Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

Strategies, Obstacles, And Methods Related To Conducting Building Bond Campaigns In Rural Illinois Unit (K-12) School Districts, Todd E. Pence

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine (a) the strategies used by school district personnel in rural Illinois unit school districts to help pass school building bond issues, (b) the obstacles that school district personnel in rural Illinois unit school districts faced when trying to pass building bond issues, and (c) the methods used by school district personnel in rural Illinois unit school districts to overcome the obstacles.

The study took place during the spring of 1998. The study included a survey that was sent to the superintendents of the 88 small and medium sized (less than 1,800 students) rural Illinois …

A Case Study Of One Iowa Public School Superintendent's Evaluation Process, Gail Vanous Moon

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this exploratory case study was to identify and describe one Iowa public school district's superintendent performance evaluation process. This study explored the perceptions of one superintendent and one school board of directors in regard to the purposes, criteria, sources of information, and general effectiveness of their superintendent performance evaluation process.

The study was conducted in an urban K-12 public school district in northeastern Iowa. Factors considered in the selection of the school district included: size, location, demographics, as well as the willingness of the participants ta have their voices heard through the researcher. Also, the district was …

An Evaluation Of A Staff Mentor Program For At-Risk Students In An Oregon High School: Cake (Caring About Kids Effectively), Gail Lenore Hayes

Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the effect of a staff-mentoring program with students identified as at-risk of becoming early leavers. This mentoring program, Caring About Kids Effectively (CAKE), was implemented at a suburban secondary school in Oregon serving grades 9 through 12.

The study of the CAKE program had four research components: (a) indicators of school success (GPA, attendance, and attitudes toward school) were compared between at-risk students and those not at-risk; (b) indicators of school success were analyzed over the time at-risk students were mentored to find any significant change; (c) indicators of school success and enrollment status at graduation was …

Block Scheduling: From Possibility To Reality?, Frederic M. Muse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines teacher practices and student learning as perceived by teachers within public high schools that have implemented block scheduling. Comparisons are made between the possibilities advanced by block scheduling advocates and the actual results as interpreted from the data gathered. Comparisons are made between teaching and learning with the traditional schedule and the manner in which it takes place with block scheduling. Open-ended questionnaires were developed for use with voluntary participants who had worked with traditional scheduling and now taught with some form of block scheduling. Participants recorded observations based solely upon personal perceptions of experiences with students …

A Study Of The "Pride" Program: A Residential, Summer-School Program For At-Risk Middle-School Students In An Urban Community, Maria Teresa Amillategui Grimm

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This research examined the Pride Program (1991 and 1992)--a residential, summer-school program for at-risk middle-school students. It was conducted with subjects from two large, urban middle schools for the purpose of determining if, after five school years, differences existed among three selected groups (treatment, control and comparison) of at-risk students in the areas of academic achievement, attendance and conduct. Treatment-group self-esteem was examined over a three-year period. Furthermore, this study provided a qualitative program evaluation of the Pride Program for the first two years of its existence.

The results are as follows: The qualitative evaluation indicated that all participants were …

An Examination Of Ronald Edmonds' Effective Schools Theory Applied To Various Grades In Two Demographically Different Oklahoma City Elementary Schools, Faluv Tunley

McCabe Thesis Collection

Effective schools research has been a key to the improvement of education for many urban school children, especially in large cities such as New York City and Chicago, Illinois. This research has revealed many different ideologies on helping a child learn, helping teachers teach, and giving administrators the tools to handle their schools more efficiently. Effective schools research also addresses parents and their involvement in the school system. One researcher who constantly pushed Effective Schools research is Dr. Ronald R. Edmonds. Edmonds, along with many other researchers helped to restructure the urban area schools in New York City and Michigan …

The Relationship Of Experience, Education, And Tennessee Career Ladder Status To Teachers' Perceptions Of Staff Development Needs In Block Scheduled Programs, Rita S. Mullins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem related to this study was to develop a clearer understanding of the staff development needs of high school classroom teachers implementing block scheduled programs. The purpose of this study was to determine if teachers' perceptions of staff development needs differed when teaching experience, education (highest degree earned), and Tennessee Career Ladder status were considered. Four levels of each independent variable were analyzed by six categories of perceptions, the dependent variables. The categories were: (a) Planning, (b) Knowledge, (c) Satisfaction with staff development, (d) Adult learning strategies, (e) Level of involvement, and (f) Impact on student testing and grades. …

Stages Of Implementation Of Block Scheduling: Perceptions Of School Climate In High Schools In The First Tennessee Regional District, Chele L. Dugger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A descriptive study was conducted to identify teachers' and principals' perceptions of school climate in four stages of a change to block scheduling: Initiation, the first year of Implementation, the second year of Implementation, and the third year of Implementation or Institutionalization. Data were collected from 442 teachers and principals in nine high schools in the First Tennessee Regional District in a stratified purposeful random sample using the Organizational Health Index (OHI), a 44-item survey, and a demographic information sheet. The survey has seven dimensions: Institutional Integrity, Initiating Structure, Consideration, Principal Influence, Resource Support, Morale, and Academic Support. These dimensions …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jean M. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

As a future school administrator, I have established what I feel are my personal beliefs or philosophies about how I might effectively minister or serve others. This reflective essay discusses two of those beliefs – the beliefs that effective communication, and the acquisition and utilization of organizational skills, are essential in any leadership role.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey A. Hiser

Graduate Research Papers

My views have changed greatly on the responsibilities of an administrator. The job is not as easy as I first thought. There are many demands placed upon a principal. A principal never knows what to expect and I think that is why the job is now more fascinating to me because it presents a challenge.

