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Perceptions Of Iowa High School Principals On The Relationship Of Leadership, School Size, And Socioeconomic Level To School Culture, Kevin Wayne Fiene

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

American society is changing. Consequently, public schools are being called to change as well. Previous reform efforts have failed to bring about substantive change and improvement. Current reform efforts are calling for the changing of school culture. What factors influence school culture? What role does leadership, school size, and socioeconomic levels play in developing school culture?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of leadership, school size, and socioeconomic level to school culture utilizing the Competing Values Framework. The Competing Values Framework provided four ideal culture types and eight leadership roles. Culture types included group, developmental, rational …

Elements Of Reflection For Secondary Principals : A Reflective Essay, Brian R. Phillips

Graduate Research Papers

Are future administrators ready to stand up for what they believe is right for kids? Most administrators would probably respond with a yes. Two central questions that all administrators must ask themselves before taking that first administrative job: Do I have a personal vision of educational beliefs that are important for all children? Secondly, to what extent am I able to stand by my beliefs for children, even if it means leaving a principalship position because of philosophical belief conflict with peers and/or superiors?

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools: A Reflective Essay, Catherine A. Timmerman

Graduate Research Papers

When I began my journey on the road to an administrative degree, I knew that being a principal would be a difficult one. I also knew it would be a job I could do and definitely wanted to try. Brubaker (1995) stated that, "Principals are "can do" people"(p. 92). This is a quote which has validated my beliefs that principals make things happen.

Counseling Groups For High School Students, Rachel E. Williams

Graduate Research Papers

Groups were first established in the public schools in the early 1900s. At this time, the group provided an environment in which to learn life skills and values rather than focusing on the group process (Gladding, 1995). There was a growth of groups in select schools during the 1910s, although the focus continued to be on individual counseling. In the 1930s, the focus of groups was on vocational and personal themes. They were often the responsibility of homeroom teachers. In these groups, the teacher was responsible for establishing friendly relationships and developing the right attitudes toward school, home, and the …

A Perspective Of The Position Of An Elementary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Ed Rogers

Graduate Research Papers

As I implement my leadership vision, I will become the keeper of the rules; the protector of broken hearts and disappointed dreams; the provider of unyielding encouragement and relentless motivator to help kids so they can reach beyond themselves; and the helper of people to develop friendships and respect for others, and to become responsible citizens. Most of all, I hope I will become the kind of role model which touches lives and helps lead them in a wonderful direction in life.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Julia Burton-Varn

Graduate Research Papers

Whole language; inclusion; acceleration; best practices; integrated curriculum; back-to basics; Education 2000; Carnegie Report; School-to-Work Initiative; technological course-ware; multiple intelligences; emotional intelligences; multicultural, non-sexist education; and strategic planning are all educational issues that have emerged, submerged, and in some cases re-emerged during the fifteen years that I have been teaching. As schools embrace or reject standards or movements, one can ask if the quality of education has actually changed. There are frequent reports and articles concerning the poor quality of the educational system within the United States. A continual debate surrounds the effectiveness of a system and the quality of …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Michelle Elam

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on my experiences, beliefs and other influencing factors guiding me into an administrative career. I will share my personal characteristics including values, beliefs and philosophies and my own professional vision for quality education. I will close with my plan for assuring effective administrative practices.

A Vision Of A Successful Secondary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Gregory P. Herbst

Graduate Research Papers

Being in education, whether it be as an administrator or a classroom teacher, is not about "us" and "them". It is about "we" -- and what can "we" do together to make every child learn as much as possible? What can "we" do together to make every child enjoy and at the same time be challenged by this educational experience? What can "we" do to encourage each student to become a lifelong learner and caring, responsible citizen?

Throughout this reflective paper, I will outline what I feel are some of the important qualities of an effective secondary principal. These qualities …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Stephen J. Haberman

Graduate Research Papers

To be an effective administrator in the 21st century one will need to acquire help from the students, parents, community and governmental agencies. Children today are faced with so many complex issues and obstacles. As educators we need to take all of these issues into consideration when working with kids. We need to be thought of as the teachers of children, not a subject matter. Yes, it's important that kids learn the basics and that college bound kids are ready for there next educational experience, but we have an obligation to our community in helping in the development of their …

A Vision For Elementary Administration: A Reflective Essay, Beth Wright

Graduate Research Papers

As a high school student I would have never dreamt that I would be in a profession as an educator. I had my life mapped out, nursing school and then gaining specialized training in the area of pediatrics. l should have known that college would open doors. In my sophomore year of college, I stood in front of the mirror in my dorm room and asked myself, "What do you really want to do with your life?" It was then when my heart answered me, a teacher. From that point forward, education has been my passion and life blood. It …

