Educational Leadership Commons^™

Academic Advising : Description And Analysis Of Types And Delivery Systems, Janet A. Wood

Graduate Research Papers

Research indicates that academic advising can provide valuable interaction among students, faculty, and student affairs professionals. Academic advisors are among the first people seen by students on college campuses. The relationship between an academic advisor and a student can provide a first step in what the American College Personnel Association (ACP A) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) ( 1998) recommend: "Good practice in student affairs forges educational partnerships that advance student learning" (p. 3).

A Preferred Vision For Administering High Schools : A Reflective Essay, James E. Zajicek

Graduate Research Papers

Whether it be efforts to develop state and local standards, new forms of assessment, innovations in technology, or application of new approaches to teaching and learning, changes must occur in the place our society calls school. The complex nature of our education system requires courageous and responsible action on the part of individuals who believe in preparing our children for life in the 21st century. This is both a national priority as well as a moral responsibility. Business at school as usual is no longer an option. Change in the culture and instructional practices of today's school requires the dedication …

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 …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Constance L. Weber

Graduate Research Papers

As I began reflecting on education and leadership in the school setting, I realized that I have been involved in formal education in one form or another for the past forty-three years. I began kindergarten in a one-room rural school, with one instructor for nine grades. The teacher picked me up and transported me to school each day. I'm not sure what role the principal had in that school at that time. I don't actually remember a principal. The next year I began first grade in a Catholic school in a small town, and I continued in this school through …

A Leader's Vision Of Building A Learning Community, Richard D. Wettengel

Graduate Research Papers

As I prepared my first memo to our high school staff about the weeks activities, an idea about my role as Activities Director came to light. It is the idea of service. Snyder, Dowd, and Houghton (1994) state that the notion of service is central to any administrative post. The root word in administration is minister, meaning, "to serve." That is exactly how I see my role at school. Service is the heart of my work. My ministry extends to students, parents, fellow staff members, administration, the Board of Education, and others in the school community. My personal mission statement …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools: A Reflective Essay, Robert S. Weaton

Graduate Research Papers

Beginning the process of transformation from classroom teacher, to that of administrator, educational leaders are drawn to the reality that schools have undergone tremendous change, and with it a new set of challenges in an effort to meet the needs of students in the 21st century. The key to effective schooling does not solely rely on whether or not a school changes, but rather on how that change takes place, and to what extent students, staff, and community develop ownership of the process. As a beginning practitioner pursuing the goal of becoming an administrator in the secondary school, the focus …

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 …

Management And Leadership: Two Important Concepts That Together Make And Excellent Administrator, Stacey J. Ward

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout my high school years, I wanted to be a wealthy business woman. I dabbled in the stock market, read the Wall Street Journal, imagined owning a business one day, and even worked as in intern for a brokerage company. It was evident that I would study business, and become involved in business after college. There was just one problem. My past would reveal my true feelings of success.

Perceptions Of Iowa High School Principals On The Relationship Of Leadership, School Size, And Socioeconomic Level To School Culture, Kevin Wayne Fiene

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

American society is changing. Consequently, public schools are being called to change as well. Previous reform efforts have failed to bring about substantive change and improvement. Current reform efforts are calling for the changing of school culture. What factors influence school culture? What role does leadership, school size, and socioeconomic levels play in developing school culture?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of leadership, school size, and socioeconomic level to school culture utilizing the Competing Values Framework. The Competing Values Framework provided four ideal culture types and eight leadership roles. Culture types included group, developmental, rational …

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.

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?

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.

Counseling Groups For High School Students, Rachel E. Williams

Graduate Research Papers

Groups were first established in the public schools in the early 1900s. At this time, the group provided an environment in which to learn life skills and values rather than focusing on the group process (Gladding, 1995). There was a growth of groups in select schools during the 1910s, although the focus continued to be on individual counseling. In the 1930s, the focus of groups was on vocational and personal themes. They were often the responsibility of homeroom teachers. In these groups, the teacher was responsible for establishing friendly relationships and developing the right attitudes toward school, home, and the …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools: A Reflective Essay, Catherine A. Timmerman

Graduate Research Papers

When I began my journey on the road to an administrative degree, I knew that being a principal would be a difficult one. I also knew it would be a job I could do and definitely wanted to try. Brubaker (1995) stated that, "Principals are "can do" people"(p. 92). This is a quote which has validated my beliefs that principals make things happen.

Native American Indian Female Students In Higher Education, Becky Youngbear

Graduate Research Papers

Colleges and universities have witnessed a significant increase in the number of underrepresented student populations but are just beginning to become aware of their needs. These students encounter academic and social problems prior to and after entering colleges and universities. Institutional awareness and support are just a start in an effort to retain and assist underrepresented students in college. Among these underrepresented groups are Native American Indians who are challenged to succeed in a Eurocentric higher education setting.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Randall W. Strabala

Graduate Research Papers

Why is it that some people give up the relative security and comfort of working with children in the classroom to join the principalship? Why do these same people choose to leave an area where they are the perceived expert in their field for an area where one's decisions are constantly questioned and criticized by those he or she works for and with? These are difficult questions to answer and in a rational sense, there are not a lot of logical responses for why some individuals decide to devote the effort necessary to understand and achieve the position of the …

Quality Schools For The Next Century: A Reflective Essay, Pam J. Zeigler

Graduate Research Papers

My formal education began in 1967 in a small school in north central Iowa. The world was a lot different then. There were 13 students in my kindergarten class. We all lived with our biological mother and father. Our fathers were the "breadwinners;" our mothers were the "bread makers." We read books about Dick, Jane, and Sally and completed thousands of worksheets. We memorized facts and sat quietly while the teacher did all the talking. We thought that once we graduated from high school we were finished with school forever. Words, such as drugs, computers, and AIDS, were not a …

A Vision For Elementary Administration: A Reflective Essay, Beth Wright

Graduate Research Papers

As a high school student I would have never dreamt that I would be in a profession as an educator. I had my life mapped out, nursing school and then gaining specialized training in the area of pediatrics. l should have known that college would open doors. In my sophomore year of college, I stood in front of the mirror in my dorm room and asked myself, "What do you really want to do with your life?" It was then when my heart answered me, a teacher. From that point forward, education has been my passion and life blood. It …

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.

Counseling Diverse Adolescents And Adults, Nicole Needham Wee

Graduate Research Papers

For many years, counseling professionals have tried to advance research in the knowledge and techniques essential to effective multicultural counseling. Despite such efforts, many counselors still have difficulty meeting the needs of ethnic minority clients (Sue & Zane, 1987). According to Stein ( 1997), many multicultural courses present only a broad view of multicultural concepts without adequately preparing practitioners to actually counsel diverse populations. The resulting confusion counselors experience in their relationships with minority clients may be one of the reasons that counseling is underutilized by many cultural groups. Brown ( as cited in Marino, 1996) commented that African Americans …

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.