Multiple and complex issues simultaneously present themselves for the principal's attention. Learning how to identify, prioritize, synthesize, and act in relation to these issues poses a particular challenge to early career principals. This case study engages aspiring and current school leaders in critical reflection upon leadership opportunities…

Large school districts face a number of challenges due to their sheer size. One of these challenges involves staffing the role of the principal. With Baby Boomers reaching retirement age, large school districts, especially those experiencing growth, have to fill numerous leadership positions. In order to fill these positions efficiently and…

School leaders are increasingly being asked, whether by rhetoric or policy, to measurably improve student achievement. The resultant need to assist school leaders in their ability to improve teaching and learning for all students in their schools led to the establishment of the National Institute of School Leadership's (NISL's) Executive…

An education professor draws an analogy between skipping stones on water and a principal's development of school leadership. As stone skippers think about the stone, the environment, and the act of throwing, so should school leaders consider their problem ("stone"), their school and community environment, and the way they introduce the…

Provides four steps that principals can follow to maximize the leadership position of assistant principals. The principal is the key to improving the assistant principal's position. (MD)

Because of impending retirements, districts have the opportunity to recruit and train thousands of outstanding new principals. Hiring and retaining quality principals involves identifying and selecting good leaders, socializing them into district culture, and providing ongoing professional development and support. Challenges facing urban,…

This document provides three resources in support of "Approaches for Sustaining and Building Management and Leadership Capability in VET Providers" (ED499670), which examines the existing and potential strategies for sustaining and building greater levels of management and leadership capability in training organisations. The resources…

This paper describes the development and implementation of the Georgia Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD) program in the Gwinnett County School District. Implemented during the 1988-89 school year, the program is based on collaboration between the University of Georgia and the school district. Participants in the 12-month program are…

Leadership is a concept that some school administrators know generally and others specifically. The term takes on new meanings and dimensions every time it is articulated. The tasks of leadership are envisioning goals, affirming values, motivating, managing, achieving workable unity, explaining, serving as a symbol, representing the group, and…

Presents results from a North Carolina survey on how principals view themselves and other principals. The survey addressed four questions: (1) the individual's actual leadership role, (2) the leadership role they would like to have, (3) the leadership roles assumed by three principals they know best, and (4) the leadership role played by most…

The need for the systemic development of principals, vice-principals, and administrators in central offices is discussed. This paper is intended to inform and inspire decision makers to plan, implement, and continuously revise systemic professional development activities for school administrators. Leadership is a skill that can be nurtured and…

Describes a human resources development program for school administrators, including training in management functions, leader behavior skills, instructional leadership skills, and more traditional topics. (Author/JM)

This paper identifies four common dilemmas that educators face across the globe: (1) meeting political demands for increased effectiveness and productivity; (2) providing education in ways that are consistent with the realities of diversity; (3) maintaining a focus on moral and ethical practice; and (4) determining the proper balance between…

This book provides a personal look at the styles of several school leaders, probes the literature on school leadership, and explores some of the instruments designed to measure leadership style. The introduction explains the need to change leadership styles as education changes. Chapter 1 examines the redefinition of leadership roles and the role…

This article presents a survey of the state-of-the-art in leadership theory and research in educational administration. First, it reviews major issues in educational leadership: defining the concept, building a knowledge base, choosing methodologies and analytical approachers, and training educational leaders. Second, it treats theory in…