Educational Leadership Commons^™

Through A Mirror Dimly: Social Constructionism Through The Lens Of Faith, Amy Quillin

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

Postmodernism has often been excoriated in Christian circles for its departure from commonly recognized principles of truth seeking. How can we, as educators, help students grapple wisely with this pervasive worldview in the context of encouraging a biblical and vibrant development of their faith? Are there components within postmodernism that might help inform students’ faith development? This article will examine social constructionism, a variant of postmodernism, from the lens of Christian faith and spirituality, and will attempt to answer some of those questions.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Michael J. Panoch

Graduate Research Papers

My decisions to teach, and to now become, an administrator has received much thought. This thinking has caused me to evaluate my personal value system, identifying the beliefs that are important to me. This reflection has also identified individuals that have had an impact on the development of my value system. These people have molded, formed, shaped me into the person writing this today. The lessons have been many.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Rebecca Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

Developing a culture of trust is the first and foremost responsibility of the ethical leader, without which we will be unable to examine some uncomfortable truths about the systems we have in place to educate children. In addition, we must be willing to open the practices of the school to community scrutiny. The stories of documented educational achievements of poor and minority students have grown in number in recent years, leading Reeves, in Crusade in the Classroom (2001), to conclude that "Given the clear evidence that children can be successful, the focus of accountability moves from the consequences for students …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gregory B. Semler

Graduate Research Papers

The principal plays a pivotal role in developing and unifying the core beliefs of a staff to put children first. At the heart of the school's philosophy there should be the core belief that students come first. Benefiting students must be the focus or foundation for all decisions made in relationship to the operation of a school. The Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) are excellent guidelines to be utilized when creating an instructional environment that benefits students. The strength of ISSL is they are guidelines that provide direction; an infrastructure that can be used in any school environment. Regardless …

Never Settle, Keep Exploring : A Reflective Essay, Brenton D. Shavers

Graduate Research Papers

I taught 3rd and 4th grades in an urban area in St. Paul, MN. This was an eye opening experience for someone right out of college. I was one of two African American teachers and one of only three males in the building. A principal, entering the building for her 1st time as their new leader, placed me into a leadership position immediately.I found myself spending countless hours in activities outside of school, in support of my students. It became increasingly evident that these supports needed to be in place for both students and their families in order for the …

An Administrator's Vision For Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Natalie A. Franke

Graduate Research Papers

A successful educational leader must have a passion for education and be an advocate for children. A well-rounded leader exhibits traits from all six Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL). Having clear high expectations and setting clearly understood goals will help lead a school in the right direction. Clear expectations and goals will ensure that the learning climate and culture in the building will be supportive, caring, safe, and positive. Students and their families will feel a belonging and want to stay. Collaboration will be a priority for everyone. Working together as a team will create a positive learning atmosphere …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Christopher J. Hoover

Graduate Research Papers

What exactly makes a successful instructional leader? According to Hilliard (2000), a successful instructional leader is one who works at, "earning and sustaining trust, listening actively, mastering timing, conveying a sense of sincere caring, formulating ideas clearly and succinctly, transmitting sympathy and empathy as needed" (p.157). Simple possession of these qualities however, does not predetermine success. To be successful the instructional leader must combine personal beliefs with these qualities to promote advancement in the school and the community.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Andrew Merritt

Graduate Research Papers

The vision and mission a school community creates is the path and object of an administrator's position in a particular school district. The vision and mission is a foundation for the house and the beginning point of the road map. The vision is the idealized dream almost reachable, albeit reasonable enough for an attempt to reach. The vision should be shared and agreed upon by the community. Unique and culture driven, the vision needs to be the mirror of the culture's needs.

