The purpose of this paper is to examine--using single-case qualitative ethnographic methods--how an urban superintendent responded to a "crisis in representation" with the intent that such an examination will be instructive for other superintendents faced with similar challenges. opens with a description of methodology followed by a brief…

This publication presents activities for monitoring effective teacher and administrator performance in Oklahoma. The state mandates that each board of education maintains and annually reviews a written policy of evaluation for all teachers and administrators. Section 1, "Criteria for Effective Teaching Performance," focuses on practice…

Middle-level principals are essential to current school reform initiatives. A study was undertaken to report what the respondents identified as the essential performance-based skills and knowledge needed for middle-level leadership, and to assess and project the impact of these knowledge and skill areas on administrator preparation programs. These…

This paper addresses the evolution of the kinds of challenges that deans have met over time and examines perceptions of today's deans concerning their ability to deal effectively with current challenges. A sample of deans (n=695) in the colleges of education, business, liberal arts, and nursing at 360 public and private institutions was surveyed…

This paper, which examines mentor relationships of academic deans, is part of a study conducted by the Center for Academic Leadership at Washington State University between October 1996 and January 1997. The study sample consisted of 1,370 deans (response rate 60 percent) at 360 public and private institutions, and the survey gathered information…

At a time of widespread concerns about quality, cost and accountability in higher education, the importance of the lay governing board has never been greater. Lay governance is the means by which the perspective of informed citizens is brought to the heart of the university. And, in the best of all worlds, it provides a vehicle for thoughtful…

Discusses a study to establish and compare the perceived importance of 17 of the most regularly identified effective-schools characteristics for school community members in Australia and the United States. Principals, teachers, parents, and students believe that the most critical elements are dedicated and qualified staff, clear school purposes,…

Profiles Clay County (West Virginia) High School, example of U.S. School of Excellence in rural, poverty area. Explains positive role of school principal. Details successful attendance incentives and dropout program. Describes examples of community involvement. (TES)

Describes the role of college presidents in the invigoration and renewal of trustees, administrators, faculty, adjunct faculty, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, and maintenance personnel, as well as the external public served by the college. Suggests that comprehensive staff development programs are essential to institutional…

Notes problems that center directors can face in everyday encounters and proposes a technique that can facilitate and help preserve fairness in difficult situations. Details the four components of the model: describe, express, specify, and consequences. Suggests that this strategy combines emotion and logic into a short message with clear…

Formulates 3 hypotheses based on contingency, congruency, and contextual relationships, and tests them empirically on a dataset of 71 randomly selected Dutch secondary schools. Results show that managerial competence is most obvious during hard times, and that principals need more crisis-management training. (52 references) (MLH)

Political acumen has become survival skill for school leaders. By staying abreast of developing social issues and anticipating local action, school executives can orchestrate community effort, take lead, and develop plan featuring broad citizen involvement. Advice is provided for playing new game and becoming less isolationist. Sidebars show how…

Findings from a survey of rural school administrators in Oregon include profiles of three superintendent-principals that practice democratic leadership. Findings contrast with a national study that painted a discouraging picture of rural schooling in which few superintendents had a vision of working with people in collaborative ways. (LP)

Results of two investigations of leader characteristics and behaviors associated with extraordinary performance are reported. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Results indicated transformational leadership was more prevalent in higher education than at other levels; they emphasized the importance of professional development…

Focuses on the question of administration when French language immersion programs are integrated into English instruction schools. It is argued that bilingual administration would be better than unilingual in fulfilling immersion teachers' needs, helping lessen conflict, and provide the leadership needed for program integration into the school…