The study described in this paper elevates the role of community and educational stakeholders in building purposeful and meaningful relations with school district superintendents in the state of Kentucky. The purpose of this survey-based research is to explore superintendents' experiences with various educational stakeholders including school…

This case study of school district educational reform in the United States adds to the knowledge base of macropolitics of federal, state and local governing bodies and private sector agencies in formulating educational policies: It also contributes to our understanding the microplitics of policy implementation. Middle managers' political…

The purpose of this study was to assess a statewide cadre of public school principals in terms of their attraction to the job of district superintendent. Two assumptions underlying the investigation were that (1) participant self-reported capability to become a superintendent impacts participant attraction to the job, and (2) participant…

Places manuscripts on female superintendencies within the historical context of feminist scholarship and highlights contributions to promising research directions. The first research stage provided descriptive information on women's underrepresentation. Subsequent stages chronicled noteworthy women superintendents' lives, explored barriers, and…

Analyzes research on superintendent attrition and supply. Refutes popular belief of a crisis in the superintendency. Draws implications for policy and practice. (Contains 50 references.)(PKP)

Education Commission of the States nationwide survey of school board presidents concludes that crisis in the superintendency does not exist. Findings do suggest, however, that some districts have a history of "churning" superintendents, which contributes disproportionately to these districts having high turnover rates and a relatively small number…

This study examined the effects of four variables on job ratings provided by applicants for simulated superintendent vacancies. The participants were superintendents (n = 72) and superintendent-certified personnel (n = 72) reacting to jobs described in simulated position announcements. The participants rated jobs in districts without school…

The national commission reports confirmed the importance of instructional leadership in educational reform. Although the principal's role was initially emphasized, research indicates that superintendents use their bureaucratic positions in the formal organization to improve instruction through staff selection, principal supervision, instructional…

Describes a national study on the dissonance between superintendent roles and school board political configurations and the need for field-based application of knowledge in superintendent in-service education programs. The paper discusses how school superintendents prefer to operate as professional advisors and decision makers. Recommendations for…

Examines the nature and direction of social changes in the United States population, characteristics of children in schools, and the gender and racial makeup of school superintendents. Analyzing findings from the 2000 Study of the American School Superintendency to identify career paths and factors limiting and advancing the careers of women and…