Digital Commons Network^™

Ensuring Communications Between Superintendent And Board, Dale L. Jensen

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

Good communication between the superintendent of schools and his/her board of education has always been needed. Now, however, with the continuing push for "transformation," the need to have ongoing and honest communications is even greater. To ensure long-term effective communications between a board of education and the superintendent of schools, a trusting relationship and a clear and unified focus must be developed.

"Trust is unquestionable dependability" (Frase & Hetzel, 1990, p. 3). No lasting or real communication will occur without trust. The superintendent is responsible for developing this trust between the superintendent and the board. Below are some means for …

Communication Strategies Inside And Outside Of Board Meetings, Jacqueliine E. Matthys

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

Communication between and within the board of education and the superintendent appears to be a relatively easy task on the surface. Unfortunately, when dealing with the variety of personalities involved, it becomes a very complex issue. First of all, because of all the regulations and stipulations, the world of education has become a business. But unlike any other business, the "supreme power" of the district is a board of elected officials with little or no knowledge of how to be effective board members. As stated in Effective Schools Through Effective Management, by Fredric H. Genck and Allen J. Klingenberg:

The …

Making Effective Decisions, Dixie Bequeaith

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

School board/superintendent relations are the key to an effective educational management team. Reciprocal understanding and recognition of the respective roles the board and superintendent each play in the educational process is essential for effective school operations. No definitive line can be drawn to precisely delineate these roles. Board members must respect the fact that the superintendent is the educational leader of the instructional and the support staff, entrusted with the responsibility to operate the schools within the policies established by the board. A superintendent needs to recognize the board's role and involvement as policy maker and must be able to …

Involving The Community To Generate School Support, Understanding, Martha A. Nash

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

It is clear that in the environment of the 1990s schools we'll increasingly need the community's support if they are to carry out the mission that we have traditionally given to education: the creation of a national ethos from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. And, as you will recognize, the community expects schools not only to educate this very diverse population, but to meet their complex social and emotional needs. Moreover, the concept of lifelong education is placing new demands on our schools.

Creating A Working Team, Gerald Schwartzhoff

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

One of today's major concerns in education is board of education and superintendent relationships. As a member of the Institute for Educational Leadership working conference, I have put together a group of ideas which I feel are necessary for the relationships to be positive.

The first major concern of all board members should be an interest in providing the best education possible for their students. While this doesn't always happen because some individuals are more concerned with personal or individual concerns, it is necessary in order to have a working board.

Why Use Technology To Assess, Monitor, And Report Student Progress?, Sue Z. Beers

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

Not very many years ago, I first encountered an electronic scanning machine at the supermarket. It made me uncomfortable because I didn't trust that a machine would always come up with the right price. It doesn't, but I do have a greater awareness of what the prices should be, checkout time is faster, fewer mistakes are made than when a clerk entered the prices, and I am usually able to catch any mistakes because I get an itemized printout of my purchases. A worthwhile analogy can be made between the increase in technology in the marketplace and our homes and …

How Does Technology Really Affect Schools?, Jan Harvey

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

In the past decade much has been communicated about the need for school reform, school transformation, site-based decision making, participatory management, outcome-based education, total quality management, etc. As a principal, during the past few years I have heard the following metaphors used to describe the state of education and so, I wonder, which metaphor best fits the current state of educational reform:

Are we trying to change a flat tire on a car careening down a highway traveling 65 miles per hour; trying to put on a new suit of clothes on over our old blue jeans; trying to set …

Using A More Holistic Approach To Assessment And Education, Bruce E. Hopkins

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

A cultural historical perspective on this American Leviathan issue reveals many of the constructs which support the idea of "readiness." Nineteenth Century Spencerian Socialism (an outgrowth of the academic contributions of Charles Darwin) buttressed the class, economic, and social differences emanating from the industrialization of America by asserting the idea that some folks were simply more fit to succeed than others. And, the Calvinist tradition of American intellectual thought as it relates to the worth of an individual supported the idea that some folks are elect in the eyes of God so we ought to assume their divine right to …

Issue Area Five: Improving Accountability To The Public: Can It Be Done? What Are The Implications? Potential Abuses?, Bob King

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

This committee addressed the issue of how schools can, and should improve accountability to the public while avoiding potential abuses in this effort. It began the process by defining the mission of education within the society. Though the participants represented divergent backgrounds and perspectives, their views concerning the mission of society quickly coalesced around the following: "Society is responsible for creating an educated populace. It must be actively involved in and accountable for educating learners."

