Educational Leadership Commons^™

School Reform Strategies And Normative Expectations For Democratic Leadership In The Superintendency, George J. Peterson, Theodore J. Kowalski

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

The concept of democratic leadership emerged in the early decades of the twentieth century in response to the effects of social change on schools and to growing dissatisfaction with autocratic management. One of its most prominent advocates was John Dewey, an eminent philosopher who viewed scientific management’s obsession with efficiency to be detrimental to a well-balanced social interest (Razik & Swanson, 2001). Democratic school administration was not practiced widely, however, until America had suffered a great economic depression circa 1930. After many successful businesses failed, classical theory and scientific management, the philosophical pillars of the Industrial Revolution, lost much of …

Facing An Uncertain Future: An Investigation Of The Preparation And Readiness Of First-Time Superintendents To Lead In A Democratic Society, Theodore J. Kowalski, George J. Peterson, Lance D. Fusarelli

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

The preparation of superintendents is a critical component, an essential element, of systemic education reform, although as (Cooper, Fusarelli, Jackson, & Poster, 2002) observed, “the process is rife with difficulties,” including synchronization of preparation and actual practice, the theory-practice disconnect, the need for life-long learning, and development of an adequate knowledge base (Cooper et al., 2002, p. 242).

The vast majority of research on the efficacy of administrator preparation programs focuses on principals. Most doctoral programs in educational administration serve as de facto preparation programs for superintendents, even though some contain little coursework specifically tailored for the position (Andrews & …

Role Expectations Of The District Superintendent: Implications For Deregulating Preparation And Licensing, Theodore J. Kowalski, Lars G. Björk

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

At this juncture when policymakers are being asked to choose between deregulation and reform, problems affecting the superintendency need to be framed appropriately and policy decisions need to be based on evidence and not raw politics or emotion. Deregulating a profession clearly is a serious matter that is prudent either when the need for the state to protect the public from practitioners is no longer valid or when the underlying knowledge has been found to be fraudulent or irrelevant (Kowalski, 2004). This paper identifies role expectations and position requirements that have evolved for school district superintendents over the past 100 …

Why Are School Districts Abandoning The Core-Plus Mathematics Curriculum, Amber Rae Richgels

Mathematics Graduate Theses

In this paper, the author establishes that high schools are abandoning the Core-Plus Mathematics curriculum and determines the need for curricular reform and the motivation to develop such standards-based programs. She discovers that although Core- Plus is a nationally recognized, exemplary mathematics curriculum, school districts are deciding to discontinue the curricular option of Core-Plus. The author reviewed literature and interviewed teachers from schools that have recently decided to abandon Core-Plus in attempt to determine factors leading to these decisions. This paper discusses those interviews, provides suggestions for the future adoption of Core-Plus, and concludes with recommendations that further study be …

Understanding The Job Of A School Principal A Study Of Current Principal Practices In Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, And Wisconsin, Michelle A. Thompson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The findings within recent research conducted by Public Agenda, the National Association of Secondary School P1incipals, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals indicated a necessity for restructuring the role of the principal and rethinking principal preparation and state licensure requirements. These studies, however, do not reveal what principals do on a daily basis. Without a clear understanding of what principals do each day, and the time devoted to each task, these undertakings would be without merit. To restructure the principalship without clearly defining the day-to-day practices of our elementary, middle, and high school principals would not result in …

Superintendents' And School Board Presidents' Commitment To Selected Performance Components, Sandra Weaver

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of superintendents and school board presidents regarding their level of commitment to evaluation components on an appraisal instrument developed by the Indiana School Boards Association and Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents. Additionally, it investigated the difference between males and females on the rating of commitment to specific evaluation items. The study also examined the difference between respondents who use an annual appraisal instrument and those who do not on the rating of the level of commitment to specific evaluation components. The study reviews the superintendency from multiple facets. These …

Perceptions Of Job Satisfaction And Dissatisfaction And Selected Demographics Of Seated And Post-Term Indiana School Board Members, Brad L. Yoder

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among perceptions of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction and selected demographics of seated and post-term Indiana school board members who chose not to seek re-election by using Herzberg's Job Attitude Factors (Herzberg, 1957). Concentration in five significant areas provides for credibility in this study: Social Capital and civic participation, history of American schooling and school boards, motivation theories of Herzberg and Maslow, school board membership, and school superintendents and job satisfaction. Seated Indiana school board presidents during the 2004-2005 school year and a sample of Indiana school board members who chose …

Why Parents Choose Catholic Schools In The Diocese Of Evansvillle, Anne Marie Williams

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the reasons that influence parents to choose Catholic schools for their children and to determine which demographic and educational factors predict their importance. The study also examined how parish activity influences the importance placed on those reasons. Additionally, it explored the relationship between the reasons that influence choice and parents' overall satisfaction with the schools they have chosen for their children. The study provides an historical overview of the development of Catholic schools in the United States emphasizing the reasons why these schools were established and supported. The last twenty-five years of …

