There is no common set of characteristics that leaders have and there is no single best educational program that will result in leadership qualities. Leadership is possible by any person, regardless of race, sex, educational background, weight, or place of birth. (Author/IRT)

We need school leaders who are sincere, credible, and compassionate. They must be able to stand by difficult decisions, to place quality education above everything else, and to attain objectives while still preserving the democratic principles of equity, justice, and fairness. (Author/IRT)

This paper begins by examining the changes that have occurred in school superintendency during the last 30 years, making it more collaborative and less conducive to the emergence of strong and dynamic "giants" such as Ben Willis and Harold Spears. These changes derive from changes in the general society, including a loss of confidence in…

This paper discusses leadership theories, leadership research issues that educational leaders must confront in the next decade, and leadership skills required for the future. The discussion of leadership theories begins with a review of McGregor's Theories X, Y, and Z and moves on to the qualities embodied in such heroic, charismatic, and…

The author believes that the study of leadership will never attain the status of a hard science. However, he finds leadership "pregnant with moral influence" and discusses what will be required of school leaders in the 1980s and what skills they will need to achieve success. (MLF)

The complexity of educational leadership belies simple models and must be examined holistically and historically. Leadership has a setting, a historical framework, a wholeness of meaning, and a diversity of influences. Effective leaders must both articulate the values of society and go beyond them. Most agree leadership: (1) is situational and…

This paper contends that leadership at the state level can best improve schools through a leadership style that leads by example, by force of ideas, and by a devotion to fairness and justice. Responsibilities of state leaders include (1) reading and understanding the effective schools literature; (2) introducing school administrators to the…