This Reflection Guide summarizes the findings of a Carnegie Foundation project to understand how executive leaders in education transform their organizations to be capable of producing new levels of system performance through the use of improvement science principles. Described here are the key dispositions, core practices, and levers of…

Research shows that teachers of color can benefit all students, particularly students of color, yet only one in five teachers are individuals of color, compared to more than half of K-12 public school students. Increasing the diversity of educators can not only benefit students, but recruiting, preparing, and retaining more teachers of color who…

The second edition of this handbook is an easily understood desk companion for new school principals and aspiring school leaders. The common-sense approach of the handbook guides new administrators through daily routines and challenges. In-service and university professionals, who provide coursework that includes a multi-topic overview of the…

Over the years, careers have transformed to be flexible and changing rather than stable, life-long commitments to an organization. As such, making work meaningful, controlling the work environment, and taking the opportunity to get required training for the next job are as important as the financial advantages. Educators' careers cannot be…

This document is a companion guide to "A Descriptive Analysis of the Principal Workforce in Florida Schools" (Folsom, Osborne-Lampkin, & Herrington, in press). It describes the methods used to extract information from the Florida Department of Education database in order to conduct a descriptive analysis of the demographic…

"Taking Charge" is a practical guide to the "craft knowledge" of leading schools from an experienced principal, school reformer, and educational consultant. Drawing on his own experiences as well as the experiences of other school leaders, Shaw captures the essence of what principals do and the leadership traits they need to take charge for school…

When you think of great leaders, of course Abraham Lincoln would come to mind. But can the life of a great 19th century president really shed light on what 21st century school leaders should do? "Yes," say authors Harvey Alvy and Pam Robbins. Their book explores how Lincoln's ability to persevere and lead despite adversity provides a compelling…

Great leaders are made, not born. Written by the authors of "From Good Schools to Great Schools," this sequel shows how great school leaders can be developed and how leaders can acquire the powerful personal leadership characteristics that the best administrators use to lead their schools to greatness. Based on sound strategies and the work of Jim…

You know how important principals are in advancing student achievement and school success, but it's not been exactly clear which components of the principal's job are the highest priority... until now. Following on the results-based approach from the ASCD best-seller "Qualities of Effective Teachers", James Stronge and his coauthors…

Evidence collected over the last 30 years suggests that effective school leaders significantly influence student learning and other aspects of school performance. Documented experience also indicates that individual leaders in failing organizations in various sectors, including education, can effect rapid, dramatic improvements. School turnaround…

Developing leadership skills is fundamental to the success of superintendents, technology directors, principals, and classroom teachers. Educational technologists have been spending far too much time, energy, and money on bits and bytes. The focus needs to be shifted from systems to people. Embodied Leadership does not mean having a position of…

Presents four essential characteristics of good conduct for school board members: patience, tolerance, readiness to consider advice from outsiders, and humor. (Author/JM)

This book is written to assist people to lead others in getting extraordinary things done. The basic message is that the best leaders care. This is not about being soft or a cheerleader. In chapter 1, the research to support this point of view is examined. In chapter 2, a classic case study to illustrate the seven essentials of encouraging the…

Contains the text of the "Quickie Leadership Quiz," designed to help day care administrators evaluate their performance as leaders. Also provides interpretations for answers to the quiz. (SKC)

School principals may experience stress due to interpersonal clashes and conflicts, excessively taxing administrative responsibilities, time constraints, and conflicting role expectations. Stress-reduction techniques include conflict resolution of values and needs; identification of stressful circumstances; knowledge of physiological stress…