Education Commons^™

Trends In Enrollment And Outcomes For Latino Children In Massachusetts Public Schools, Miren Uriarte, Nicole Lavan

Gastón Institute Publications

Looks at enrollment data related to Latino students in Massachusetts Public Schools since 1988.

Myths And Poor Policy Affecting The Future Of School Superintendents, Theodore J. Kowalski

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

Across the country, state policymakers are acting to weaken professional standards for school superintendents. Nine states no longer require a license for this position and among the remaining 41 states, over half (54%, including Ohio) have provisions for waivers or emergency certificates and 15 states (37%, including Ohio) sanction alternative preparation programs for licensure (Feistritzer, 2003). Sadly, this trend toward de-professionalizing the most influential position in public education is being fueled by myths and unless it is curtailed, it will seriously damage our public education system.

Learning To Use Innovative Pedagogy: The Experience Of A Primary Science Teacher In Pakistan, Nelofer Halai

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

This study examined the experiences of primary science teachers when they weThis study examined the experiences of primary science teachers when they were exposed to a new and innovative teaching strategy and the process that they followed in using the strategy in the class- room for the first time. Four primary science teachers, among the 22 participants of an 8-week Certificate in Education (Science) in Karachi, were observed and interviewed after the four-day teaching session where they were instructed how to use "Discrepant Events" to teach science content. Only the case of Farhana Batool, a teacher in a private school, …

The Levy Process And Your Constituents: Know The Issues, David Alan Dolph

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

School levies and bond issues have dramatically increased across the country. State funding formulas that limit inflationary growth in revenue, more man- dates that require additional resources, and changes in tax laws all contribute to this growing phenomenon.

More and more, school boards are turning to their constituents for financial support through the levy process. School business officials and other education leaders are looking at a variety of approaches and techniques for increasing the likelihood of voters’ approving levies. One technique is to survey constituents to determine the issues foremost on their minds. Data collected through statistically accurate survey techniques …

A Descriptive Study Of The Marketing Mix Strategies Utilized By North American Christian Schools, David D. Horner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Educators often misunderstand marketing. Frequently it is viewed as simply advertising or selling. Marketing is far more encompassing. A closer look at the components of marketing reveals an involvement in virtually all aspects of private school operations. Other than miracles or providential guidance, a solid business plan, based on the “marketing mix,” might contribute most to the overall growth and customer satisfaction within a Christian school. This dissertation is a qualitative study designed to research the marketing mix strategies of private, Christian schools throughout America and Canada. This research effort was designed to collect both descriptive and historical data. A …

Moral Self-Concept Of Public And Christian School Teachers In An Atlanta Metropolitan Area County, Timothy Reid Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically, the importance of moral and ethical behavior has helped govern the educational process in the United States. The research shows that students notice and are affected by the moral character of a teacher as it is conveyed by a teacher’s behavior and lifestyle, both in and out of the classroom. This quantitative causal-comparative study, conducted in October and November of 2004, examined the moral self-concept of teachers as measured by the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: Second Education (TSCS:2). The population consisted of 210 teachers from a metropolitan Atlanta county employed by public and Christian elementary and secondary schools. The investigation …

Mentoring Teacher's Stories: Caring Mentors Help Novice Teachers Stick With Teaching And Develop Expertise, Jarene Fluckiger, Sheryl Mcglamery, Nancy Edick

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

The article describes the challenges being faced by novice teachers and the role of mentors for novice teachers to stay in the profession and develop expertise. Educators have gathered evidence showing the need for mentors to help novice teachers stay in teaching and develop into master teachers. Longitudinal quantitative studies have indicated that novice teachers participating in this comprehensive induction program improved their effectiveness faster than their peers not in such a program. A frequently cited reason for attrition is teacher isolation.

Teacher Education In Pakistan With Particular Reference To Teachers' Conceptions Of Teaching, Amin Rehmani

Examination Board

This paper discusses teacher education in Pakistan with particular emphasis on teachers’ conceptions of teaching in improving quality of education. This paper is based on an initial study that examines teachers’ conceptions of teaching in the context of Pakistan. The study seeks to explore whether teachers’ conceptions of teaching influence decision-making in classroom teaching. It describes conditions of teaching and learning in Pakistan and argues for reform in teacher education to improve quality of teaching and learning.

