Principal turnover contributes to many factors and effects that school districts encounter. It is important to ensure that schools have leaders employed for a significant amount of time to bring about positive changes. Schools need stability to maintain progress, whether it is to foster a positive school environment, improve student achievement,…

A substantial and growing body of research suggests that strong school leadership is critical for shaping productive learning environments, supporting high-quality teachers and teaching, and influencing student outcomes. But what characteristics contribute to high-quality principal preparation programs and learning experiences? And to what extent…

This paper presents an overview of literature and research on the effective preparation of school leaders. Recent research has called for greater collaboration among stakeholders and effective internships. Another way to deliver performance-based preparation is through the use of assessment centers, a validated process for measuring an aspiring…

Conflict management has become an integral part of a headmaster's tasks. Headmasters are not required to suppress or resolve conflict, but to manage it. Since 1976, conflict in black schools has increased, and headmasters have had to manage serious and dangerous situations. Unfortunately, there has been little research in conflict management in…

The changing role of the local school district superintendent is examined in this paper, which focuses on the link between the local education executive officers and school effectiveness. It is argued that the concept of the superintendency has changed from that of a manager to that of the leader of school district quality and effectiveness. Four…

This publication examines some of the skills that informed observers see as most critical for principals who seek to be effective leaders in restructuring schools. It also highlights some principal-preparation programs, both preservice programs at colleges and universities and inservice programs for practicing principals. The document examines…

Argues that systematic study of school administrators' activities could be valuable in refining development models. Reviews North American, Australian, and British research on elementary school management. States organizational demands on leadership increase as schools become more complex. Observes that British primary school heads lack a reliable…

In three parts, this book intends to present and illustrate a way of understanding the field of school administration and the work of administrators as craft within the context of how administrators function daily. Part 1 argues for school administrators to perceive their work as craft. Part 2 describes administrators' work as craft in action and…

This paper explores the role and preparation of academics for senior management and executive positions in colleges and universities, particularly in Australia. A background section cites trends in higher education management and recent critiques of that management and the consequent scrutiny of leadership effectiveness. There follows an…

Truly effective schools cannot exist without strong instructional leadership. At the base of the school improvement process are certain assumptions related to the role of principals, such as the expectation that school administrators demonstrate skills as both efficient managers and visionary leaders. The task of school reform has become one of…

The position of school principal has become complex and pressure packed. The job always has required skills and leadership, but now principals must be strong instructional leaders as well. This research roundup examines the changing role of the school principal and discusses how principals can operate effectively as both managers and instructional…

Explores the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the context of art education administration. Maintains that successful employment of TQM principles depends on four criteria. These include continuous improvement, pursuit of goals, open discussion and critiques, and professional development. (MJP)

Factors that contribute to excellence in education, as well as those that have contributed to the failure of change efforts, are the subject of this document. It provides a summary of the literature on reform efforts; effective schools; new organizational perspectives derived from the business sector; organizational restructuring being tested in…