Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

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) …

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.

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 …

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?

Student Characteristics, School Characteristics, And Educational Aspirations Of Six Asian American Ethnic Groups, Heather Kim, Laura Rendon, James Valadez

SHU Faculty Publications

The authors looked at differences among 6 Asian American ethnic groups in terms of student-level and school-level characteristics and examined factors related to their educational aspirations. The authors provided implications for counselors to help Asian American students achieve academic success in secondary and higher education.

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 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 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.

Let's Get It Started: Teaching Teachers How To Implement A Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Jamal A. Cooks

Trotter Review

In today's American schools, many teachers are faced with the problem of keeping African-American students engaged in the lessons taught in pre-K-12 classrooms, a problem which at times leads to low academic performance. According to data presented in the 1994 National Assessment of Educational Progress, 48% and 66% of African-American students scored below the basic competency level in reading and mathematics respectively. With many African-American students being labelled "not proficient" in some academic content areas, a growing achievement gap exists between African-American and European-American students. This gap contributes to fewer African-Americans 1) gaining access to institutions of higher education; 2) …

Preparing White Undergraduate Pre-Service Teachers To Teach African-American Students: What Does It Take?, Frances Y. Lowden

Trotter Review

A strong appreciation and knowledge of diverse cultures is vital in delivering what the Association for Childhood Education International position paper identifies as the curricular areas that should be addressed in a preparation program for teachers of young children. Thus, undergraduates must develop: 1) an acquaintance with great music, art and literature, 2) a knowledge of health, safety and nutrition, 3) an understanding of the physical and biological aspects of the world and the universe 4) a knowledge of mathematical concepts 5) an ability to read with comprehension, then to analyze, interpret, and judge a wide range of written material, …

The Role Of Headteachers In Pakistan, Tim Simkins, Viv Garrett, Muhammad Memon, Rana Nazir Ali

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Identification Of Training Needs For School Board Members, David Jordan

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the training topics offered to newly elected and incumbent school board members by state school boards associations. The researcher then evaluated the materials to determine which states have laws requiring board members to participate in training programs.

The study was designed to answer three research questions:

1. What are the topics offered by state school boards associations for school board member training?

2. What states have laws requiring individual school board members to participate in training programs, and what are those requirements?

3. What states have training programs specifically designed for newly …

Principals' Perceptions Of Teacher Evaluation Processes And Instruments, William Harold Carpenter

Masters Theses

Each year principals in Illinois schools are required to evaluate teachers. This study was conducted to assess principal perceptions of teacher evaluation processes and instruments used in schools located in the southern Illinois counties of Clinton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington. The study was conducted to determine the principal perceptions related to the following research questions: (a) What are the minimum number of classroom observations principals are required to make each year before developing the final teacher evaluation? (b) What type of teacher evaluation instruments are being used in districts? (c) What is the extent of principals' satisfaction with district …

Principal Perceptions Of School Breakfast Programs In Small Enrollment Illinois School Districts, Teresa M. Martin

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate school breakfast programs in small enrollment districts in Illinois. The review of literature and research indicated that school breakfast programs may improve student achievement, behavior and attendance, and that providing a breakfast to hungry children may increase their readiness to learn.

The study took place in 1997-98, using a survey instrument designed by the author to collect perceptions about school breakfast programs from Illinois principals. A random sample of 75 principals was selected from all Illinois school districts with student enrollments of less than 1,000 which had breakfast programs. Surveys were returned …

Merits Of Traditional And Alternative High School Schedules In Southern And Central Illinois As Perceived By High School Principals, Tom Sherman

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to determine the merits of traditional and alternative high school schedules (Block 8, Block 4, etc.) as perceived by principals of central and southern Illinois high schools (schools south of Interstate 80). The study took place during November and December, 1997, utilizing a survey of 200 randomly selected Illinois high school principals south of Interstate 80. Of the 200 surveys sent out, 168 were returned for a response rate of 84%. A survey was constructed to gather data on six research questions. The High School Schedule Survey and cover letter were developed and field tested by …

Internet Access In East Central Illinois Public K-12 Schools, Gary Thomas Grissom Ii

Masters Theses

Internet access is becoming increasingly important to the public K-12 school system. This descriptive study reports on the current state of Internet access in east central Illinois public K-12 schools. Baseline data for Internet access have been collected that can be used to measure future progress. This study determined that 84.2 percent of public schools in east central Illinois have building level Internet access. Of the schools that reported Internet access, the mean student to computer with Internet access (SIA) ratio was 65.44. The mean student to computer (SCOM) ratio was 8.27. Analysis by type of connection revealed that 20.5 …

The Organization And Planning Of Adult Education, Theodore J. Kowalski

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

The heightened interest in and the rapid expansion of adult education has become a trend in a variety of environments. In order to serve these developing areas, educators, personnel directors, as well as staff development specialists require improved methods for planning learning activities within their own unique organizational contexts.