Developing Policy For Part-Time School Administration Faculty, Theodore J. Kowalski

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

This inquiry is an analysis of the trend toward infusing practitioners into the preparation of school administrators. Motives for increasing the number of part-time employees in higher education are identified and specific problems associated with the deployment of these instructors are discussed. The argument is made that the merits of this trend depend on the extent to which department policy addresses adjunct faculty employment, deployment and development in relation to a reform vision and strategy. Essential policy considerations related to involving practitioners are recommended.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Beth Lang

Graduate Research Papers

I think that it is critical, as someone who would like to become an administrator, to have a vision and to know what critical elements I feel are essential as a future administrator. I feel that it.helps us guide our decisions. It gives us a basis to fall back on when we make decisions. There are so many decisions we need to make day to day that sometimes I feel we could get lost in what is important. I think this guide can be used so that when we need to make a decision we can go back and look …

Evolution Of The School District Superintendent Position, Theodore J. Kowalski

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

Clearly, no issue is currently more crucial to the future of the position of school district superintendent than the battle being fought over professional preparation and state licensing. The intent of licensing professionals is to protect society and not the licensee. Consequently, a decision to deregulate a profession should not be made solely in political arenas in which self- and group interests are more likely to outweigh societal interests. This chapter is grounded in the belief that persons within a profession, regardless of their personal views, have a responsibility to ensure that policy debates of this magnitude will be objective …

Critical Components To Successful Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, Andrew J. Miehe

Graduate Research Papers

When faced with the question: "What do you believe about leadership and education?" most educators would quickly respond that there should be no separation between the two. A bond exists between leadership and education that is so strong one can not survive without the other. It is this tie between the world of education and the need for leadership that puts educators in classrooms and motivates administrators to take on the challenge of leading a building to success.

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Diane Shumate Foley

Graduate Research Papers

A school leader is not an easy job. Decisions are not always clearly defined and courage, strength, and confidence are needed to make difficult choices. But, if you are leading with integrity and fairness and exhibit ethical, respectful behavior while applying humor where appropriate, then you will be a better human being and a better school leader. This is my goal. As Vince Lombardi aptly phrased it, "there is only one way to succeed in anything and that is to give everything."

A Preferred Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, Mark E. Lawler

Graduate Research Papers

The role of an educational leader has changed in the last century. The principal of a school has more responsibility and accountability than ever before. Chief among them is being a role model for students and adults in the school and community, and a leader in the school's progress. Always in the public eye, the principal must make choices based on good judgement and data, and must search for what is best for the stakeholders. The principal should be open to new ideas and pushing the school forward. As Wilmore said in Principal Leadership, a school that is not …

A Preferred Vision For Leading An Exemplary School : A Reflective Essay, Robert S. Libolt

Graduate Research Papers

Education is a cornerstone in a person's life. Education is vital in today's society. With out it you miss out on many opportunities. As a student moves through the grades of a school district that student is being enriched in many ways.

High school is the beginning of something so much more than classes, athletics, social organizations, and fun: it is the start of your future. Many students don't understand their own potential, and education allows the chance to discover it. Getting an education is the best thing any person can do. From family to money to how you live …

An Effective Leader : A Reflective Essay, Darin Jones

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership can be accomplished in multiple ways: vocally, by example, or by a combination of the two. Any choice is.acceptable, but in order to be an effective leader you need to choose a method and believe in it. Personally, I lead by example. I work to be a vocal leader by praising in public. It is important to let students see it is all right to tell someone they did a very good job.

Setting good examples for students is key to leadership. Many times this is done by responses to situations. Reaction is quite often done without thought and …

Critical Elements Of Success For Educational Leaders : A Reflective Essay, Jennifer L. Pettlon

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout my life and studies I have determined that several elements are critical to being a successful leader: (a) effective communication, (b) a strong work ethic, (c) motivational and positive, and (d) a complete leader. Each of these elements is needed and each has an importance of its own. Throughout this paper each element will be defined, information given about its importance to being a successful leader, and practical application.

A Vision For Leading Schools : A Reflective Essay, Karen J. Coates.

Graduate Research Papers

Education has undergone many changes in the past few decades. Many of these changes are due to our changing society, and others are due to those in education who see the need to make changes. Still other changes come from government directives. Our world is not the same world that it was when public.education came into being. The two parent family where mom stays home and dad goes to work as seen in 1950's television shows very rarely exists. Rural one-room schools under county jurisdiction have given way to larger consolidated school districts.

With legal mandates to include disabled children …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Katie E. Christiansen

Graduate Research Papers

Defining effective leadership has been done by assembling lists of dispositions and traits that are found among individuals that encompass what a good leader should be. But to be that effective leader, the awareness of the characteristics is not enough. Instead, these idiosyncrasies should be at the core belief system of a leader. If these characteristics become instinctual, then they are represented in an effective leader's actions and they are accessible as a guiding force in times that are the most challenging.

