Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly A. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

An educational leader should strive to create an atmosphere of professionalism rooted in trust, dedication and commitment to preparing young people for an ever-changing future. This can take place by using the change-process outlined by Speck (l999). One major component is that the learning community must be an open system, include a representation of all stakeholders and be a collaborative effort. The other major component is the idea that the process is cyclical. Change is not a culminating end, but an ever-evolving process. An effective leader will facilitate this change for the benefit of all stakeholders in the learning community.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Troy E. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

In the classroom and in coaching we are able to affect certain groups of kids and hopefully touch their lives in a positive way. An administrator should be able to have an even greater impact on the school community and create a positive environment in which even more people will benefit. The greatest challenge will be to persuade people to make positive changes towards a common goal and vision. Rosalyn Carter in Maxwell (1994) said, "a leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they do not necessarily want to go, but ought to …

Faculty Activity Report 2000-2001, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Information Management And Analysis.

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Report of faculty activity broken down by rank and college and compared to the peer institutions

A Preferred Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, David W. Baker

Graduate Research Papers

The whole process I have gone through in this program has taught many things. I am excited because these lessons do not apply solely to education. These are lessons I have learned to apply to other areas of my life. I never really had a vision for my profession. I think of the words ofLirah Sabir (2000), "Principals face many challenges to make each child a success. But what works for me is developing a positive mindset, always thinking of the total learning environment, being the best instructional leader I can be, and never being afraid to stretch my own …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Cora J. Turner

Graduate Research Papers

What is Leadership? Is leadership the use of power and authority to make decisions? Is leadership a skill learned over time to facilitate the process of change? These are questions which must be pondered. 1 Leadership is a process which involves the skill of communicating with others through teamwork to carry out a vision. Leadership is an influenced relationship between the leader and follower in pursuit of a common goal. As the mission and goals are defined, the organization has the opportunity to become efficient and effective. The leader-follower relationship is based on influence, change, mutual purpose, and commitment.

The Administrative Role: A Reflective Essay, Donald R. Taylor

Graduate Research Papers

Like everyone, my experiences, values, and goals are the basis of what has become my philosophy of education. My philosophy of education, in turn, determines my teaching style and together they define what I believe to be the purpose of education. Knowing that philosophies tend toward the idealistic by nature, my idealistic vision is not intimidated by the challenge of administration. The purpose of this reflective paper is to identify characteristics that are essential for a successful principalship. I will also articulate what I believe about each characteristic, provide research findings to support my perspective, and discuss how I might …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Carole J. Bernard

Graduate Research Papers

Working together in a cohort group and acting as a quasi-administrator has afforded me the opportunity to receive theoretical knowledge as well as on-the-job training. The cohort has also helped me as a participant develop an understanding and respect for individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. Through on-the-job training I have been able to develop and practice my own leadership style while working and learning effective strategies from my principal. The blending of these two aspects of leadership experience have contributed significantly to prepare me as a future principal. I believe the cohort, a cadre of leaders, is dedicated to …

Principal Succession: Realities Encountered By Successor Principals During The Succession Process, Kenneth Lester Rigdon

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In order to better understand the realities of principal succession (an interactive sequencing process for changing school administrators) it was the purpose of this study to examine the relationship between four organizational frames (structural, human resource, political, and symbolic) delineated by Bolman and Deal (1997) and three traits noted in the literature as evident during school principal succession (predecessor leave-taking, succession source, and experience). There is little research regarding school principal succession, and concern exists regarding the adequacy of transition practices within organizations. A questionnaire was employed to survey all school principals in the state of Kansas who succeeded during …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Michael Ward

Graduate Research Papers

As an individual practicing school administration in a small private school and a former classroom teacher, I feel that I bring with me a set of values and beliefs about education into the completion of my Masters of Arts in Education degree. These values and beliefs were and still are being formed by my upbringing, education and environment. As an administrator, I hope that I can model my values and through collaboration with all stakeholders of our school, use my beliefs and theirs to develop a vision for the school.

Instruction Size Report, Fall 1999, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Gives breakdowns of student credit hours offered by status of instructor, average class size overall, and average class size by status of instructor.

Instruction Cost Report, Fall 1999, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Shows the costs associated with running the University of Northern Iowa broken down by college and department

Instruction Size Report, Spring 1999, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Gives breakdowns of student credit hours offered by status of instructor, average class size overall, and average class size by status of instructor.

