Research has shown that women are underrepresented in positions of educational authority. This paper presents findings of a study that asked the following question: What is it about the regularities in discourse and practice in relationship to power in a particular community that would allow a woman to be selected for the superintendency, when…

This paper presents findings of a critical ethnography that examined the relationship between gender and the definition of power, and its use in the politicized role of the superintendent. Based on Stewart Clegg's (1988) conceptualization of power relationships as "circuits of power," the ethnography was conducted in a larger metropolitan area…

A central feature of the emergent pattern of educational reform is exemplified by alterations in the ways in which leaders of teachers' unions perceive themselves, their roles, and the relationship of their organization to their school district. Data for the study described here were derived principally from visits to and interviews with selected…

The library-centered instructional programs of Glen Cove, New York, are described. (PF)

Superintendent turnover in California's more than 1,000 school districts is at crisis proportions, averaging 16.18 percent per year over the past 6 years. Those who once aspired to the superintendency are opting for the security of a teaching or midlevel administrative position. These facts were confirmed by analyzing a database comprising the…

This selected bibliography of minorities and women in school administration is comprised of two sections: (1) "Racial-Ethnic Minorities in School Administration" contains 21 pages of references, most of which are annotated. Listed are 7 books, 30 journal articles, 18 ERIC documents, 11 reports, and 70 dissertations. (2) "Women in School…

The South is part of a dramatic education reform movement championed by a group of progressive governors and motivated by a desire to improve the region's economic future by bettering the education of its work force. Most southern states have significantly raised certification standards, teacher salaries, and per pupil expenditure. Georgia's…

This paper quotes liberally from writings on teacher supervision as it traces the history of attitudes toward the relationship between teachers and their supervisors from the middle 1800's to the present. The paper begins with the "Annual Report of the Superintendent of Common Schools of the State of New York" (1845), which reveals the simpler…

Across the nation, about 16,000 school boards are responsible for selecting their chief school administrators, including the superintendent. To aid school boards with their selection process, this paper provides some helpful hints. First, boards need to establish goals, philosophy, and school district needs and determine all possible alternatives…

Women seeking or holding administrative positions in Pennsylvania schools reported having mentors as frequently as men, according to a statewide survey. A questionnaire was sent to 1,324 people holding administrative certificates and currently employed in public schools, and 622 responded. These were divided into 16 subgroups according to the…

The length of tenure of school superintendents declined during the 1970's and 1980's, perhaps because teachers, parents, politicians, students, community members, and board members do not always pursue courses of action that conform to the superintendent's carefully constructed plans. Superintendents can apply several strategies to enhance the…

Because educational managers are central to effective school administration, states and local school districts are seeking improved methods of evaluating principals. The evaluative process can substantially affect productivity, employee commitment, and evaluation system stability. This study describes the characteristics of a state-mandated…

While much has been written about teacher selection policies and procedures, administrator selection has received scant attention beyond recognizing the need for improved school leadership and management. Research has shown that building administrators do make a difference and that leadership behavior is positively connected with school outcomes.…

Results of a study of practices and preferences in teacher supervision and evaluation in Maryland public schools are reported. The study surveyed supervisory practices in 24 local education agencies (LEA's) through a survey questionnaire and a literature search. The report identifies 18 key findings and issues relating to supervision, including…

This study examined official records on retention from the Department of Education to ascertain national and state status and trends of retention/dropouts. The records showed that since 1983 the retention rate has peaked and is beginning to decline. In this investigation of the dropout situation in Indiana, questionnaires were administered to and…