Educational Leadership Commons^™

Crossing The Bridge From Eighth To Tenth Grade: Can Ninth Grade Schools Make It Better?, Eddie James Peasant Ii

Dissertations

Ninth grade is a complicated time period in the school years of young adolescents, They face many social, emotional, physical, and academic issues during the transition from eighth grade to the freshman year. In some cases, these problems in ninth grade lead to increased dropout rate. This matter is addressed in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). School districts across the country are establishing programs to deal with this dilemma of students transitioning from the middle grades to high school. One such program is the ninth grade school or academy. The general purpose of this study was to investigate …

Koinonia, Kate Bowman Johnston, James Spiegel, Glen Kinoshita, Todd Ream, Jesse M. Brown

Koinonia

Spotlight Feature
The Cult of Cool: Rejecting Relevance and Pursuing Faithfulness, Kate Bowman Johnston

Reflection
Faith and the Problem of Suffering, James Spiegel

ACSD Summer 2006
Photos from ACSE

Author Interview
Our Place at the Table: The Role of White People in Racial Reconciliation: An Interview with Doug Schaupp, Glen Kinoshita

Thinking Theologically
Thinking Theologically: The Seasons of Hope's Redemption Part I, Todd Ream

Book Review
Skin Games, reviewed by Jessie M. Brown

Features
The President's Corner

Editor's Desk

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.

Factors Contributing To Career Success: Perceptions From African American Male School Administrators, Oliver Wilson

Dissertations

In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with seven Black male school administrators in the Michigan school district who held the position of assistant principal or principal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of Black male school administrators in Michigan school districts. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Using a phenomenological approach the participant responses were codified, grouped, and analyzed for emergent themes. Five themes emerged as a result of the data analysis: (1) Colleague support is a key mechanism in the success of Black male school administrators. (2) Parental involvement is important in the success …

Malcolm S. Knowles: Four Major Historical Social Movements That Influencd Him And He Influenced As He Became An Adult Educator, John A. Henschke Edd

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

Using a qualitative approach, this research provided thematic analysis and description of the context of Knowles' autobiography. The Making of an Adult Educator. The research questions included: What took place when Knowles and Savicevic met in 1966? How did Knowles decide to make use of the term andragogy to name his theory of adult learning in 1967 and 1968? What discourse followed Knowles' introduction of his theory? What social movements in the U.S. occurred during Knowles' times? Denzin's (1989) model of a fully triangulated biographical investigation, consisting of a case history, a case study, a life story, a personal experience …

Conjoint Behavioral Consultation: Application To The School-Based Treatment Of Anxiety Disorders, Elana R. Bernstein, Thomas R. Kratochwill, Kelly A. Feeney-Kettler

Counselor Education and Human Services Faculty Publications

In the current paper we discuss the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders using a problem-solving consultation framework. The role of consultation as a service delivery model in a school setting is elaborated on, as well as the contribution that consultation has in the movement towards evidence-based practices in school psychology. Additionally, a description of the role of consultation specifically in the treatment of childhood anxiety is provided. The role of parents and teachers in treatment is further elucidated, and the separate influence each may have on traditional treatment outcomes is presented. Finally, we discuss the benefits of using a conjoint …

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 …

How Teacher Attitudes And Administrator Behaviors Affect Levels Of Technology Integration In The Classroom, Sheri Leigh Bradshaw

Dissertations

Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate how well teachers’ attitudes predict levels of technology integration into the classroom. This study also investigated whether perceived support from the administrator as the instructional leader was related to teachers’ levels of technology integration into the classroom. The population for this study included identified school districts in rural North Georgia. Utilizing the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for the 2002-2003 school year, the researcher identified 5 peer districts: Franklin County, Gilmer County, Stephens County, Union County, and White County. All middle and high school teachers within a district were invited to …

Superintendents ’ Perceptions Of Clinical Supervision Practices In A District-Wide Implementation Program, Myrna Rae Ladner Bourgeois

Dissertations

In 1990 a new idea swept through the educational industry. Forty-nine school districts in Pennsylvania instituted a new form of organizational management called clinical supervision. In effect, this was a change in the relationship between administration and teachers concerning instructional behaviors. Formerly, when teachers were supervised and evaluated by administrators, they felt intimidated. They also felt their privacy was being invaded. Clinical supervision is an attempt to organize the methodology of teacher supervision while improving instruction. The purpose of this study was to provide data to the participating school districts for use in developing supervision, evaluation, and involvement training modification …

School Web Sites And Teacher Employment Interest, David Theodore Freeman

Dissertations

The Internet has changed the way many organizations, including public and private schools, recruit and select employees. It has also changed the way many people research and pursue employment opportunities, including those seeking positions in education. The school Web site is often the medium of first contact between a school or school district and a potential employee. That first contact can influence the potential employee’s decision to actively pursue employment with a school or a school district.