Teachers As Leaders In The Pakistani Context, Nusrat Fatima Rizvi

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

Teacher Leaders: Experiences Of Pakistani Teachers In Leading School Improvement Activities, Mwanaate Shabaan, Rashida Qureshi

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

Teaching Quality In Self-Study Research, Ayesha Bashiruddin

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

This paper discusses how the Master of Education (MEd) students at AKU-IED are empowered to understand and monitor quality in self study research. The paper is based on the experience of teaching self study research over a period of three years. During this period, students in the Teacher Learning course in the MEd programme were asked to explore their journey of becoming teachers and teacher educators using self study research. As an end product the students were asked to write an autobiography. During these processes of self-exploration and the writing process, they were asked to follow guidelines identified by Bullough …

A Female Pdt’S Journey In The Northern Areas Of Pakistan, Safida Begum

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

This paper presents the learning journey of a female Professional Development Teacher (PDT) in the context of Northern Pakistan. This journey highlights difficulties for the female PDT in constructing her image as a leader or a change agent in a traditionally male dominated society. The paper explores the major challenges faced by the PDT in putting the theory of leadership into the realities of the context and describes the supporting factors that enabled her to establish herself as a leader. From her experiences, the author draws the processes and strategies for a female leader in a rural male dominated society, …

Initiating Change In Classrooms: Pathways And Challenges For East African Schools, Anjum Halai, Ruth Otienoh, Zeenat Shariff, Naomi Swat

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

This paper draws upon classroom-related findings from a set of impact case studies of whole school improvement in six primary schools that have been involved as “cooperating schools” in long-term school-university partnerships with the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (IED), and it’s Professional Development Centre in East Africa (PDC-EA). The IED approach for school improvement involves participating schools in multiple strands of professional development, including: a two-year masters degree programme that provides selected teachers with the pedagogical and leadership knowledge and skills to serve as Professional Development Teachers in their schools; Certificate in Education programmes (CEP) for teachers …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Pk-12 Schools : A Reflective Essay, Derek L. Roberts

Graduate Research Papers

Ever since I can remember I have thought about furthering my education to become an administrator. There are several reasons for this and the more I thought about them, I knew it was right for me. Natural leaders are pushed into situations. My whole life I have been a leader no matter what I have been involved with or what type of job I was working in. Possessing these strong qualities that will help me in being a well rounded and respected educational leader will be very beneficial in all the different situations that can arise. My leadership skills are …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Melinda S. Dunlap

Graduate Research Papers

There are many qualities needed for a principal to be an exemplary educational leader. A leader needs to be strong in supporting parental involvement, providing meaningful staff development, attracting and retaining quality teachers, and being a leader in technology. By being strong in these four areas, a leader is off to a great start on the road to becoming "the main educational facilitator of the learning community" (Wilmore, 2002, p. 5).

A Preferred Way For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Travis M. Axeen

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership education is the beginning step for those interested in the challenge of being a school administrator. A school administrator is a leader in the school and in the community. His leadership encompasses many different areas including vision, instruction, organization, collaborative dealings, ethics, and political areas. Leadership education forces students to begin thinking like an administrator and stresses the importance of a school administrator being an educational leader promoting the success of all students. As administrators we want to promote the success of all students. In order to do this a school vision must be formulated. A visionary leader will …

Exemplary Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Sarah E. Morgan

Graduate Research Papers

Maybe now more than ever, the need for strong leadership in education is necessary. Unfortunately, leadership can be masked by many other titles: director, manager, boss, dictator. None are accurate descriptions of a leader. A leader takes on the appearance of servant, peer, guide, and mentor. By serving the staff and meeting their needs--physically, professionally, and emotionally--authority is developed so that managerial techniques which instill resentment are no longer effective,nor needed, and staff will feel comfortable working with you, for you, and along side you.

Education Must Change : A Reflective Essay, Ryan K. Riewerts

Graduate Research Papers

This paper outlines five important areas to be an effective administrator and facilitator of educational change. The first area is my belief about education and educational leadership and why I chose to enter the educational leadership field. The second focus area involves the use of reflective practices to improve myself as an educator and administrator as well as discussing the use of reflective practices for educational change. The third area discusses the role of a leader in school reform. The fourth area talks about an administrator's role as an instructional leader to both the students in their school as well …

The Lessons And Experiences Of My Transformation Into An Educational Leader : A Reflective Essay, Kelli Kathleen Rixner

Graduate Research Papers

The descriptor for Iowa Administrator Standard I, "A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared by the school community," is the all-encompassing goal and performance· standard I have set for myself to become an effective school administrator.