Gorton (1991) suggests that an administrator is a manager, instructional leader, disciplinarian, human relations facilitator, evaluator, and conflict mediator. I believe this to be true because a principal has to be more than just the disciplinarian and evaluator of the building.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Irvin Laube

Graduate Research Papers

The opportunity to be the leader of a school district and a role model in the community is very exciting. There will be so many lives I will have the opportunity to touch. I eagerly await the chance to make new friends and develop a good rapport with the members of the community. To help accomplish this, I will attempt to answer the three questions which are asked in every relationship: "Do you really care about me personally? Can I trust you? Do you know what you are talking about?"

The staff, parents, students, and community must see me as …

Leading A Middle School Into The 21st Century : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey A. Barry

Graduate Research Papers

It needs to be stressed that a middle school ought to be regarded as a general education school. This means that the curriculum should not be limited. "The middle school should deal with widely shared concerns of early adolescents and the world they live in, rather than the narrow interests of academic or vocational specialization." I strongly believe that every community has much to offer in regards to helping teach the youth of the community. A curriculum for a middle school needs to be developed around this thinking. "Teachers need to emphasize the strengths and interests of each student in …

A Personal Vision For Quality Leadership In Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Rebecca S. Love

Graduate Research Papers

It is my belief that the future lies in our children. It is our mission as educators to help guide children to become citizens of the 21st century who appreciate and understand themselves and others, are life-long learners, are globally oriented, and are skilled in creative and critical thinking. Five areas stand out as the benchmarks of an effective administrator. Those five areas being: a clear and well defined vision; leadership style; supervision of curriculum and instruction; school climate; and school and community relations. It is these five areas that will be the focus of my reflective essay.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Anthony F. Dehl

Graduate Research Papers

The education system in the United States is changing rapidly. The role of teacher and administrators should also change. Opening the school to its community is one of the changes taking place, not just for physical use but also planning of the school's future. Part of this change should include more, and better training for our teachers. As part of this training, teachers need to develop technology skills to share with all students. Communication is an important part of this change as we become a globally competitive workforce. Planning for our future will take a cooperative action from members of …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Curtis P. Nielsen

Graduate Research Papers

Effective principals have command of seven themes. They are: 1. A value in building trustworthiness between leadership and the staff. 2. A strong belief in the value of integrity. 3. A belief in developing a shared vision to build a strong school community. 4. A belief in having others participate in decision making. 5. A talent for and belief in clear communication within a learning community. 6. A belief in, collaborative goal setting and personal performance reflection to guide the school toward a shared vision. 7. A belief that ethical behavior strengthens leadership effectiveness. Throughout this paper I will describe …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven D. Goodall

Graduate Research Papers

The role of an educational leader is constantly changing. The techniques of top-down leadership in schools today seem to have outlived their effectiveness. Bonstingl (1992), suggests that the Industrial Model (established by Frederick Winslow Taylor), in which management worries about quotas and quality while subservient workers fulfilled management's request without questioning the overall plan involved in process, has stagnated school effectiveness and proven to be a barrier to school reform. In order for leadership to be effective in today's society it is essential that a paradigm shift is made from top-down strategies to strategies which involve more collaboration between the …

A Vision For Leading Effective Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jennifer L. Hartman

Graduate Research Papers

We will face many challenges in the year 2000 and beyond - societal issues, economic issues, educational issues. The school in which I work will strive to promote leadership in all teachers, form a community of lifelong learners, and evaluate and grow professionally together. It is not my goal to manage with a top-down approach. It is my vision that I will lead the school community into exceptional instruction and learning. Leadership strengths will flow from a shared vision, values, and personal reflection. I do believe that by following these three tenets, I will lead the kids of today into …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kellie A. Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

This paper discusses reform in our schools today. It contains opposing views of change, national standards, career-oriented reform, the school as a "home within a school", kindergarten-like atmospheres, market-based initiatives, school employee reform, philosophical models, and the pitfalls of reformation. The paper closes with my own comments.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Elizabeth M. Calhoun

Graduate Research Papers

The principal is the first teacher of the school, the instructional leader of the learning place. He / she has the professional responsibility to bring into action a new form of leadership. The role of principal is essential for creating a school where learning is the center of student experience, and learning how to cause learning will be the central mission of the staff. The principal will need to create communication, decision making, and management approaches which make this kind of learning place possible. Hill (1992) said ''teachers must be selected who have a talent for leading professional peers and …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Mary L. Boehmer

Graduate Research Papers

Administrators need to continue learning and growing to be effective. Technology, school laws and mandates, the students and community themselves are rapidly changing. Our society is always talking about school reform. Reform from what? To what?