This research measured the reactions o f preservice teachers who visited three grade-level appropriate school Web sites of “poor,” “average,” and “best” distinction. …

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 …

Imsa20: Bold Ideas, Two-Decade Report Of The Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy 1986-2006, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

Annual Reports

Twenty years ago, Illinois citizens dared to design a bold future by asking this visionary question. One of the astonishing outcomes of their brave imaginations is the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy...

Koinonia, Jo Anne Lyon, Amy E. Bartley, Todd Ream, Josh Staffieri, Glen Kinoshita

Koinonia

Conference Spotlight
The Blessing of Purpose, Jo Anne Lyon

Dealing With Burnout
Light at the End of the Tunnel: A Burnout Intervention Plan for Student Development Professionals, Amy E. Bartley

Community Considerations
Thinking Theologically: Considering Community, Todd Ream

Men's Issues
Everybody Loves Raymond, Josh Staffieri

Book Review
Being White: Finding Our Place in a Multiethnic World, reviewed by Glen Kinoshita

Features
The President's Corner; Editor's Disk

Developing And Implementing A Higher Education Quality Initiative, Monica W. Tracey

Administrative and Organizational Studies

The Oakland University School of Education and Human Services' Quality Initiative is discussed in the context of the history of higher education and quality management, with comparison to initiatives at Fordham University, Lienhard School of Nursing, the College of Nursing at Rush University, the University of Alabama, Oregon State University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

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 Vision For Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Amy M. Beach

Graduate Research Papers

Educational leadership is a calling. Changes in the world are reflected within the school walls; principals must be ready to accept the challenges the lie ahead. Effective leadership means embracing the desire to accept this calling, reflecting upon practice and experience for continuous improvement, modeling effective instructional strategies, inspiring learning in students and adults and being a catalyst for positive change. The responsibilities are vast, but the success of our students and community is dependent upon steadfast leadership.

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 …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tashona R. Marshall

Graduate Research Papers

An excellent leader understands that the life jacket of education for many of our students is often not given to students while they are out in the canoe of life. Many times schools have stood at the shore with the life saving apparatus, urging students to come to shore to access it. Yet all the while, children are sinking and drowning because no one has considered what would happen if educators dared to go out in the water and bring them in.

L.A. Butler (1997), a school principal in a poor minority school that transformed her school from a low …

Common Elements For Re-Orienting Higher Education Institutions In Various Countries Toward Lifelong Learning: Research And Implications For Practice, John A. Henschke Edd

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

This research study focused on the question: What common elements will need to be considered to help higher education institutions in various countries shift toward a lifelong learning focus? Research is presented on the background and experiences of various institutions in this regard, developing a policy statement on elements of this re-orientation as a product of a worldwide conference, and ultimately constructing "measurable performance indicators" (MPI) for the seven elements - overarching frameworks, strategic partnerships and linkages, research, teaching and learning processes, administration policies and mechanisms, decision support systems, and student support systems and services. Research and implications for practices …

International Research Foundation For Andragogy And The Implications For Adult Education Practice, John A. Henschke Edd

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

This study searched the literature providing an international research foundation for andragogy. Six themes have emerged: The evolution of the term; historical antecedents shaping the concept; comparison of American and European understandings; popularizing of the American concept; practical applications; and theory, research, and definition. Implications are provided for the practice of andragogy within the fields of adult, continuing, community, extension, and human resource development education.

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.

Parents, Guilt, And Forgiveness: The Effects Of Divorce On College Students Attending Private Christian Colleges, Kristin Deal

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

With national divorce statistics on a rise, higher education should consider its approach to meeting the needs of students from these homes. Specifically, faith-based institutions must think about the effects divorce has had on the faith development of students from divorced families. Using individual interviews and a focus group, I researched the experiences and faith development of seven students from divorced homes attending three private Christian institutions in Southern California. The qualitative nature of the study gave voice to the unique stories of these students.

Student Success Or Student Non-Dissatisfaction?, Jerry Pattengale

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.