School principals have complex jobs. To better understand the work lives of principals, this study uses observational time-use data for all high school principals in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This paper examines the relationship between the time principals spent on different types of activities and school outcomes including student…

Much has been written about the importance of school leadership, but there is surprisingly little systematic evidence on this topic. This paper presents preliminary estimates of key elements of the market for school principals, employing rich panel data on principals from Texas State. The consideration of teacher movements across schools suggests…

While the importance of effective principals is undisputed, few studies have addressed what specific skills principals need to promote school success. This study draws on unique data combining survey responses from principals, assistant principals, teachers and parents with rich administrative data to identify which principal skills matter most…

The long-term health of each state's economy rests on the state's ability to educate and eventually employ citizens who contribute to its economy by filling jobs in a variety of sectors. With the globalization of the economy and shifts in supply and demand for a wide variety of occupations, students in public schools need effective teachers and…

This book describes a professional development model for new and experienced principals -- a collaborative leadership inquiry seminar. The authors combine existing models of structured professional conversations about education into an on-going leadership development experience that will work in large, urban school districts. They examine how to…

Purpose-driven leadership is a constructive leadership model that challenges an organization to: define its purpose, maintain integrity, encourage character, prevent burnout and sustain vitality. The model incorporates "best practice language" and the tools needed to foster a meaningful discourse. As school leaders strive to define, defend, and…

This study identifies adult education program characteristics that predict improved learner outcomes through statistical analyses of data across four years in a single state. Data indicate that, collectively, several predictors contribute to our understanding of learner outcomes, including (a) learner entry level, (b) size of community, (c) staff…

Few principals claim to be technology experts. Most aspire to design a map that leads their schools to success with educational technology. However, the key to success on the journey is not knowing everything or becoming a technology expert. It is about asking the right questions, exploring the answers to those questions, and creating a road map…

Often times, there is a lack of preparation provided for the new superintendent by universities and professional associations. Meanwhile, new school superintendents are so focused on campaigning that little time is spent on what it takes to succeed in the position. In this book the author lays the foundation with a systematic mindset, a strategic…

Leadership development, a component of HRD, is becoming an area of increasingly important practice for all organizations. When companies such as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory rely on knowledge workers for success, leadership becomes even more important. This research paper tests the hypothesis that leadership credibility and the courage…

Walter F. Ulmer, Jr., is a retired three-star general in the United States Army and former president and chief executive officer of the Center for Creative Leadership. This book is a compilation of columns that he wrote during 1990-94 for the Center's periodical "Issues and Observations." The articles emphasize learning as the essential connection…

In the past 2 decades women have begun to make inroads into the male-dominated area of public school administration. Advancement for women was hindered by male-based approaches to teaching and preparation of school administrators. Meanwhile, women in other professions were making progress and forming support networks. One such group, the Northeast…

Findings from a study that determined the extent to which school districts utilized formal new mentoring programs for principals and examined the nature of such programs are presented in this paper. Methodology involved a survey of 40 school districts in a large urban region of southern California, which elicited 23 responses; interviews with the…

This book is the first of three volumes on conflict resolution for school administrators. The introduction provides a context for the discussion by outlining seven human systems levels at which conflict can occur and suggesting that the approach to dealing effectively with conflict varies with the level of the system involved. Chapter 1 explores…

A new way of viewing the principal is to think of the principal as an orchestral conductor. Insights gained from this perspective may help in progressing toward more healthy and productive school organizations. Both the conductor and the principal are highly visible by virtue of their positions and function as intermediaries in their respective…