Discusses possibilities for re-conceptualizing new mental models for principals regarding the back-to-the-neighborhoods movement. While the old lens for viewing community relationships emphasized boundary maintenance (bridging and buffering), the new lens builds on shared revitalization or co-production, offering a centered politics of place and…

Notes that the state of Pennsylvania has one of the poorest records for equality in public school funding. Describes how administrators in the Harrisburg School District, one of the low-funded urban school districts, attempt to promote literacy and lift students from low-income families out of a failure cycle that many assume is irreversible.…

Contends that culturally responsive leadership is one of the most important roles for contemporary school principals. Suggests ideas for creating culturally responsive school and classroom environments that form a strong framework for the development of language and literacy. Proposes that teachers and other staff members need to be actively…

Argues that because there is no overall teacher shortage, but rather specific subject area shortages and adverse selection and allocation problems, the No Child Left Behind Act's requirements that all teachers be "highly qualified" is important and attainable. To improve teacher quality, teacher certification should be modernized and…

Principals can provide input and feedback during the planning stage for building or renovating schools. Questions to ask focus on potential number of students, grade configuration, student grouping, length of school days and years, and instructional materials to be used. Describes a Virginia school built to meet the specific needs of an innovative…

Explores how a close integration of university-level planning and budgeting is required to drive change. Discusses major professional challenges of achieving this integration, the infrastructure of an office of budget and planning, and professional pathways for planning and budgeting officers. Also describes the author's personal career path in…

Summarizes findings of report "Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development," released in 2002 by the Arts Foundation Partnership. Report describes certain important relationships between the arts and academic and social skills. Describes what principals can do to link the arts with other subjects. (PKP)

Describes process for developing a successful superintendent-school board governance team to improve student achievement. (PKP)

Isolation, overwork, and political tensions are cited as contributors to burnout. Although recent studies report that a large majority of administrators are reasonably satisfied in their current positions, many are facing greater stress and heavier workloads. Expectations, time and financial constraints, and personnel matters pressure…

Takeover artists are a rare breed. Persons hired to put bankrupt school systems back on the road to academic solvency need stamina, clout, and plenty of experience. For all their state-given powers, takeover superintendents must identify key constituencies, build bridges, and promote belief in change from within. (MLH)

The superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (Kentucky) describes an administrative restructuring process that removed layers of bureaucracy and dramatically improved principals' and teachers' shared decision-making opportunities and increased their enthusiasm and commitment. The key is willingness to take risks and remaining open to new…

The principal's office is frequently a collection point for problems and demands. Secondary school principals often average 1,000 interactions daily. Principals can manage stress by declining to solve every problem, delegating responsibility, reexamining their supervisory role, developing networks of trusted friends, and engaging in…

Gives an autobiographical account of an English teacher-turned-administrator, who determined to teach writing by writing, at first in his own classroom and later promoting its use system-wide. Illustrates the strong influence an administrator can have on teaching practice and curriculum. (SR)

Presents results from interviews with presidents of the Dallas County Community College District, Texas, regarding their definitions of effective college teaching and learning, recommendations for developing climates for learning, and strategies used on their campuses to improve teaching/learning. Includes the district chancellor's opinions of the…

Argues that effective college and university presidents and chancellors can work with the accreditation agencies to make the improvement of educational quality a priority for their institutions. Proposes a pilot project designed to make presidents and regional accrediting associations partners in quality enhancement. (DMM)