Instruction Cost Report, Spring 1999, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Shows the costs associated with running the University of Northern Iowa broken down by college and department

A Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Roger W. Francis

Graduate Research Papers

Being a principal is a very demanding job. All of the hats that the principal is required to wear means that he is being looked at for leadership in a multitude of areas. Some of which are not a direct part of the education program. Areas other than academics have an effect on the overall educational process. Maintaining an orderly environment, with a good staff, in a safe setting that provides needed services to children, can have a huge effect on the education of our youth. Thus, the role of the principal. in this process is very powerful as the …

The Role Of A School Business Manager : A Reflective Essay, Carl D. Benning

Graduate Research Papers

The responsibilities of a school business manager are diverse, complex, dynamic, variable, and vast in scope. Although the role of an individual school business manager is determined and defined by local district policies and customs, the personal philosophies of the business manager, superintendent, and board of education have a tremendous impact on the actual responsibilities. Situations presented in this paper pertain to Iowa public K-12 schools. References made to federal actions, or other outside influences, are made only to gauge and assess the impacts on Iowa K-12 schools. The personal ideas and feelings expressed in this paper are the results …

School Vision, Teacher Autonomy, School Climate, And Student Achievement In Elementary Schools, Connie J. Erpelding

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine within an elementary school context (a) the relationship among teachers' perceptions of their principal's school's vision, of their sense of autonomy, and of the school climate; and (b) how these core variables were associated with student achievement and student socioeconomic status. Leadership and effective schools literature link the visionary principal with a variety of school-related variables including those in this study.

Data were collected using three survey instruments and a questionnaire administered to fourth grade general education teachers in the sample. The principals of the schools included in this study were also …

Creating A Web Page For The Professional And Scientific Council At The University Of Northern Iowa, Rochelle Lee Gehrke Loonan

Graduate Research Papers

A web site was created for the Professional and Scientific Council at the University of Northern Iowa. This site can be visited at www.uni.edu/ps_council. This site was created as a resource for the Professional and Scientific Staff. It includes links to payroll and benefits, along with background of the council, listing of the council members and information on meetings and monthly events.

The methodology used to create the site will be addressed which will include discussion of why to build a site, categories of sites, planning the site, the design process, design principles and the presentation of information on …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, David D. Fox

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership styles come in many different forms and are often difficult to separate and identify as they mix and entwine in their functions. In this paper I will discuss the characteristics of seven leadership styles or skills: autocratic, instructional, transactional, transformational, situational, expert thinking, and value-added leadership. For each style I will attempt to identify some administrative tasks that lend themselves to a particular style, or that I have seen approached using a specific style. I will conclude with how I foresee my leadership skills developing and how I plan to continue to improve.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Stephen J. Haberman

Graduate Research Papers

To be an effective administrator in the 21st century one will need to acquire help from the students, parents, community and governmental agencies. Children today are faced with so many complex issues and obstacles. As educators we need to take all of these issues into consideration when working with kids. We need to be thought of as the teachers of children, not a subject matter. Yes, it's important that kids learn the basics and that college bound kids are ready for there next educational experience, but we have an obligation to our community in helping in the development of their …

A Vision Of A Successful Secondary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Gregory P. Herbst

Graduate Research Papers

Being in education, whether it be as an administrator or a classroom teacher, is not about "us" and "them". It is about "we" -- and what can "we" do together to make every child learn as much as possible? What can "we" do together to make every child enjoy and at the same time be challenged by this educational experience? What can "we" do to encourage each student to become a lifelong learner and caring, responsible citizen?

Throughout this reflective paper, I will outline what I feel are some of the important qualities of an effective secondary principal. These qualities …

A Perspective Of The Position Of An Elementary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Ed Rogers

Graduate Research Papers

As I implement my leadership vision, I will become the keeper of the rules; the protector of broken hearts and disappointed dreams; the provider of unyielding encouragement and relentless motivator to help kids so they can reach beyond themselves; and the helper of people to develop friendships and respect for others, and to become responsible citizens. Most of all, I hope I will become the kind of role model which touches lives and helps lead them in a wonderful direction in life.

Admissions Policies And Ethical Concerns Regarding Intercollegiate Athletics, W. Andrew Hlubek

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine admissions practices and processes at Division I colleges and universities, especially as they relate to special considerations and related ethical issues. First, I will review the history of abuses in athletic recruiting and attempts at reform. Second, I will provide more recent examples of abuses and reform attempts. Finally, I will provide data from an interview I conducted at a relatively large Midwestern Division I-A public university.

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.

Collateral Positions In Student Affairs, Lisa L. Kidd

Graduate Research Papers

Staff members in student services argue that students have become their responsibility by the default of the faculty. Faculty members, insisting that they are the university, do not want budgets for student support to remain large or to continue growing. Students want both faculty members and support personnel to pay attention to them. Administrators, legislators, and the public want to see budgets cut. The tensions are palpable.

The constant tug of war between faculty and staff for larger budgets places more pressure on universities to allocate funds equitably. In doing so, the use of collaborative positions have increased. By increasing …

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?

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 …