Quality Schools For The Next Century: A Reflective Essay, Pam J. Zeigler

Graduate Research Papers

My formal education began in 1967 in a small school in north central Iowa. The world was a lot different then. There were 13 students in my kindergarten class. We all lived with our biological mother and father. Our fathers were the "breadwinners;" our mothers were the "bread makers." We read books about Dick, Jane, and Sally and completed thousands of worksheets. We memorized facts and sat quietly while the teacher did all the talking. We thought that once we graduated from high school we were finished with school forever. Words, such as drugs, computers, and AIDS, were not a …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, David D. Fox

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership styles come in many different forms and are often difficult to separate and identify as they mix and entwine in their functions. In this paper I will discuss the characteristics of seven leadership styles or skills: autocratic, instructional, transactional, transformational, situational, expert thinking, and value-added leadership. For each style I will attempt to identify some administrative tasks that lend themselves to a particular style, or that I have seen approached using a specific style. I will conclude with how I foresee my leadership skills developing and how I plan to continue to improve.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Joseph M. Bearns

Graduate Research Papers

A principal has to be a facilitator more than a director. He or she has to work as part of a team and to face challenges with a "we" viewpoint rather than a "I say, you do." Not only does the principal of today have to collaborate with teachers, students and parents; they also need to be aware of the.larger community outside of the school. A child in the school may have needs that go beyond the classroom and the effective administrator will be able to call upon support services to meet the needs of that child as well as …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Fredrick A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This reflective paper is my vision of the role of a forward looking Secondary Administrator who effectively uses educational research to impact school improvement in a positive fashion. It is, in effect, a snapshot that includes two sections. Some personal history, characteristics, and core values are in the first section. The final section is a composite reflection that synthesizes knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through coursework and from experience into my professional vision for administrative practice. I think brain compatible computer-assisted learning can be a component of effective education and the research cited reflects that.

Educational Leadership -- A Philosophy For An Effective Secondary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Steven L. Gray

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership is a very recognizable characteristic, trait, or process in our society today. We know it when we see it, yet it remains very difficult to define. Leadership can be an organizational function, an individual function, or a process that may take on different characteristics depending on the setting.

There are literally hundreds of philosophies/definitions of leadership, and nearly as many on educational leadership. The goal of this paper is not to give an all encompassing definition or model for effective educational leadership, but rather to simplify the characteristics of an effective secondary principal into four categories: (1) manager, (2) …

Reflections Of Administration, Todd R. Hahlen

Graduate Research Papers

A principal as an instructional leader perceivably means providing the necessary knowledge so that the school's academic goals can be met. Information is a key factor in education leadership. Possessing expert knowledge and skill in curriculum so that teachers perceive that their interaction with the principal leads directly to the classroom practice. Communication skills in one-on-one, small group, large group, settings move the staff forward in creating a vision that is visible and real so that curriculum goals can be attained for the welfare of all students (Smith & Andrews, 1989). This reflective paper discusses a variety of issues facing …

Native American Indian Female Students In Higher Education, Becky Youngbear

Graduate Research Papers

Colleges and universities have witnessed a significant increase in the number of underrepresented student populations but are just beginning to become aware of their needs. These students encounter academic and social problems prior to and after entering colleges and universities. Institutional awareness and support are just a start in an effort to retain and assist underrepresented students in college. Among these underrepresented groups are Native American Indians who are challenged to succeed in a Eurocentric higher education setting.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Randall W. Strabala

Graduate Research Papers

Why is it that some people give up the relative security and comfort of working with children in the classroom to join the principalship? Why do these same people choose to leave an area where they are the perceived expert in their field for an area where one's decisions are constantly questioned and criticized by those he or she works for and with? These are difficult questions to answer and in a rational sense, there are not a lot of logical responses for why some individuals decide to devote the effort necessary to understand and achieve the position of the …

A Perspective On Leadership In Technology And Curriculum : A Reflective Essay, Lori J. Seawel

Graduate Research Papers

I believe my experiences with technology will play an equally important role as a principal or curriculum coordinator. In this paper, I focused on the role I feel technology must have in education. I addressed the following areas relative to administrative responsibilities concerning technology: school and community relations, school reform, technology's role in the restructuring process, strategic planning for technology infusion, curriculum as the driving force for technology integration, the technology coordinator, and professional development.

A Vision For The Administration Of A Secondary School : A Reflective Essay, Steve E. Dodge

Graduate Research Papers

In order to keep a school running smoothly today administrators must be able to perform a wide variety of jobs effectively. The key role that any principal must play is that of a leader. The ability to lead determines how effective an administrator will be in carrying out all of the other roles. The leadership of a school's instructional program is an area in which the principal has perhaps the greatest potential to influence the largest number of people. Through this role one impacts all programs of the school.

