This book synthesizes research findings on principal effectiveness, viewing the principal as a key factor in ensuring school effectiveness and productivity. Methodology includes an extensive literature review, participation and observation grounded in theory, and pragmatic responses to conditions and issues. Chapter 1 presents an overview of…

A study investigated the conversational forms leaders employ, exploring the relationship between leaders' conversations and symbolic outcomes. It was hypothesized (1) that effective conversations by leaders would be characterized by coordinated management episodes, positive spirals, perfunctory rituals, and value expressive rituals, whereas…

This guide provides summaries and analyses of various measures related to school leadership and administrator skills, behavior styles, and characteristics. The guide aims to help schools, districts, and other educational organizations examine their leadership effectiveness. While principals are stressed, some information is provided about…

Although the idea of androgynous leadership has been discussed frequently in the management literature, little empirical evidence has been accumulated to support a conceptual integration. Results of preliminary research support the hypothesis that sex-role orientation is a better predictor of leadership behavior than is biological sex. This study…

Investigates the leadership characteristics of effective Colorado Outward Bound school instructors and examines criteria to be used in staff selection procedures. Biographical and personality data collected from 130 instructors at the Colorado school indicated a statistically significant correlation of a number of biographical characteristics with…

A study of elementary and secondary principals revealed that effective principals all demonstrated five essential qualities of leadership--they had clear visions of desirable futures for their schools, translated those visions into specific goals, established supportive environments for improvement, monitored progress, and intervened effectively…

Examines research findings concerning sex differences in communication and offers suggestions that might heighten students' awareness of effective communication styles. (EL)

Just what should the public expect from the leadership at the school district level? Why does it seem to be eternally controversial in many places, especially in urban districts? What difference could achieving "the right fit" between superintendents and school boards make in the learning of children? Currently, most of the attention on reforming…

This publication is intended to provide readers with practical, detailed guidance in acquiring the knowledge and skills (and perhaps in unlearning certain skills that helped get readers where they are) that will take their leadership to the next--extraordinary--level. Two case studies are detailed at pertinent places throughout the book to…

Although it's true that effective school leaders focus on research, data, and statistics, the reality is that much of school leadership is also about how you handle personal relationships. That's why "The Art of School Leadership" is a must-read for any experienced or aspiring principal. Using concrete examples from his nearly 30 years of…

This riveting account of Dennis Littky and how his ideas turned around a troubled rural high school--the first school named to the acclaimed Coalition of Essential Schools--gives you a behind-the-scenes perspective on how principal leadership can accomplish positive change. Read how Littky's philosophy of personalized learning--one student at a…

Three Illinois community college chairs were selected to participate in this study, which examined the challenges faced by community college board chairs. In Illinois, the chair is an elected official, who has been selected by her or his fellow trustees to fulfill a statutory obligation and to serve the college in a leadership position. The author…

This research is a narrative analysis based on an investigation into the professional lives of heads of English Departments (HODs) in three New Zealand secondary schools. The main data collection methods of interviews and observations used in this study fall within an interpretive paradigm. While HODs play a pivotal role in secondary schools,…

In April 2004, teams of policymakers and practitioners from eight Western states joined Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and the National Governors Association (NGA) at "Leadership for Turning Around Low-Performing Schools: A Western Regional Roundtable," a two-day meeting that explored the connection between educational leadership and…

In U.S. public schools a limited number of women have attained the position of superintendent. Consequently, there has been limited research focusing on understanding the position from a woman?s perspective. The purpose of this study was to add to the small body of literature focusing on women?s ideas and beliefs about leading schools. A survey…