This paper adapts the framework developed by J. Murphy and P. Hallinger (1987) in a conceptual analysis of current approaches to educational leadership development. Murphy and Hallinger identified differentiating patterns of program operation in the areas of program content, program process, program focus, and what this referred to as "supporting…

The ways in which current theories of leadership relate to perceptions of organizational effectiveness are examined in a study looking at these interactions and relevant demographic factors in 11 small, private, midwestern colleges. A model of transactional and transformational leadership proposed by Bass (1985) is investigated along with an…

This study, part of a larger research effort, focuses attention on the relationship between school context and the process of learning to teach reflectively. It is noted that it requires leadership within the schools to nurture reflection and to encourage the development of more sophisticated forms of reflection as teachers acquire knowledge.…

Vision has been identified as a critical factor in effective leadership. Communicating the leader's vision to the staff is essential to realizing the vision. This paper reports data regarding seven elementary principals who developed a vision for their schools during attendance at a Principals' Academy. Data were also obtained from follow-up…

In U.S. public schools a limited number of women have attained the position of superintendent. Consequently, there has been limited research focusing on understanding the position from a woman?s perspective. The purpose of this study was to add to the small body of literature focusing on women?s ideas and beliefs about leading schools. A survey…

Conflict is inevitable when people work together because they have different points of view, values, and ways of working. Resolving conflicts can be extremely difficult because of these differences. This short guidebook addresses ways successful leaders can work to manage conflict in the workplace, in particular conflict with people who report to…

State and local education systems must abandon the century-old model of the principal as a middle manager directly responsible for every aspect of school operations and performance. Intense job stress, excessive time requirements, difficulty satisfying parents and community, social problems that make it difficult to focus on instructional issues,…

Successful change results when two conflicting realities--organizational initiation of change and implementation of change at the individual level--are linked. The Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL 1995) has proposed a set of six "sacred" administrative strategies that foster the link: (1) Create a context conducive to change; (2)…

This paper presents findings of a study that examined the behaviors of principals in El Paso County, Texas. The Modified Delphi Technique used two instruments: a questionnaire that was administered to a panel of experts who listed important behaviors for principals in border areas; and a survey based on panel members' responses that was mailed to…

This paper examines the evolution of the boundary-spanning role of the school superintendent and its impact on their ability to function effectively as educational leaders. This role, which is a relatively new development in the definition of superintendency, includes acting as a filtering agent controlling the flow of information in and out of…

Describes Peter Senge's learning organization model for creating effective organizational structures and its applicability to leadership in higher education institutions. By examining Senge's views on the ideal leader, the author concludes that the model disregards two important aspects of educational leadership: political adeptness and a strong…

Only in higher education is the administrator expected to maximize both individual freedom and structural boundaries. Management theory has limited usefulness in explaining his role. Successful leadership requires accurate perception of people's motives and goals, a keen sense of institutional policy and vision, common sense, courage and…

Effective school leadership may be increasingly defined by new models and new paradigms for training and development. Principal development must educate principals about change; build sound, effective relationships; create sharing, networking, and mentoring activities; teach, support, and encourage reflection; discuss transcendent and…

Early childhood centers today are buffeted with unprecedented financial, organizational, and societal challenges. This article profiles "exceptional directors" who have responded to these challenges through their skills in leading people, working with parents, developing programs, managing their organizations, and advocating for…

Obtaining talented and properly trained college leaders is often a source of problems for community colleges. Emphasizes that community college leaders should not rely exclusively on graduate programs of education or professional training programs for leadership development. Discusses the historical factors contributing to community college…