As both researchers and school faculty members explore ways to develop collective learning in schools, this qualitative, topic-oriented study examines teacher leaders', principals', and superintendents' perceptions about the notion of teachers' collective learning from their successful practices. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 65…

Two district leaders developed a set of processes for their district's principals, assistant principals, and curriculum directors. The professional development model they created included summer workshops, monthly seminars, observations, and workshops on effective hiring. The results affirmed that developing effective educational leaders is a…

In 1996 the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium, (ISLLC) a committee formed by the Council of Chief School Officers (CSSO) released a set of standards to guide the training of candidates for public school administrative positions. By 2008, when ISLLC released an updated set of standards, the standards had been adopted by at least 43…

Superintendents of small school districts describe how they give voice, involve and listen to others, and solicit various publics to build democratic communities. Superintendents make sense of leadership through their constructed role, leadership orientation, and district size. Findings suggest the following when superintendents involve, listen,…

Draconian cuts have become the order of business for many school districts since the economic recession hit in 2008. But for the coming school year, "draconian" has taken on an even harsher meaning, as states from California and Texas to Illinois and New York wrestle with deficits in the tens of billions of dollars and make…

A district is as stable and grounded as its superintendent, according to some leaders and education experts. And given findings in a recent report from the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS), which specifically states that the average tenure of urban superintendents increased from 2.3 years in 1999 to 3.6 years in 2010, an increase of 56…

As resources shrink, the need to do more with less becomes critical. As a business CEO turned superintendent, the author has seen firsthand that many options exist, but none are fun, easy, or politically rewarding. In 2005, he launched a 50-person listening tour with school committee members, central-office staff, curriculum leaders, and…

When a bond referendum comes around for a school district, it often is the culmination of years of planning, strategizing and communicating to the public. Especially in these economic times, passing a building referendum is challenging. Complete transparency among the superintendent, school board and community is essential to communicate the…

This case describes the confrontational relationship between four trustees on the San Antonio School Board and the San Antonio School District's superintendent Diana Lam, a nationally recognized school reformer, who came to San Antonio in 1994. The case includes a dramatic board meeting where a closely divided board meets to buy out Lam's…

Purpose: This article examines factors that affect school board policy making about student diversity within two southern urban-suburban school districts experiencing changing demographics: Jefferson County Public Schools and the Wake County Public School System. Both districts have a history of voluntary integration efforts, and research shows…

Pressures on school leaders to reform are pervasive within the United States. Prior studies show that superintendents who provide clear expectations and goals, collaborate, ensure quality professional development, and attend to curriculum alignment develop effective building leaders (Marzano & Waters, 2009; Wahlstrom, Louis, Leithwood, &…

The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to examine the role of the superintendent in assessing the readiness for change in the implementation and support for Professional Learning Communities. The study findings revealed four major themes. They were: (1) the changing dynamics of leadership; (2) a sense of collective efficacy and responsibility…

This report describes a problem based learning project focusing on Section 504 Compliance in the State of Missouri. Additionally it provides information about Superintendent's perceptions and levels of knowledge about Section 504 compliance in their districts. The project team sought to learn and understand the historical timeline of legislation…

This report describes a problem based learning project focusing on Section 504 Compliance in the State of Missouri. Additionally it provides information about Superintendent's perceptions and levels of knowledge about Section 504 compliance in their districts. The project team sought to learn and understand the historical timeline of legislation…

This report describes a problem based learning project focusing on Section 504 Compliance in the State of Missouri. Additionally it provides information about Superintendent's perceptions and levels of knowledge about Section 504 compliance in their districts. The project team sought to learn and understand the historical timeline of legislation…