The mission statement communicates the concept that sustaining a successful human culture requires that the accountability process be one of mutual dependence and responsibility-and that …

An Investigation Into Computer Numerical Control To Computer Numerical Control Part Program Transfer, Paul Avis

Graduate Research Papers

The problem in this study was to identify and describe the serial communication parameters and hardware needed to provide computer numerical control(CNC) to CNC part program data transfer.

Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And The Role Of The Elementary School Counselor, Sharon Ramsay

Graduate Research Papers

Ryan is eight years old and in second grade. His teacher is concerned that he is missing out on what is occurring in the classroom because of his behavior. Ryan is frequently out of his seat and disturbing other children. When the teacher gives directions, he doesn't appear to be listening. Assigned tasks are usually not completed. Ryan usually doesn't think before he acts, and often blurts out at inappropriate times. His teacher has the feeling that he wants to do well, even though he is in trouble much of the time.

Take No Prisoners: Communications During Open Hostilities, Thomas K. Wells

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

In the best of worlds, information flows freely and ideas are openly expressed. Criticism, where it exists, is collegial and constructive. In a less than ideal world, the real world, communication is not so easy, as the world diverges from the ideal, the ease of communication declines while the need for the effective exchange of information and ideas increases.

But what happens when a state of open hostility exists not only between individual board members, but between the board and the community, or between the superintendent and a minority of board members? Is it possible for a board to function …

A Vision For An Effective Principalship: A Reflective Essay, Scott W. Frerichs

Graduate Research Papers

One question I have often been asked is why did you decide to teach? My answer to this question often varied because there is no single reason for my making such an important decision. The initial reason for my choosing to teach was that I had several very positive role models who were teachers and I felt that I too could be such a role model. I also enjoyed school and was successful both in the classroom and with extra-curricular activities. I believed that I could make a difference through teaching. For these reasons I felt that teaching was a …

Effective Decisions And The Teaching-Learning Process, Daniel H. Smith

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

A meaningful discussion of effective decision making must begin by defining what makes a decision more or less effective. This paper defines effective decisions as those that result in a course of action being followed by the school organization which will maximize the likelihood that each student within the school will achieve his/her fullest potential. As a result, effective decisions in a school system must be based on what we know about the teaching-learning process, the decisions must also be implemented by school personnel so the impact on students is positive.

The focus of this paper is on the decision …

Iowa Academy Of Science Directory, 1993-94, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Board of Directors ... 5
Program Directors ... 6
Editors ... 6
Committees ... 8
Sections ... 22
Awards of Merit ... 28
Excellence in Science Teaching Awards ... 29
Past Presidents ... 30
Membership Roster ... 31

Shared Vision = Powerful Relationships, Harold A. Overmann

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

Ron Edmonds, considered by many as the father of the effective schools research, was known to have said that an administrator with an appropriate vision is more valuable to the institution alive than dead.

The key word in this statement is "appropriate." When this vision is congruent with the vision of the school board, the administrator truly is valuable to the institution.

The exertion of major efforts to form a clear and focused vision and mission for the school district that is shared by board of education, superintendent, staff, and community is critical in the development of a positive board/superintendent …

An Assessment Of Cellular Manufacturing, Bruce A. Thurm

Graduate Research Papers

The problem of this study was to explain the process of cellular manufacturing and identify the key elements to help manufacturers improve the efficiency and productivity of their operations and improve the quality of their products. The study focused on the key issues of cellular manufacturing, and the design, implementation, and control of cellular manufacturing work cells. The study included the potential benefits of cellular manufacturing, as explained by Overbeeke (1988) including reduced lot sizes, reduced throughput time, greater flexibility, reduced inventory, improved quality, improved scheduling, and reduced material handling. Job enrichment, a less quantifiable potential benefit of cellular manufacturing, …

An Investigation Into The Benefits Associated With Self-Directed Work Teams, Brian J. Moffatt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if self-directed maintenance teams are developing into a structure for improving maintenance performance and lowering costs with minimal supervision. The study will survey the members' perceptions and effectiveness of the existing maintenance teams. The research data collected will help to determine a course of direction to improve the performance of the self-directed central maintenance teams.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools: A Reflective Essay, Michael W. Morrison

Graduate Research Papers

Less than eight years ago, I stood in the Central Lee High School gymnasium listening to speech after speech of how our class is the future and how we are the leaders of tomorrow. These speeches came from people who have been down the road to success and from some of my fellow classmates, who I felt, stayed up late at night writing what they knew their parents wanted to hear them say. My biggest concern at the time was why we could not have high school baseball practice on Sundays. If I wasted a day of opportunity for improvement, …

