The phenomenon of social skills is explored in the context of school superintendency, and findings of a study designed to assess social communications skills of 236 practicing superintendents are reported. Reasons for the discrepancy between the high skills expected and the low to average skills actually found are discussed. (SLD)

The Copernican plan can help almost every U.S. high school decrease its average class size, increase its course offerings, substantially reduce teaching load, provide students with regularly scheduled seminars, establish a productive learning environment, and substantially increase learning mastery within present funding levels. Sidebars describe…

Having learned power struggles and budget-busting practices can block the best educational improvement efforts, former Sacramento schools chief has assumed leadership of Tacoma schools, less visible district with 20,000 fewer students. What matters to Superintendent Rudy Crew is roots, balance in life, and the chance to stretch an urban school…

Describes the attempts of the West Whitesburg school council to implement reforms in accordance with Kentucky's Education Reform Act. Highlights one parent's frustration with the board of education, which fought parental involvement, resulting in the principal's resignation. Although some reforms have been implemented, 1991-92 test scores for…

A qualitative study of 12 women superintendents identified seven success strategies: balancing role- and gender-related responsibilities; focusing on caring for children; communicating meaningfully in a "feminine," indirect way; refusing to act like men; letting go of gender expectations that block success; becoming fearless risk-takers with…

A survey of 575 spouses of Nebraska school administrators portrayed mounting pressure from increasing work demands. Fully 90% indicated that afterhours activities are exhausting and disruptive to family life. Other problems include dual home/office personalities, everyday job stress, unshared child-rearing responsibilities, and loneliness. Still,…

A strong board-superintendent relationship is essential to lead change successfully. Strategic management focuses on identifying specific strategic issues that tend to involve such high educational, financial, or political stakes that they cannot sensibly be left to normal routine. Strategic change initiatives are a schedule of tasks with specific…

A rural Minnesota district with a declining regional population and little public support involved the community in developing a consensus for reforms and creating a common vision and action plan for each school. Innovations were adopted regarding curriculum, scheduling, technology use, and marketing approaches. (MLH)

Board members and superintendents should know their state's laws regarding fund balances. Some states prohibit accumulation of fund balances and return unspent district revenues to state coffers. Most allow a limited fund balance to accumulate. Districts that overaccumulate are undermining state efforts to create educational equity. Tips are…

Local, regional, and state agencies must examine the superintendent shortage and determine who should address and resolve it. Boards should consider reviewing school-system governance, examine accountability issues, consider redefining and reconstituting the superintendency, address preparation program deficiencies, and identify talented leaders…

Eight reasons are proposed to support the argument that it should be possible to move toward a consensus about educational evaluation. The eight standards of the American Association of School Administrators are explored as starting points for developing a sound evaluation system and procedures. (SLD)

An educational technology program needs a conceptual foundation with several critical pillars, including shared leadership, collective vision, a holistic approach, relevant curricula, new pedagogies, staff training, noncomputer technologies, software and technical supports, flexible facilities, multilevel support, long-term commitment, and ongoing…

Specific student assessment tasks performed by educational administrators and the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for these tasks were studied in a questionnaire completed by 1,685 administrators. Although superintendents and principals performed tasks at different levels and frequencies, the skills they needed were quite similar. (SLD)

A case study demonstrates how urban school board members resolved a community crisis precipitated by the board's critical evaluation of the superintendent. Issues are analyzed through symbolic, political, human resources, and structural frameworks. The importance of establishing evaluation procedures when the superintendent is first hired is…

Collaborative organizations can fall prey to bureaucratic evasions and ethical pitfalls, such as self-protection, self-righteousness, and self-deception. Superintendents must actively work to improve children's conditions and embody ethical practices. They should demonstrate trust and openness, define what is ethical, examine agendas, share…