The Practices Of A Successful Educational Leader : A Reflective Essay, Christopher K. Schmit

Graduate Research Papers

Good leaders are essential to successful organizations in the business world. Similarly, good educational leaders are imperative to students' continual success in the school building and beyond. High student achievement and positive school climate are very important when school is in session, but students must continue to be successful when school is not in session. Some of the many roles that allow an educational leader to make this possible include: being a leader of reflection, educational change, continuous improvement, and service. These roles influence both teachers and students in the development of themselves, encouraging them to continually strive to be …

Collaborative Leadership Is A Critical Element Essential For Exemplary Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, William R. Sieck

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers, principals, and parents working together as an educational team to provide the best possible education for our children is a very important task. The efforts of the teachers in the classrooms and the leadership of the principal in the school are very important in this effort. In order for schools to do their best for the students several factors are needed. Many of these are things that need to be nurtured and supported. Some are always considered to be a work in progress.

A viable curriculum that is rigorous and relevant is important. Learning to set appropriate goals and …

A Preferred Vision For Administering High Schools : A Reflective Essay, Shane R. Knoche

Graduate Research Papers

This reflective research paper is an accumulation of my belief on education and the four elements that I believe are the most important to creating a successful school district. The four critical elements are teamwork, developing leaders, ethical decision making, and professional development.

I believe our responsibility in education is to teach all students the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in today's world. Many people in society feel that education is a state of decay. There is the perception that teachers are inept and unqualified. I believe that the majority of teachers are motivated and qualified. We need …

Educational Leadership And The Vital Role It Plays, Brian T. Kuhle

Graduate Research Papers

The profession of administration is no simple task. The weight of any decision can be a difficult one. As the corporate executive of any major company, the greatest loss is money. A building administrator in a school system risks not only the financial ruin of the school, but the failed education of a child whose future is dependent upon it. The difficulty involved in the career is evident; therefore, the passion the administrator has toward seeing that every child in the building or district has an equal opportunity to reach his or her maximum academic, social, and physical potential is …

When Is It Time For Science?, Raymond J. Dagenais

Publications & Research

The title of this article begs the question, "When should we be teaching science to our children?"

Even before birth human beings may recognize natural phenomena such as pressure and temperature differences, and spontaneously react to changes in such things. These are learning experiences. It can be argued that as the brain continues to grow and develop, connections are beginning to be formed and subconscious memories created. Information gathered through the senses may be stored in unarticulated patterns in the brain. Here is the foundation for a scientific understanding of nature.

Reflections On Culture, Change, And Service In Educational Leadership, Jonathan J. Dennis

Graduate Research Papers

Educating a child is an overwhelming job that is impossible to do alone. School leaders must develop and nurture a well-articulated vision of success, demonstrate outstanding collaboration with all stakeholders, and model heroically ethical behavior to students and staff. School leaders use reflective practice to become change agents and to create a culture of learning for students and staff.

Interview Of Charles Gresh, F.S.C., Charles Gresh, Matthew Smalarz

All Oral Histories

Br. Charles Gresh has served La Salle as a faculty member in the English Department, Director of the Annual Fund, Director of Housing and Dean of Students. He was president of St. John's College, a preparatory school in Washington, DC, for nine years.

What I Believe About Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, James R. Cook

Graduate Research Papers

The job of a principal has endless responsibilities and expectations. Knowing what your convictions are, morals, philosophy, expectations, and your vision of the future are key components in becoming a principal. Having an understanding of technology and where it can be used to enhance learning will help students become prepared for the future as well as getting the parents and community to support the school district will help in all areas of the school; such as academics, athletics, and the fine arts. Having all of the areas become successful in their own right, will give any principal the feeling of …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : Reflective Research, Trent A. Jeffrey

Graduate Research Papers

In the field of education, having a great leader is very important. The principal is like a captain of a ship. He can lead that ship right down the middle so that his students and staff can see things from both sides or he can run aground and really cause some problems. Leadership is something that must come from within. You can definitely tell when you are around someone that is a natural leader and someone who is trying their hardest.

A leader is someone who is well read on the new and innovative changes in education. They are caring, …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Brian J. Meaney

Graduate Research Papers

Being in a position of leadership is a great responsibility. Administrators are asked to fill many roles within the school culture. They make decisions that affect a large number of people, and each decision comes with its criticism. It is important for an administrator to gain the trust and respect of the staff by not asking them to do things that you would not do. Show the staff that that you want to become the best, and they will follow.

Mentoring As An Alternative Approach To In-Service Teacher Education In Balochistan: Some Successes And Challenges, Muhammad Memon, Firdousali Lalwani, Rakhshinda Meher

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

No abstract provided.