This paper describes the first phase of a research study that examined (1) how superintendents define and select their administrative teams; (2) how team values are conceptualized by superintendents; (3) how "trust" is defined and its value perceived by superintendents; and (4) whether or not gender influences the way superintendents define "team"…

A study of 188 superintendents and 379 school board members in districts with student enrollments above 25,000 sheds light on several factors affecting the working relationships between superintendents and their local boards. Board members tended to follow personal judgment rather than constituent preferences when making decisions, and received…

Raymond Callahan's superintendent vulnerability thesis suggests that school superintendent behavior is subject to the political winds of local school boards, in turn dominated by the economic values of American businessmen. This thesis inspired a body of research termed "dissatisfaction theory," which describes the sequence of events…

The three parts of this paper present a review of how the states provide state aid formula adjustments for enrollment decline, findings of a survey of New Mexico superintendents regarding revision of the state's formula, and the implications of formula revision for the goals of school finance reform. First, it is noted that there is a trend toward…

This paper is part of a larger report entitled "The Reform of American Public Education in the 1980s; Themes and Cases." A discussion on the reform of school administration, specifically the forces leading to the reform of school administration in the 1980s is presented. The first part of the report documents the forces that led to demands for…

This document examines the public relations activities occurring in K-12 and intermediate school districts, needs for other activities, and how Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) can assist. Written surveys were mailed to 394 K-12 and Intermediate School District (ISD) superintendents. Analysis showed that very few school…

The focus of this study is the relationship between superintendents and principals and their collaborative approach to improving administrative performance. The research for this study was conducted in two phases. During the first phase, the Performance Rating Scale, which assesses the administrative performance of the school principal, was…

Youth suicide is becoming a vital, compelling issue to citizens, their families, and professional and legislative groups. Although schools are second only to families in responsibility for children's welfare, few schools have formal policies and procedures for preventing student suicide or dealing with its aftereffects. Also, numerous myths abound…

The rural superintendency offers unique challenges and insights into the educational process. Rural superintendents require a broader range of administrative training and skills than their urban counterparts, with a strong emphasis on interpersonal skills. The range of problems and daily activities encountered by the rural superintendent is…

Under the auspices of the American Association of School Administrators and the Ford Foundation, Project AWARE (Assisting Women to Advance through Resources and Encouragement) in 1981 surveyed the United States territories as well as all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Data were gathered from chief state school officers on school…

For the purposes of this study, which examines the upward mobility of educational administrators, "upward mobility" is defined as a function of a combination of professional attractiveness and inside sponsorship operating in a paternalistic environment. The study tested four hypotheses within paternalistic school environments: (1)…

This paper presents a profile of and an interview with the new superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools, Joseph Hannan. The problems confronting the new superintendent are the same as those faced by the previous superintendent except for the decrease in school enrollment and a financial crisis stemming from a depressed economy. Hannan views…

A random selection of superintendents in Texas school districts with student populations of 500 to 50,000 was surveyed and a search made of the literature to determine the desired characteristics of those in the role of assistant superintendent of instruction. The information collected showed preferences concerning the field of specialization,…

The major purpose of this study is to further understanding of conflict management in educational governance. The study compares and contrasts the conflict management behaviors of 52 superintendents and 52 city managers and the conditions that are associated with such behaviors. The sample was drawn from the San Francisco (California) and Chicago…