Administrators need direction and vision. We cannot get where we want to go if we have no idea where we want to be. On our journey we cross the paths of many, many people. How we treat them and help with their needs will be remembered for a long time.

Our schools need to look ahead. The classes I have had have shown me …

A Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Denise R. Aalderks

Graduate Research Papers

When I first entered the administration program, I remember thinking that when I finished classes, I would be prepared to become a successful administrator with the wealth of knowledge I had gained. As the time draws nearer, I see that experience, talking to other professionals, and the knowledge that has been afforded me, all balance out as guides for the near future. The knowledge I will have gained from this program will be only a part of my knowledge base. By this I mean, it is important that one does not see oneself as having all of the answers, but …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Douglas B. Jiskoot

Graduate Research Papers

This is an exciting time for education. Education has come to the forefront at the national level with President Clinton giving a full twenty minutes to education in his latest State of the Union address, more than any other president in history. I see parents wanting to do more and become more involved in their children's education.

Innovations in technology are making it more exciting to teach and to engage young minds to their fullest potential. Ownership in the school is returning back to the original owners, parents, teachers and most importantly, the students. Schools are no longer "run" by …

Reflections On A Vision For School Leadership, Thomas J. Neuhaus

Graduate Research Papers

When I reflect upon my vision for leading a school, I see a holistic nature to the areas of climate, shared decision making, community collaboration, and educational programming. These areas overlap one another as they provide the foundation on which I will lead. Community collaboration involves shared decision making, and shared decision making impacts climate. Educational programming, as I have described it, involves all of these areas. I feel what connects everything are the principles of relationships, resources, and relevancy. I believe the keys to success as a leader will be dependent upon the ability to create and nurture relationships, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Lisa C. Loecher

Graduate Research Papers

Society will continue to change, and schools will have to meet the challenges of those changes. To meet these challenges, it will be vital to keep abreast of innovations and current trends in education. Motivating teachers to examine and reflect upon their teaching, and empowering them to implement their ideas and programs will be keys to a successful school.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, Vicki Mueller

Graduate Research Papers

Just as the role of the school is changing to fit the needs of our students and society, the role of the school administrator is changing to meet the needs of the school. The school administrator should be viewed as important liaison between the school and the community. More and more, their role is proactive as opposed to reactive, as it appears to have been years ago. If an administrator takes the time to make contacts and build relationships, the loyalty and commitment by students, parents, staff and community will help to assure success and prosperity for all.

Where Am I Going? Where Have I Been?, Teresa R. Coenen

Graduate Research Papers

The task of writing a reflective essay is to describe my educational philosophy and beliefs, how they were framed and formed, and how I hope to apply them in future applications. In order to understand my goals, one must first look at the path that has lead me to these goals. Before I can truly understand where I am going, I must first review where I have been. I have never – not even for one minute – regretted my decision to become an educator. In the last seven years, I have never wished to skip a single day of …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Joyce M. Bechtel

Graduate Research Papers

The term instructional leader encompasses many aspects. The instructional portion includes the knowledge base, the master teacher, the evaluator, the mediator, and the communicator with parents, community and teachers. The leader portion includes the perceptive director, the goal directed visionary, and the organizer with enthusiasm and energy.

Teachers depend on the principal to assist them in gaining instructional skills and utilizing curricular material that is necessary to teach effectively. The principal should be their master teacher and evaluator. As an evaluator, a principal will confer with and provide feedback to the staff, and will evaluate the education programs.

A Vision For The Administration Of A Secondary School : A Reflective Essay, Steve E. Dodge

Graduate Research Papers

In order to keep a school running smoothly today administrators must be able to perform a wide variety of jobs effectively. The key role that any principal must play is that of a leader. The ability to lead determines how effective an administrator will be in carrying out all of the other roles. The leadership of a school's instructional program is an area in which the principal has perhaps the greatest potential to influence the largest number of people. Through this role one impacts all programs of the school.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary/Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brad E. Small

Graduate Research Papers

The success and future of our nation, if not the entire world, depends on educating our children. For this reason, I have decided to seek anew career in educational administration after serving as a teacher and coach for.the past twelve years.

As the building principal, you lead by example. What the principal does on a regular basis overtime, becomes the most important aspect of the school (D. Else, Personal. Communication, 1997). I really understood the power of that statement. When looking back at my former principals, I can see how their actions helped or hindered their leadership. Students and.staff will …

Educational Excellence For Administrating Schools : A Reflective Essay, Cynthia J. Lapel

Graduate Research Papers

A visionary leader must look at what the organization should be like to achieve educational excellence, and then be willing to undertake the necessary steps to achieve the vision. Educational excellence will take a strong-hold only when it evolves from a community commitment for excellence. This community consisting of students and teachers, as well as parents and the public, led by a visionary administrator, will develop a commonly held vision to achieve educational excellence for their school district.