This paper will explain what I believe to be the essential components that encompass my core beliefs I …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Brian J. Price

Graduate Research Papers

Becoming an educational leader is something I have thought about since becoming a teacher. For a school to run successfully, those in charge must have an understanding of their own beliefs and how those beliefs will fit into the vision of the school. In this paper, I will discuss why I became an educator, what I believe about education, why I decided to enter this program to be a principal and what I believe about leadership.

A Look At Administrative Qualities For Success : A Reflective Essay, Beth Ann Kleve

Graduate Research Papers

It is not just having a degree, and a few classes that help to make a person a good administrator. It is having an understanding and passion about ones own personal beliefs and core values that will help to make the difference between a good administrator and a great administrator.

In the following paper professionalism, leadership, morality, and learning will be discussed further. Examining how each of these areas are important qualities for an administrator to develop and maintain as a leader in a school.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Seabron R. Reese

Graduate Research Papers

As a future educator, I feel the world is in dire need of quality educators to provide leadership far more superior than the previous generations. Education as a profession must involve leaders who can consistently perform to the highest level of expectation day in and day out. As students graduate and enter the workforce, the professions within this workforce entrust educators and exemplary leaders to provide honesty, support and encouragement to our fellow prize holders (our students).

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Kathlynn W. Breinich

Graduate Research Papers

Communication is the ground work for everything. Without it an administrator cannot effectively move their school forward. However, the school needs a direction to go. When an administrator has a vision, he or she can lead the school in that direction – thus making the school a better place. In order for the school to be effective, it is also helpful to have an administrator that has good organizational skills.

Finally, a school is built for instruction. Above all else, an administrator must remember why they are there, to assist the staff in teaching children. The administrator must hold teachers …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brian M. Moretz

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership is a quality that one wants when leading a school or leading any group of people. The way to describe leadership would be strong, fair, and data driven. All leaders possess many different combinations of the above leadership qualities.

My values, beliefs and the critical elements will go a long way in helping me become the leader I want to become in the near future. They will give me direction and a place for me to come back to when I seem to be falling out of place. My beliefs will always be a part of the way I …

Five Components Essential For Leading A K-12 School In The Twenty-First Century : A Reflective Essay, Gregory A. O'Connell

Graduate Research Papers

Administration is an occupation that requires much time and effort to provide success for students. Success has many critical elements that I will outline in this paper. First and foremost the administrator must have a passion for their role as the instructional, visionary, political, ethical, organizational, and collaborative leader. Managing the physical aspects of the building also engage the learning environment to be safe and successful. One of the last components is quality instruction. District curriculum can only provide to the students what the instructor "feeds" to them. Students need to be provided differentiated instruction to meet their individual needs.

Critical Elements For Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, Joan C. Schueller

Graduate Research Papers

An educational institution will not perform better than its top leader and will not carry a vision that its leader does not promote. Effective leadership is essential in education today with unprecedented demands on educators and the ever-changing culture of children and families. Ethical leadership, instructional leadership, visionary leadership and organizational skills are critical elements of effective educational leaders in our schools.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James R. Meyer

Graduate Research Papers

Making every effort to improve student learning is a collaborative effort that includes schools, parents, and the community as a whole. As the pressure to raise test scores continues to mount, schools must see parents and the community as strong allies with a vested interest in schools. Schools have had a tremendous impact on student learning. If we bridge the gap to include parents and the broader community, we will enter into an era of unprecedented effectiveness in promoting student learning.

A Preferred Vision For Exemplary, Character-Based Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Kerry M. Ketcham

Graduate Research Papers

The pivotal personality in the education equation is the educational leader. Without the leadership and guidance of an individual with impeccable personal character, and an unwavering optimistic vision, the educational establishment will shift and toss on a never-ending sea of improvement initiatives – or sink to the lowest common denominator of sorting people into their traditionally proper roles in society. With those characteristics cited above, a leader has an opportunity to deliver on the promise of educational opportunity for more community members. Even with these characteristics, the delivery of that promise is not certain, but it is more likely. And …

A Preferred Vision For Leading K-12 Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tammy A. Kruse

Graduate Research Papers

Every child deserves the learning/development and opportunities to earn a diploma. Since education is the primary building block in becoming a successful citizen, as teachers we should make every attempt for student achievement and the development of citizenship. Every child has the ability to learn if given the correct tools to do so and is given a chance. Educators must be honest and trustworthy individuals to earn students' respect. As educators, we all need to encourage children to enjoy education and to understand that life is about life long learning.

A Preferred Vision For Leading An Exemplary School : A Reflective Essay, Shauna Dennison

Graduate Research Papers

While all the elements of a school are important, an educational leader needs to lead by example; he/she should be the model. Leadership traits considered absolutely necessary are professionalism, honesty, trustworthy, and the ability to communicate effectively. A well-rounded principal truly has the best interest of the students, staff, and community at heart, and is knowledgeable about all aspects of a district. Precise and timely decision making involving concerned, upset, or maybe even hostile individuals needs to be addressed immediately and effectively. A good leader has common sense, great communication skills, and of course, compassion.