The attempt is both to illuminate how a particular system of careers (of superintendents in this case) might arise from a series of elementary decisions with respect to job exits and to connect a theory of organizational careers more explicitly with theories of other social pairings. (Author/IRT)

The debate over inspectors' reports, during the period of the early 1860s, was considered in the context of the developing relationship between the Minister of Education and his civil servants, the Department of Education and its officials in the field. Discusses Robert Lowe's part, as the vice-president of the education board, in his treatment of…

Superintendents want formal and frequent (but not too frequent) evaluations by the board. And they want that appraisal for any number of reasons, from performance improvement to job security. In performing the evaluation, the board should use as many kinds of evaluation as it can find. (Author/IRT)

Presents a profile of school superintendents based on data extracted from four national surveys. Considers the following topics: professional characteristics, personal characteristics, views on education, salaries, and percent of budget allocated to administrative costs. Includes two figures and a description of the four surveys used. (IW)

To lead effectively and contribute to a successful board-superintendent relationship, board presidents are advised to consider specific guidelines, such as knowing their job's responsibilities and limitations, offering advice, representing the board's will, setting agendas in advance, scheduling work sessions prior to regular meetings, and…

Using hypothetical candidates and a stratified random sample of school board members, this study investigated whether school board members were inclined to favor male archetypes in the superintendent selection process. Findings are reported. (Author/MT)

In this comparison of 135 Nebraska vocational agriculture instructors and 126 of their secondary school superintendents on perceptions of professionalism, a high level of agreement was found between the two groups; but agriculture teachers were perceived to be less professional than the classic professions included in previous research. (SK)

Presents the unspoken expectations for superintendents to consider to function more effectively. They fall into two areas: first, the managing of political structures, and second, the fact that superintendents become "public property." (MD)

Uses data collected in a survey of North Carolina school superintendents to answer questions about school staff awareness of emergency management, the status of emergency planning in different school districts, and problems regarding plan development and distribution. (FL)

Pitfalls presented in this guide to introducing microcomputers into school curricula include treating the change as magic, rushing to gain publicity, and changing by administrative fiat. Steps outlined to avoid such pitfalls include developing board policy and administrative procedures, acting on committee recommendations, and establishing a…

A 21-item survey, regarding school psychologist role functions, was completed by 418 Ohio school superintendents. Data indicated support for traditional child study services, inservice work with teachers, and counseling or parents and children. Despite some variations, data was generally consistent with responses of teachers and school…

This book is written to assist people to lead others in getting extraordinary things done. The basic message is that the best leaders care. This is not about being soft or a cheerleader. In chapter 1, the research to support this point of view is examined. In chapter 2, a classic case study to illustrate the seven essentials of encouraging the…

Successful large-scale school reforms require 5 years or more of a superintendent's attention. There is an implication that excessively short tenures, particularly if experienced in a brief span of time, could prove detrimental to systemwide improvement efforts. This study examines the survival of school superintendents in office, using data from…

In 1996, the New York State legislature passed a new statute that significantly alters the organization and governance of the New York City Public Schools. The Act weakens the authority of the (decentralized) community school boards, giving the chief executive officer, the schools' Chancellor, more latitude and responsibility for hiring,…

As demands for accountability are heightened and job expectations become increasingly unrealistic, people are less interested in entering the superintendency or staying in it if they already have it. This study explored motivators and inhibitors that contribute to a person's decision to become a superintendent and remain in the superintendency. Of…