (2002–2011)

“Do you want to know how to turn an entire failing school district into a thriving community of schools with double the graduation rate? In this book, you will see why the task is so difficult and how it can be done.”
—William Ouchi, Sanford and Betty Sigoloff Distinguished Professor, UCLA Anderson School of Management

“Eric’s deep understanding and active commitment to the idea that schools themselves—given freedom, accountability and resources—are best situated to solve the education issues of the students they serve has sustained our work over many years.”
—Nancy Mann, Principal, Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School

“Eric Nadelstern is among the most authentic, original, and erudite thinkers in K–12 education today. He observes without political preconceptions, plans without fear, and executes without covering his ass.”
—John Katzman, President and CEO, Noodle, and Founder and CEO of 2tor, and The Princeton Review

“Eric Nadelstern is the embodiment of bold leadership. In this book, he sets forth the ideas, policies, and practices that guided him in transforming education in New York City.”
—Jacqueline Ancess, Co-Director, NCREST, Teachers College, Columbia University; author of Beating the Odds: High Schools as Communities of Commitment

“Eric’s life work with the New York City Schools culminated in the largest, most comprehensive, and most successful education reform effort in the country. This book is a must-read for any education leader at any level.”
—Sajan George, Founder & CEO, Matchbook Learning

“Through Eric Nadelstern's experience you come to know that the impossible is indeed possible—children can be first in our school systems.”
—Donna Rey, Chief Administrative Officer, Local 1199 Health and Hospital Workers Union, and former Deputy Chief Operating Officer for the NYC DOE