This study investigated whether Pennsylvania school district superintendents acknowledge the importance of the 2008 ISLLC performance indicators that require collaboration to the same degree they practice them. Superintendents' ratings of importance and frequency were compared across demographic groups. A thirty-two question survey, derived from…

A college and university board of trustees typically comprises people possessing great experience, wisdom, records of achievement, and a strong desire to meaningfully contribute to the institution. Such an asset is enormously valuable. Yet too often institutional leaders feel they are unable to tap all its benefits. For their part, board members…

The state of Pennsylvania comprises 500 school districts. Each district is required to have a superintendent of schools. Now, more than ever, the work portfolio of U.S. school superintendents is increasingly diverse. In an occupation enjoying very little security, having fewer benefits than similar jobs in the private sector, and facing increased…

Controversies over higher education governance are in the news these days. The most recent occurred this summer when several members of the board of the University of Virginia asked the president, Teresa A. Sullivan, to resign, only to be forced to reinstate her after protests from students, faculty, donors, alumni, and others. That situation…

While most of the national focus following charges of child sex abuse at Pennsylvania State University has centered on its coaches and administrators, the scandal has reached deep into the professoriate as well. Responding to constant questions has taken an emotional toll on the university's faculty members, who have been asked by neighbors,…

In a time of transformation in higher education, "Leading Change: How Boards and Presidents Build Exceptional Institutions" fills a significant void in leadership literature and focuses on the changing level of board engagement. This book examines 18 institutions, across the spectrum of higher education, at which the board played a…

This book demonstrates through case studies and expert analyses the impressive educational gains children can make when the best educational research, policy, and practice are aligned. This volume is a valuable resource to aspiring leaders, educational researchers, and current practitioners and a must-read for anyone who cares about the public…

In 1985, a leadership liaison committee consisting of the board presidents and executive directors of five state school management associations in Pennsylvania appointed a task force to examine the board-superintendent relationship within a team management framework. After providing background information, including various definitions associated…

New ways of thinking about governance are beginning to transform the leadership strategies of many people who serve in nonprofit organizations. How specifically can the time and talents of higher education trustees be used more effectively to advance the interests of colleges and universities? How many college and university boards govern like…

The extent of agreement expressed by college presidents and governing board chairpersons concerning the relative importance of 20 selected presidential roles was assessed. The variables of institution size and type were also examined as they related to perceived presidential role importance. Based on role theory, attention was directed to whether…

The extent to which college presidents and governing board chairmen agree on the relative importance of 20 presidential roles was studied. Institutional size and type were examined, and the results indicated general consensus between the two groups. (MSE)

This document presents edited interviews with four former superintendents of instruction--Ewald Nyquist of New York, Jack Nix of Georgia, Dolores Colburg of Montana, and John Pittenger of Pennsylvania. Although the states in which these persons held their positions are quite different, there are a number of commonalities in the problems they…

In early 1983, a survey was conducted among the presidents and board chairpersons of the 14 public community colleges in Pennsylvania, asking respondents to rate the level of importance of 20 presidential roles based on their institution's needs during the 1982-83 academic year. During a joint annual meeting of Pennsylvania community college…

To survive a contentious, dysfunctional environment, interested school board members in a Pennsylvania community captured support from district leaders. A steering committee composed of the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and board president was formed. Establishing rules for brainstorming sessions and developing a "leadership…

A commission charged with examining the process of Pennsylvania school board policy making as it relates to the roles of the board and the superintendent expresses a number of concerns and makes recommendations. Broad areas identified as needing continuous attention by boards and superintendents are the appraisal of goals and objectives, inservice…