The most important passion an educator or administrator can feel is purpose. An institution's vision should give real …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Amy Josephine Moine

Graduate Research Papers

To take on the role as a leader in education will not be an easy task. Administrators will be held to high standards in visionary, instructional, organizational, ethical, political, and collaborative leadership. In order to meet and/or exceed these standards I will depend on my skills in building positive relationships with all people and taking the right steps to build a school with a reputation of excellence.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kaylen D. Dreyer

Graduate Research Papers

Today's successful administrators fill many important roles that demonstrate educational leadership. First, administrators are goal oriented. They are visionaries with a set path for themselves and others around them. Administrators are also life-long learners. They believe in continual learning for themselves and others. At last, administrators need to be caring, collaborative, and supportive as leaders and decision makers. They need to be true advocates for the children within their buildings.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools: A Reflective Essay, Lucy M. Evans

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that every child born into the world deserves, as their unalienable right, an equal opportunity to a quality education as promised by the United States Congress in 1981. This promise can only be accomplished by maintaining the belief that every child can and will learn if given the opportunity. I believe that within the mind of a child is a natural curiosity about this great world that can through proper nurturing continue throughout their lives.

The atmosphere in the school community should be one of caring and acceptance. Plants and animals cannot grow without proper care and nourishment …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Timothy D. Hejhal

Graduate Research Papers

There are many personal traits that have been found universally among effective leaders. Intelligence, self-reflection, honesty and not being afraid to seek assistance when confronted with difficult problems are examples of these traits. Effective leaders must have inherent "people skills". They must have a genuine interest in and awareness of the needs of others. Emotional balance and remaining rational in times of conflict, crisis, or challenging circumstances are all positive personal attributes essential of effective leadership.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools, Christopher Cruise

Graduate Research Papers

There are many different characteristics that contribute to being an effective administrator. I believe an administrator must have a vision for his/her school. He or she must strive to constantly improve the educational experience for students by building a strong cultural community within the school that makes every student feel welcome. An administrator must work well with many different types of people within the school and community and must be willing to serve on many different committees to open lines of communication with all of the student body.

An administrator needs to surround himself with good people who share his …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Amy Rallis

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that competent and effective administrators must possess and clearly demonstrate all six of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) representative of exemplary education. Effective administrators are organized, efficient, interact well with everyone in a professional manner, and are personal. An effective administrator interacts effectively with everyone in the building. They are knowledgeable about topics and are good listeners. I value these components in any job, but most importantly in principals I interact with as a teacher. Highly effective administrators are open-minded, but also have a tendency to stick to the task at hand.

A Preferred Vision For Administering K-12 Schools : A Reflective Essay, Victoria L. Connelly

Graduate Research Papers

A few important beliefs have become the cornerstones of my philosophy of education. These beliefs include the need to develop collaborative relationships within the school community, create a positive climate, and to always remember that student learning is the ultimate goal for educators. In order to build the constructive relationships upon which success can be built, a leader must be able to communicate. A school leader who demonstrates communication skills encourages the development of a positive school climate where there is respect and discipline. Educators should enhance the feeling of success, achievement, and caring in a school climate by establishing …

Issl Standards : Tools For An Effective Educational Leader, Kimberly R. Latusick

Graduate Research Papers

The Iowa Standards for School Leadership (ISSL) provide an educational leader with the essential tools to construct a strong educational structure. These tools are used to actively engage everyone in the building process. The six ISSL Standards: Visionary, Instructional, Organizational, Collaborative, Ethical, and Political Leadership, serve as a blueprint to gain knowledge and develop attributes appropriate to the role of a building principal.

This essay reflects on how I have incorporated the ISSL Standards into my role as educator and future administrator. The practicum experiences, course-related work, and visionary expectations have allowed me to understand the importance of being an …

Transformational Leadership In Higher Education : From Politics To Porcelain, Bunny Brandis

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to make a case for transformational leadership as an effective and necessary tool to be accepted and practiced by institutions of higher education. Today's universities are under tremendous pressure to be more responsive to the changing environment and needs of society. The question is; can new leadership function within the traditionally hierarchical management and help transform the transactional university organization?

