School Improvement: Data-Driven And Vision-Centered, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2018
School Improvement: Data-Driven And Vision-Centered, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
Building upon the previous chapter’s discussion of the importance of a shared vision, this chapter will address the fleshing out of that vision through a cycle of school improvement. It will explain how the school’s vision statement—if current, relevant, and understood by stakeholders—is central to all school-improvement initiatives. This chapter will present theories and practical models for data-driven decision making and will outline recommended steps for setting realistic goals, implementing those goals, and assessing the degree to which they have been met.
Challenges For Novice School Leaders: Facing Today’S Issues In School Administration, Andrea P. Beam, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2015
Challenges For Novice School Leaders: Facing Today’S Issues In School Administration, Andrea P. Beam, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
Challenges for novice school leaders evolve as information is managed differently and as societal and regulatory expectations change. This study addresses unique challenges faced by practicing principals (n=159) during their first three years of the principalship. It focuses on their perceptions, how perceptions of present novices compare to those of experienced school leaders, and how pre-service programs can better prepare them for these challenges. Findings revealed that two themes shared relatively the same prominence among experienced leaders as they did with novices: navigating politics and gaining a sense of credibility. Experienced leaders expounded more on specific political hurdles with school …
Imagining Safer Schools: An Analysis Of The Comprehensive Nature Of Crisis Management Plans, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Jul 2013
Imagining Safer Schools: An Analysis Of The Comprehensive Nature Of Crisis Management Plans, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
School should be a safe place for students to learn and interact, but far too often there are reports of instances in which students end up in harm’s way. From natural disasters to school violence, a crisis can occur at any time, without warning, and in unlikely locations. Although there is no way to prepare for every possible emergency that could occur on a school campus, having a comprehensive emergency plan can help avoid, or prepare for, some of the most common crisis situations. A well-thought-out plan can also provide general guidance for unusual situations that cannot be anticipated. This …
Success Despite Socioeconomics: A Case Study Of A High-Achieving, High-Poverty School, Thomas Brent Tilley, Samuel J. Smith, Russell L. Claxton
Dec 2012
Success Despite Socioeconomics: A Case Study Of A High-Achieving, High-Poverty School, Thomas Brent Tilley, Samuel J. Smith, Russell L. Claxton
Samuel James Smith
This case study of a high-achieving, high-poverty school describes the school’s leadership, culture, and programs that contributed to its success. Data were collected from two surveys, observations at the school site, and interviews with school personnel. The two survey instruments were the School Culture Survey and the Vanderbilt Assessment of Leadership in Education (VAL-ED). The study revealed school leadership that had high expectations for staff members and emphasized small group instruction, collaboration, and continuous improvement in instructional practices. The culture of the school was that of excellence, continuous improvement, school pride, and collaboration.
Public And Private School Administration: An Overview In Christian Perspective, Samuel J. Smith (Editor), James A. Swezey (Editor)
Dec 2012
Public And Private School Administration: An Overview In Christian Perspective, Samuel J. Smith (Editor), James A. Swezey (Editor)
Samuel James Smith
Whether preparing for a future position as a principal or presently beginning to navigate the complexities of school administration, readers will find Public and Private School Administration: An Overview in Christian Perspective to be a resourceful tool. It speaks to the practical-mindedness of administrators while also grounding best practices in theory, research, and Biblical principles. Contributing authors share the rich diversity of their experiences from public, charter, magnet, alternative, secular private, church-sponsored, and independent Christian schools. For readers who view school administration not only as service to students, parents, and faculty but also as service to God, this book will …
Establishing Special Education Programs: Experiences Of Christian School Principals, Gary Cookson, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2011
Establishing Special Education Programs: Experiences Of Christian School Principals, Gary Cookson, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
This phenomenological study investigated the experiences of principals who initiated special education programs in Christian schools. Principals described efforts involved to effect changes in the school and noted difficulties in dealing with reluctant staff members. Principals described academic and social rewards of providing services and the satisfaction of parents who found it possible to send their children with special needs to a Christian school. A prominent theme evidenced in this study was the spiritual change in the school as all students interacted and cared for each other.
Preservice Second-Career Teachers In A Blended Online-Residential Preparation Program: Profiling Characteristics And Motivations, Samuel J. Smith, John J. Pantana
Apr 2010
Preservice Second-Career Teachers In A Blended Online-Residential Preparation Program: Profiling Characteristics And Motivations, Samuel J. Smith, John J. Pantana
Samuel James Smith
This study examines preservice second-career teachers (SCTs), their motivations for switching careers, and their perceptions of the profession. Participants were graduate students in a blended online-residential Master of Arts in Teaching program (n=311). Profiles, characteristics, motivations, and perceptions were explored using the FIT-Choice (Factors Influencing Teaching Choice) Scale and focus groups.
