Empiricists argue that social reality is independent of our interest in it; however, hermeneuticists hold that social reality is socially constructed and facts are not separate from values. Examines the implications of hermeneutics on the study and practice of educational leadership. (54 references) (MLF)

A great deal of ambiguity is associated with a moral view of leadership. The idea that educational leaders possess scientific-technical expertise and can scientifically mold the educational process must be abandoned. The true leader encourages open dialogue and recognizes unquantifiable standards. Includes 10 references. (MLH)

This book describes the strategies and related practices employed by open and effective principals to enhance teachers and their work with students. Principals' goals in using the strategies and the specific consequences for teachers are fully described. Each chapter closes with a set of guidelines for the reader's consideration. The book…

This book is written for practicing and prospective instructional leaders who want to develop reflective, collaborative, problem-solving contexts for dialogue about instruction. Some school leaders, though, have discovered ways to effectively integrate such leadership into their schools, and these methods are presented. This book draws on…

Micropolitics is the use of formal and informal power by groups and individuals to achieve their goals in organizations. Article summarizes findings of study examining 1,200 teachers' perspectives on the everyday strategies that principals use to influence them. Data from 826 teachers describing open and effective principals suggest that such…

Over 800 American teachers responded to an open-ended questionnaire by identifying and describing characteristics of principals that enhanced their classroom instruction and what influences these characteristics had on them. The data revealed 11 strategies and 2 effective-leadership themes: talking with teachers to promote reflection and promoting…

Twelve hundred teachers answered open-ended questions on the strategies that school principals use to influence them. Data from 836 teachers who described their principals as open and effective suggest that the strategic orientation of effective principals (normative-instrumental leadership) has positive impacts on teacher work involvement.…

This book exposes the various manifestations of mistreatment of teachers by principals, offering practical solutions for its prevention and correction. Information comes from a study involving interviews with elementary and secondary teachers from rural, suburban, and urban areas across the United States and Canada. The book provides tools…

This study investigated the characteristics of instructional leaders that positively influenced classroom teaching, noting the personal and professional effects of leader-teacher interactions and whether staff development emerged as a primary theme of effective instructional leadership. A group of 809 teachers nationwide provided detailed…

The ideas presented in this book are drawn from a study of highly successful principals of schools affiliated with the League of Professional Schools. Chapter 1, "Sharing Governance," presents an overview of the literature on professional development and a description of the study. Chapter 2, "Trusting the Experts: Teachers,"…