If leadership education programs are improving, then why do some American graduates fail in leading schools and districts even as others succeed? As one way to answer this question, this study explores the preparation, careers, and success or failure of two superintendents prepared in top tier university leadership preparation doctoral programs.…

Provides an overview of the process of evaluating superintendents. explores the politics surrounding the superintendent evaluation process, and provides strategies/processes for improvement. (Author/SLD)

This study of 162 educators was initiated to assist superintendents and those who train them in improving the administration of vocational education programs. Of the 48 tasks examined, 24 were found to be "vital." (Author/IRT)

To prepare 21st-century superintendents, we must abandon the present university-based, research-oriented preparation model in favor of a professional studies model that is more intellectually challenging and more practical. This article recommends certain changes in administrator preparation programs and outlines skills needed by tomorrow's…

AASA's new "Professional Standards for the Superintendency" specifies benchmarks for improving selection, preparation, development of America's school superintendents. Superintendents will be expected to work more as decentralized enablers than centralized controllers. Standards will increase respect for superintendency, encourage the…

Despite greater job pressures, school system leaders can find their shining moments in advocating for children and their learning. As visionary leaders, superintendents must confront four challenges: local and state school-governance complexities, school funding for teachers and facilities, accountability for student performance, and…

After recognizing the accomplishments of Paul B. Salmon and other great U.S. superintendents, this paper describes the current media image of school superintendents, reviews current research, explores essential new developments in preparation and renewal programs, and sketches a profile of the 21st century superintendent. Superintendents have an…

The focus is on strategies used by 10 urban districts to reduce school dropouts. Thirty-eight strategies for dropout prevention were identified. Although the majority identified dropout prevention strategies, only two districts referred to "recovery programs." If district spokespersons mentioned their CEOs using a systems approach in…

The purpose of the study was to refine a method to identify critical tasks and administrative behaviors utilized to effectively administer a specialized program in smaller school districts. Vocational education was the special program investigated. Data were gathered by personal interviews with 72 superintendents and a composite of 85 high school…

Some want schools reformed to produce high-performing future leaders. Others desire schools that teach students how to live, share, and serve others. Competition and high performance need not substitute for happiness, love, and service-values that counter America's culture of hyper-individualism, isolationism, and declining social/political…