During a 10-day visit to China last year, 25 American superintendents observed a global giant in pursuit of educational excellence. In this article, two of the travelers reflect on what they learned from their experience and what it could mean for Americans. They saw a profound respect for education and pride in learning. They also found support…

When school personnel are confronted with initiatives that require changes in scholastic curricula, processes, programs, or structures, there is often a naturally occurring defensiveness against, instead of an open embrace of, new educational innovations (Hall & Hord, 2006). This article examines a whole-school reform initiative, specifically…

In June 2007 the Governor of Maine signed legislation that required the state's 290 school administrative units (SAUs) to seek partners for a reorganization that would reduce the number of SAUs to approximately 80 Regional School Units (RSUs) (Maine State Legislature, 2007). This policy initiative is the first reorganization of Maine's school…

In summer and fall of 2007, Public Agenda completed five focus groups with principals in high-needs districts and sixteen one-on-one interviews with superintendents and other high-ranking education officials including a state superintendent of education. Interviews followed a systematic interview guide revolving around two broad questions: (1)…

A struggling economy and skyrocketing fuel costs are making their grim presence felt as school districts across the country open their doors. With fewer dollars to spend, everything from teaching positions to bus transportation is on the chopping block. As students go back to school, many will find themselves in more crowded classrooms with texts…

Given a strained economy with skyrocketing fuel prices and homeowner foreclosures that threaten property tax rolls, plus pressures to satisfy mandates for improved student achievement, district administrators must tighten belts, juggle priorities, and find creative solutions to situations that might challenge them as never before. Teachers are…

This research study investigated the leadership behaviors and organizational frames utilized by two veteran superintendents of medium sized school districts in California to address issues of academic performance in their respective districts as perceived by the superintendents and their respective board members and principals. Current…

Todos Juntos New Mexico was a collaborative made possible through a multimillion dollar grant awarded by the Fellows Foundation to empower the community, students, and educators in New Mexico to affect positive change in our public educational system, leading to increased student success, not just for Hispanics, but for all students. Of particular…

The purpose of this qualitative, narrative study was to investigate the role of the superintendent in leading the district to be more culturally proficient, resulting in the narrowing of the achievement gap in culturally diverse small districts. Eight superintendents of small school districts were purposefully selected based on their district size…

In this article, the author, as an assistant superintendent, reflects on his personal experience on overcoming job fatigue. As he reflects on his personal experience, the aspect that disturbs him the most is that he was beating himself up at the start of the process because he felt like he was neglecting his responsibilities. Although he did a lot…

Examines the characteristics and tenures of some superintendents and lists five suggestions for helping the board and superintendent work constructively together to resolve mutual problems. (Author/IRT)

Part of the special section, EDUCATION IN THE GHETTO, prepared by Saturday Review and the Committee for Economic Development to explore the problems of the education of the disadvantaged.

THE REPORT COVERED TWO SUBJECT AREAS--(1) THE HISTORY OF CITY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION FROM ITS BEGINNING TO 1900 WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS AND (2) THE CHANGING CONCEPTIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENCY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION, 1865 TO 1966. (GC)

Discusses the financial and psychological aspects of retirement that need to be planned for. (IRT)