The reauthorization of the U.S. Elementary and Secondary Education Act, referred to as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), emphasizes evidence-based initiatives while providing new flexibilities to states and districts with regard to the use of federal funds, including funds to promote effective school leadership. In response, state and…

Humor cannot solve every problem facing school administrators, but it can reduce the psychological gap between boss and staff, create camaraderie, increase problem-solving abilities, and help people cope. Administrators can look for humor, find a model, develop perspective, get support, revamp the office environment, start a "funny" file, swap…

To satisfy a state mandate and a local need, the South Carolina Principal Incentive Program tested and adopted a Management by Results principal evaluation model utilizing information obtained from teachers, parents, and district administrators. This article describes the process and the beneficial results obtained. (MLH)

This book presents an approach to professional education and higher education institutional reform based on teaching and research in organizational behavior and professional effectiveness. The work presents a theory of action that aims to enhance human activity, responsibility, self-actualization, learning, and effectiveness. In the first of three…

This book shows how to use evaluation to find effective solutions. The first two chapters introduce evaluation as an administrative function at the school level. Chapter 1 draws on two kinds of literature--educational-administration literature (to survey administrative practices) and educational-evaluation literature (evaluation practiced by…

Elected school boards' skeptical eyes can guard against bad management practices and ensure that different voices get heard. Problems with board governance are a product of too little democracy. A democratic reform strategy would make board elections partisan, hold them on the same day as elections for more prominent state or national offices,…

Illustrates the use of various means for facilitating and sustaining reflection at different levels and preparatory stages of professional practice. The following means are discussed: (1) writing; (2) journals; (3) case records; (4) contrived situations; (5) instrument feedback; (6) electronic feedback; (7) metaphor; (8) platforms; and (9)…

This book describes how an urban public school assumed ownership of the problems of its homeless students and their families and assumed responsibility for correcting social ills and building a better society. The B. F. Day School in Seattle (Washington) was transformed through the efforts of the principal, Carole Williams. When she took over the…

In 1998, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) established the DoD Office of the Chancellor for Education and Professional Development. Although achieving its mission requires that the chancellor's office influence the education and professional development providers' behavior, its charter grants it very limited formal authority to exercise such…

An educational planning model and instructional approach to prepare school administrators for the role of strategic planners are described. The model, ED QUEST, integrates future research techniques and divergent thinking modes into a participatory group process that provides visions of alternative futures. Primary activities in the process…