A Marriage And Family Of Sorts, Kenneth P. Petersen

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

Relationships between people in all walks of life present a fascinating and challenging issue for discussion and even friendly, though perhaps rather heated, debate. As a young person, my philosophy about human relationships relied heavily upon an aggressive approach with much talking and little listening. Needless to say, I'm certain I probably did win a few battles but lost most of the wars. Diplomacy was not in my vocabulary. I have since learned, in my more seasoned years, that maintaining and developing relationships, for any purpose, requires an arsenal of many and varied techniques. I'm also very certain that my …

Improving Accountability To Learn, Serve Others, Bruce G. Rogers

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

The term "accountability" refers to being "subject to having to report, explain, or justify" (from the Random House Dictionary of the English Language). Does this concept, when applied to educational settings, generate an "issue," namely, "a matter that is in dispute between two or more parties; a point of debate or controversy"? (Webster's Seventh Collegiate Dictionary) I submit that an examination of the document A Nation at Risk, along with the many affirmative and negative articles that have been written in response thereto, both in the affirmative and the negative, will indicate a resounding "yes" to this question (Bell, 1993). …

The Failure Of Language And Vision In "Noon Wine", Philip Page

Short Story

No abstract provided.

Working Toward Smooth Board/Superintendent Relationships, Thomas L. Williams

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

According to Gwendolyn C. Baker (1992), conflict and confusion are rampant in school boards across the nation simply because too many board members stray from their policy-making responsibilities to assume responsibilities for operational matters. Baker described an effective board member as one who understands the job involves setting goals, developing policies, and monitoring the budget. The day-to-day operations should be left solely to the superintendent. A school board that extends its purview over administrative areas is doomed to fail.

Burke (1992) noted educational researchers have contended for years that school boards are overly involved in school administration because they are …

Building A University-Wide Center For Teaching And Learning: A Preliminary Report, Roger Sell

History of Education Book Gallery

No abstract provided.

Issue Area Two: Building A Shared Vision That Is Oriented To And Focuses On Student Needs For The Future, Carolyn Jons, Darlene Dunbar

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

A vision is a clear image of where we want to be. Research indicates that having a clear, compelling vision is a key characteristic of effective schools. However, it appears very few Iowa school districts have developed written visions used by everyone to create better futures for students. We believe:

1. Every school district should build a vision with the main focus on what students need to be prepared for in the future. 2. The district vision should: make a difference, help determine priorities, help set high expectations, encourage groups to plan together for continuous school improvement, motivate individuals who …

Issue Area Three: Developing An Understanding Of Roles And Expectations Of The Board Of Education And Superintendent Of Schools, Mary Jane Vens, James L. Kimmet

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

The governance of local school districts in Iowa is the responsibility of local boards of education which adopt policies and plans that are implemented through the leadership of the superintendent. The effectiveness of this team can be a major determiner of the effectiveness of the educational system. This establishes the significance of the topic of this conference, "Strengthening Board of Education and Superintendent Relationships," and the sub-topic addressed in the following papers, "Developing .an Understanding of Roles and Expectations of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools." If the board and superintendent are to work as a smoothly …

A Team Approach To Reaching Consensus And Making Decisions, Deon Senchina

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

A strong positive relationship between the board of education and the superintendent is crucial to consistently effective decisions. Likewise, an effective decision-making process is necessary to create and maintain a strong board of education/superintendent relationship. This inter-relationship is vital because while board level decisions are voted upon by the board, they are crafted by a team. This team is comprised of the board, the superintendent, and central office administrators. The relationships between team members can enhance or diminish the district's ability to make effective decisions. Team members need to be open with each other, have personal maturity, and excellent communication …

Applicability Of An Autodeposited Organic Coating As A Primer For Agricultural Tractor Hitch Assemblies To Improve Corrosion Resistance, Joseph Wayne Wilson

Graduate Research Papers

The problem of this study was to evaluate corrosion resistance of, adhesion of, and visual defects in the following coatings on nodular cast iron.

1. An autodeposited coating as a primer used in conjunction with a topcoat of green alkyd enamel.

2. Wet-on-Wet green alkyd spray enamel.·

Cover - Front Matter - Table Of Contents

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

No abstract provided.

Strengthening Board Of Education And Superintendent Relationships, Jean Morgan

Institute for Educational Leadership Monograph Series

As schools today begin restructuring themselves into schools of the future, we will have to change the responsibilities and job descriptions for both school board members and superintendents. They will become the educational leaders for all the learners in their communities. Learners of the future will know that learning is a birth to death process. This philosophy will require board members and superintendents to be cooperative, openminded and future thinking educational partners.

Fundamental beliefs in this partnership are very important in forming a base for a good working relationship. These beliefs are the key elements that any good working relationship …