A Vision Of Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Mary Elizabeth Bladt (Klein)

Graduate Research Papers

My interest in the field of education was sparked before I entered kindergarten. My mom was a teacher and I had two high school-aged siblings planning to enter the educational field. These three individuals greatly influenced my desire to enter the educational profession. By the age of eight, I had decided that I was going to make a difference in the lives of children and to right all of the wrongs that I had heard about from various family conversations. My maturity and experiences have allowed me to reflect upon the roles of leadership.

Educational Excellence For Administrating Schools : A Reflective Essay, Cynthia J. Lapel

Graduate Research Papers

A visionary leader must look at what the organization should be like to achieve educational excellence, and then be willing to undertake the necessary steps to achieve the vision. Educational excellence will take a strong-hold only when it evolves from a community commitment for excellence. This community consisting of students and teachers, as well as parents and the public, led by a visionary administrator, will develop a commonly held vision to achieve educational excellence for their school district.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, Vicki Mueller

Graduate Research Papers

Just as the role of the school is changing to fit the needs of our students and society, the role of the school administrator is changing to meet the needs of the school. The school administrator should be viewed as important liaison between the school and the community. More and more, their role is proactive as opposed to reactive, as it appears to have been years ago. If an administrator takes the time to make contacts and build relationships, the loyalty and commitment by students, parents, staff and community will help to assure success and prosperity for all.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jean M. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

As a future school administrator, I have established what I feel are my personal beliefs or philosophies about how I might effectively minister or serve others. This reflective essay discusses two of those beliefs – the beliefs that effective communication, and the acquisition and utilization of organizational skills, are essential in any leadership role.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kellie A. Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

This paper discusses reform in our schools today. It contains opposing views of change, national standards, career-oriented reform, the school as a "home within a school", kindergarten-like atmospheres, market-based initiatives, school employee reform, philosophical models, and the pitfalls of reformation. The paper closes with my own comments.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary/Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brad E. Small

Graduate Research Papers

The success and future of our nation, if not the entire world, depends on educating our children. For this reason, I have decided to seek anew career in educational administration after serving as a teacher and coach for.the past twelve years.

As the building principal, you lead by example. What the principal does on a regular basis overtime, becomes the most important aspect of the school (D. Else, Personal. Communication, 1997). I really understood the power of that statement. When looking back at my former principals, I can see how their actions helped or hindered their leadership. Students and.staff will …

Counseling Diverse Adolescents And Adults, Nicole Needham Wee

Graduate Research Papers

For many years, counseling professionals have tried to advance research in the knowledge and techniques essential to effective multicultural counseling. Despite such efforts, many counselors still have difficulty meeting the needs of ethnic minority clients (Sue & Zane, 1987). According to Stein ( 1997), many multicultural courses present only a broad view of multicultural concepts without adequately preparing practitioners to actually counsel diverse populations. The resulting confusion counselors experience in their relationships with minority clients may be one of the reasons that counseling is underutilized by many cultural groups. Brown ( as cited in Marino, 1996) commented that African Americans …

A Vision For Leading Effective Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jennifer L. Hartman

Graduate Research Papers

We will face many challenges in the year 2000 and beyond - societal issues, economic issues, educational issues. The school in which I work will strive to promote leadership in all teachers, form a community of lifelong learners, and evaluate and grow professionally together. It is not my goal to manage with a top-down approach. It is my vision that I will lead the school community into exceptional instruction and learning. Leadership strengths will flow from a shared vision, values, and personal reflection. I do believe that by following these three tenets, I will lead the kids of today into …

Children Of Divorce : Implication To Teaching, Lisa Timmerman

Graduate Research Papers

Each day nearly 2,989 children experience a divorce within their families (Parker, 1994). Within the last several decades, the incidence of divorce within the United States has risen dramatically. The trend is that nearly half of all marriages will end in divorce (O'Leary & Smith, 1991). In fact, it is expected that at least 40% of all children will spend some part of their lives in a single parent household (Garvin, Leber, & Kalter, 1991). It is also estimated that over 90% of these children will reside with their mothers (Diamond, 1985; Kalter, 1990). 1 In this paper, the ·author …

Where Am I Going? Where Have I Been?, Teresa R. Coenen

Graduate Research Papers

The task of writing a reflective essay is to describe my educational philosophy and beliefs, how they were framed and formed, and how I hope to apply them in future applications. In order to understand my goals, one must first look at the path that has lead me to these goals. Before I can truly understand where I am going, I must first review where I have been. I have never – not even for one minute – regretted my decision to become an educator. In the last seven years, I have never wished to skip a single day of …