In The Organization and Planning of Adult Education Kowalski examines the issues created by providing a social service in diverse organizational settings and presents a format for initiating and developing adult education programs. In order to comprehend the complexity of the context of programming within an organization, two novel components are …

A Study Of The Attitudes Of Junior-High And Middle-Level Principals Toward Parent Involvement In Arkansas, Marian G. Lacey

Theses and Dissertations

The study is a replication of a study by Brittle (1994) that researched attitudes of elementary principals toward parent involvement in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The 1997 Arkansas study identified and analyzed the attitudes of middle-level and junior-high principals toward parental involvement. The population for the study consisted of all middle-level and junior-high principals in the state of Arkansas. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics to answer the research questions. The study revealed how strongly Arkansas middle-level or junior-high principals believe in parent involvement. Information concerning the principals' perceived role in implementing and fostering parent involvement in their …

The Future Of Headteachers As Educational Leaders In Pakistan: Implications For Pedagogical Leadership, Muhammad Memon

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Literature on educational management and leadership (e.g. Leithwood et al. 1994, Grace, 1995 and Segiovanni, 1998) suggests the significance of the role of headteachers as educational leaders in the western context. Whereas in the eastern context generally and particularly in Pakistan, the role of headteachers as educational leaders of the future is not yet fully understood and recognized. The current practice of headteachers in Pakistan seems to focus on supervision, monitoring and evaluation of teachers and students work, underpinning the style of 'bureaucratic / mechanistic leaders'. At present, headteachers spend most of their time on maintaining status quo through administration …

A Follow-Up Of Professional Development Of Educational Leaders: Implications For School Improvement, Muhammad Memon, Fauzia Reza

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

The paper presents an account of the processes, outcomes and challenges associated with a follow-up study after the completion of a professional development programme in educational management for senior education officers from Sindh. Prior to induction to their jobs, the district education officers, principals of elementary colleges of education and higher secondary schools are not formally exposed to any new educational management and leadership practices. As a result, most of them remain unaware of the tasks and demands of their role, therefore, they tend to maintain a status quo position rather than engaging in change strategies for improving the quality …

Power In Religious Organizations: A Study Of Principals' Perspectives As Seen In Three Religious High Schools In Michigan, Patrick L. Allen

Dissertations

Problem. Power is a phenomenon that is known to almost everyone, and is evident in any relationship that involves at least two individuals. Despite its inescapability, not many individuals are aware of its nature and characteristics and how it displays itself, especially in the organizational setting. This study focused on how power displays itself in religious organizations, and described particular activities that occur in the context of three religious schools in Michigan.

Method. To accomplish the purpose of the study the literature on power was reviewed to identify the existing theories. This documentary approach was combined with case studies to …

Need For Initiating Education Reform Based On School Effectiveness And Improvement In Pakistan, Muhammad Memon

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

Understanding Headteachers’ Role In Pakistan: A Case Study, Muhammad Memon, Rana Nazir Ali, Tim Simkins, Viv Garret

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Howard Gardner's Theory Of Multiple Intelligences On Change In Middle School Language Arts Curriculum, Maureen O'Dea Feeney

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Principals' Perceptions Regarding The Integration Of The Internet Into Public Schools In A Rural County Of New Jersey, Tracey Servens

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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An Investigation Of Student Retention Practices And Development Of A Proposed School Retention Policy For The Beecher City, Illinois School District, Douglas C. Heiden

Masters Theses

The purposes of the study were to investigate student retention policies and practices in selected elementary schools in the Beecher City, Illinois, area and to develop a proposed school retention policy for the Beecher City School District where the author was employed as an emementary school principal. The issue of student retention has been debated across the country for decades. The review of literature and research found mixed evidence concerning the effectiveness of student retention. Since retention is an age-old practice, an historical review of literature was included to inform the reader of progression of the practice of retention in …

An Investigation Of Parental Perceptions Of Facilities, Communication Practices, Parental Involvement, And Educational Programs Of St. Mary School, Mount Vernon, Illinois, Aletta Lawrence

Masters Theses

This study investigated the parental perceptions of St. Mary School (a parochial K-6 school located in Mt. Vernon, Illinois) in order to assist the principal and school board in the implementation and formulation of policies which could benefit the students. The study addressed the following questions:

1. What are the perceptions of parents regarding the facilities at St. Mary School?

2. What are the perceptions of parents regarding the ways in which they are informed about St. Mary School?

3. What are the perceptions of parents regarding the extent to which they attend school related activities at St. Mary School? …

A Study Of Parent Perceptions Of The Home/School Connection With Technology In Georgetown-Ridge Farm Cusd #4, Andy Weathers

Masters Theses

The last three years has brought dramatic changes in implementation of technology for the Georgetown-Ridge Farm Unit District #4 (G-RF Unit #4). Since 1995 the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has initiated increased grant funding for schools in the areas of technology deployment, staff development and software purchase and upgrades. ISBE has placed special emphasis on the home/school connection with technology. Districts are required to assess what ISBE refers to as their "current reality" in these areas and take steps to close the gap in the inequities that exist. Districts were required to use gap analysis data to prepare …

Current Discipline Procedures Used In Southern Illinois High Schools, Les Oyler

Masters Theses

Class disruptions caused by unwanted student behavior account for lost instruction time and reduce the amount of learning that can take place within the school setting. There were three purposes of this study. The first purpose was to determine how detentions and suspensions were used to discourage disruptive and unwanted student behavior by southern Illinois high school administrators responsible for student discipline. A second purpose of the study was to determine the extent of satisfaction of southern Illinois high school administrators responsible for student discipline with current discipline procedures being used. The third purpose of the study was to identify …