A Philosophical Explanation Of Education Today : A Reflective Essay, Brant J. Bemus

Graduate Research Papers

"In one sense it is not so much the capacity for education as the necessity of education that differentiates man from the lower animals" (p. 8). This quote by Bagley (1905) summarizes his beliefs on what the foundation of education is built. Despite many changes in education since Bagley's time, the purpose of education remains constant - to provide the best opportunities for students to achieve their highest attainment and become well-rounded individuals in an ever changing society. It is the necessity of education that makes the duty of public and private education so crucial. It is our job, as …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gary D. Rippentrop

Graduate Research Papers

School leaders are put in a position of educating the community's most valuable asset, their children. School leaders must live their lives by the highest ethical standards to demonstrate to the community the importance of the district children's education.

A school leader needs to have a vision of what the school should exemplify in future years. Students should not only learn the academics, but should also learn to be good citizens. To be good citizens, the students of today must have knowledge of where our country has been in the past to better understand what we stand for today. To …

A Vision To Lead Elementary School : A Reflective Research Paper, Chad D. Hageman

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership is a characteristic in which I believe strongly. I would rather initiate an idea than just be a follower of one. I have shown this with my current role as a teacher, and feel that I can make a smooth transition into the position of administrator. I have identified personal characteristics that I believe will make me an effective leader. Through my experiences and my character I will be able to lead an elementary school effectively and efficiently. I will lead and instruct the teachers into a direction of great achievement. Together we will create a safe and fun …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Stephen P. Probert

Graduate Research Papers

The complexity of the principalship is staggering. The intensity of the various roles and expectations are immense. As schools are asked to do more, so are their principals. Elementary principals on any given morning may attend IBP meetings, counsel distraught parents, meet with the central administration, comfort troubled students, remedy leaking roofs, answer staff inquiries, and observe lessons in classrooms.

To say the principalship is multi-faceted oversimplifies the demands and responsibilities of the leadership role. It is not just the managerial tasks which complicate the lives of principals. They must also possess moral fiber. Values, such as honesty, integrity, compassion, …

The Importance Of Instructional Leadership Behaviors Of Principals As Perceived By Middle School Teachers And Principals, Peter Litchka

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Faith Development And Student Affairs, Barry Loy

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

The Roles Of Women On Campus: Contributing To The Development Of Student Values, Alyssa M. Tongg Weiler

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Faith Development On Christian College Campuses: A Student Affairs Mandate, Stephen Beers

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Growth No. 3 (2003) - Full Issue

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

The full issue of the third edition of Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development.

Kohlberg And Fowler: Two Models For Considering The Moral Progress Of College Students, Tim Herrmann

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

Fostering moral development has been an important goal of American higher education throughout its history. This goal has become especially prominent in light of recent developments related to crime, ethical indifference and deteriorating social structures. This topic is of particular relevance to faith-based institutions as the fostering of moral development is vitally related to their collective mission and purposes.

The literature of moral development contains a number of prominent and plausible theoretical approaches. However, two of the most prominent and highly developed are, Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral judgment development and James Fowler’s theory of faith development. Each of these …

Assessing Spiritual Development In Business Students: Lessons Learned And A Suggested Process, Monty Lynn, Tim C. Coburn, J. Vincent Swinney, Michael Winegeart

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

As Christian higher education institutions increasingly engage in continuous quality improvement and outcome measurement, research on spiritual development is filtering down to undergraduate business programs. This paper presents lessons learned from a pilot cross-sectional survey of Abilene Christian University undergraduate business students who completed the Faith Maturity Scale (Benson, Donahue & Erickson, 1993) and responded to other questions about faith development. Based on the results, a number of helpful observations were made for the ACU business program. A method and process for assessing spiritual development at multiple Christian colleges is proposed.

With All Your Mind: A Christian Philosophy Of Education, Todd Ream, Amy Peeler

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Christian Liberal Arts: An Education That Goes Beyond, David M. Johnstone

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.