Leadership transitions in higher education institutions are stressful for both the president and the institution, but successful management of transitions can increase the likelihood of an effective presidential tenure. Getting to know the institution, dealing with a few priorities rather than many, and development of relationships with key…

The ideal college president does not exist, and our mythic thinking obscures a serious consideration of how we can create the conditions for more successful college and university leadership. Success is correlated with support, but not all support is equal; longevity is not a measure of success; and an administrator's success should not be…

Reasons for conflict between college faculty and administrators are discussed, focusing on the differences in roles and authority structures, persistent daily interpersonal conflicts, unclear standards of judgment, different decision-making intentions, mutual lack of understanding of power status, and irritations common in the boss-employee…

This article offers suggestions to alumni affairs offices who are dealing with increasing numbers of outspoken or angry alumni. Advice includes responding promptly, listening carefully, getting the facts ahead of time, keeping alumni informed, and monitoring the hot spots. Examples of how various colleges and universities handle alumni complaints…

Through dedicated educators' efforts, positive climates can be established even in schools with challenging conditions. This article describes two southern urban high schools that beat the odds. The first, a public high school for African Americans, adopted site-based management; the second features an optional creative and performing arts program…

Argues that school leaders should act as teachers of their colleagues, assuming the tasks of a teacher in planning curriculum, designing learning activities, and developing consensus among their students/colleagues about what should be done to act on their learning. School renewal and restructuring offer illustrations of the "leader as…

Shares examples of how child care center directors dealt with homosexual bias issues in their centers. Suggests the following four strategies when strengthening antibias practices: use inclusive language and images in parent and staff orientations; examine personnel policies; use staff and parent meetings to explore myths, fears, and conflicting…

Supports the value of course evaluations. Cautions that (1) there is a need to develop more sensitive instruments to measure effective teaching; (2) students should not be given questions they do not have the expertise to answer; (3) course evaluations should be combined with other modes of evaluation; and (4) evaluations should be read with…

Examines the emotionality of educational leadership by exploring administrators' recall of significant junctures in their lives as leaders. Understanding the role of emotions may be fundamental to a fuller appreciation of the intra- and inter-subjective realities of school life and educational leadership itself. (Contains 57 references.) (MLH)

Interviews with 10 high school administrators who were leaders of innovation identified three new roles for principals relevant to administrator education: principal as leader of leaders, as advocate, and as catalyst for change. Administrator education programs should focus on leadership of change, continuous improvement, development of learning…

Discusses what effective instructional leadership looks like, how principals can improve teaching, and how teachers' views of leaders affect what they do in the classroom. Highlights two major themes that principals exhibit in effective instructional leadership (talking with teachers to promote reflection and promoting professional growth). A…

Concerns about principals' demanding, crucial role may lead to assumptions that strong-minded, charismatic individuals are essential for a school's long-term well-being. A case study illustrates unintended consequences resulting from such archetypal leadership of a British Catholic secondary school, following an effective, unconventional…

Argues that a commitment to supporting student First Amendment rights can and should be a primary educational goal, helping to instill in students an appreciation for responsible citizenship in a pluralistic society. Discusses definitions of "obscene,""vulgar," and "indecent," and how a school should respond to situations involving charges that…

Argues that the school principal's tasks in meeting the needs and concerns of ever-changing schools are numerous, complex, and challenging. Identifies 38 major roles of the principal, including creating a visible presence in the school and supervising instructional activities of teachers. Examines the principal's instructional leadership roles,…

Argues that secondary and post secondary academic department chairs are both managers and leaders whose real work is to manage conversational inquiry that engages others in creating possibilities, breakthroughs, and a sustainable future for their common enterprise. Describes leadership capabilities demanded by this work; well-honed communication…