Download or read book The Leadership Role of the Superintendent in a Time of Change and Scarce Resources written by Jerome D. Steele and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: School district reorganization has been an ongoing process in New York state as well as many other states for more than a century. Since 2007 two New York State Commissioners have made recommendations regarding the further consolidation of school districts to provide relief for taxpayers as well as greater efficiency. Given the economic climate as well as the call for schools to consolidate, school superintendents and boards of education may need to consider the options of school district merger or annexation to address these issues as they lead their districts through these difficult times. This study explored the system level leadership issues associated with leading and managing in a time of scarce resources. With reorganization as an option available to school districts in New York state and using Kotter's eight steps for long-term change as a lens, a qualitative analysis was conducted focusing on three reorganizational efforts that occurred in New York state during the past ten years. Methods of inquiry included interviews of superintendents and members of the board of education. Public documents were also studied to gain greater understanding of the reorganization effort in each of the selected districts. The data collected were useful in determining the extent to which the leadership role of the superintendent affects these reorganization efforts. The three reorganization efforts selected for this research were significant as each was unique and different. In each case, the size of the districts fit a pattern of one small district with an enrollment of between 200 and 500 students paired with a larger district with an enrollment from 800 to 1000 students. All the districts researched were in rural New York State. Two of the efforts were annexations and the third was a proposed merger. The leadership roles of the superintendent and boards of education were important throughout the process. At least one of the superintendents in each of the these studies played a pivotal role before, during, and after the reorganization. One of the findings focuses on the role of students in this process. In two of the efforts, students were instrumental in helping the district through the period of transition. System leaders in these districts worked with the students to pick new school colors and mascots. The effort was a unifying factor for the students of the two districts. The findings of this study are instructive for system leaders in school districts facing the issue of scarce resources. If school district leaders choose reorganization as an option to address these issues, then these leaders should consider using Kotter's change model as a framework for achieving this process. Merging two different school districts is one of the most significant changes that any district and community will encounter.

Download or read book The Contemporary Superintendent written by Meredith Mountford and published by IAP. This book was released on 2019-06-01 with total page 271 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is (R)Evolutionary Leadership? Why Does it Matter? How can contemporary school district administrators, specifically superintendents, contend with so many difficult, and almost impossible competing commitments? Building on the definitions of revolution, revolutionary, evolution, and evolutionary, the notion of (R)Evolutionary Leadership emerged while discussing the need for school district leaders to push back against the status quo while improving teacher and leadership practices, improving student learning outcomes, engaging with the community, and ensuring decision making processes that include check and balance systems that are just, fair, and equitable for all. The chapters in this book introduce superintendents or research on superintendents in which these tenants were practiced; both in their ability to enact radical change by “overthrowing” the status quo – as well as evolutionary in their deliberate approach to viewing change as a process they can control over time. These leaders were willing to confront and defy practices and policies that were counter to student well-being and achievement while concurrently knowing how to reach their desired results. The chapters chosen for inclusion in this volume are those that offered a glimpse of these revolutionary tenants in practice. We ask that you consider this emerging concept as you explore the chapters of our book. You will find the (R)evolutionary Leaders you meet in the chapters know how to evolve, not just to stay alive, but to ensure the organization (school) remains relevant and vital to society. These leaders use their positional power, social capital, and expertise to advocate for policies and practices that are in the best interest of the school community and they innovate in ways that challenge the status quo. You will also find practices that are (R)Evolutionary and provide ways for leaders to innovate, collaborate, and simply take care of themselves and those around them. Our description does not seek to support or define or delineate the characteristics of a (R)Evolutionary Leader or how one might enact (R)Evolutionary Leadership–but serves as a way to (re)think the way we view the vastly complex work of school district administrators, specifically the superintendent. (R)Evolutionary leadership may change our ways of thinking about the significant advocacy role a superintendent can play in influencing both practice and policy to enact the change necessary to move forward issues of justice, equity, and quality in PK-12 schools and further to improve educational and social outcomes for those served.

Download or read book Evolution of the Superintendent s Leadership Role written by Jana Lynn Graves Rueter and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The position of the school superintendent as the primary school district leader is a position that, historically, has been a symbol of respect and authority in our nation's communities and social structure. The traditional role of the superintendent has evolved over time in response to various expectations, constraints, and a heightened level of responsibility in today's climate of accountability. The areas of governance operations, communication and public relations, and student performance accountability are three areas that have increased in importance due to the changing nature of public expectation. Research suggests that change is an inevitable factor in school district leadership, and the increased expectations that have developed have altered the state of the superintendency. Significant changes in the composition of the American communities have presented new challenges to school leaders. The skill set necessary to be a highly successful school leader has been affected by the changes shaping the modern superintendency. This treatise utilizes case study design to investigate how the role of the superintendent has changed over time. From the analysis of interviews, documents, and interactions, certain themes emerged. This study suggests that the role of the superintendent has changed over time in the areas of (1) governance operations, (2) communication and public relations, and (3) student performance accountability. Additionally, this study will examine how the evolution of the superintendency has affected the skill set necessary to be a highly successful school leader. This study will contribute to the literature in the field of leadership challenges in the modern superintendency as compared to the past.

Download or read book Interdisciplinary Unsettlings of Place and Space written by Sarah Pinto and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-04-25 with total page 307 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book brings together researchers from different fields, traditions and perspectives to examine the ways in which place and space might (be) unsettle(d). Researchers from across the humanities and social sciences have been drawn to the study of place and space since the 1970s, and the term ‘unsettled’ has been an occasional but recurring presence in this body of scholarship. Though it has been used to invoke a range of meanings, from the dangerous to the liberating, the term itself has rarely been at the centre of sustained examination. This collection highlights the idea of the unsettled in the scholarly investigation of place and space. The respective chapters offer a dialogue between a diverse and eclectic group of researchers, crossing significant disciplinary and interdisciplinary boundaries in the process. The purpose of the collection is to juxtapose a range of different approaches to, and perspectives on, the unsettling of place and space. In doing so, Interdisciplinary Unsettlings of Place and Space makes an important contribution and offers new insights into how scholarship and research into different fields and practices may help us re-envision place and space.

Download or read book The Superintendent and the CFO written by Brian L. Benzel and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2021-05-15 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Building a strong relationship with the CFO is essential for superintendents seeking to build sustainable educational programs for all students. Benzel and Hoover use their CFO and superintendent experience to identify what current and future leaders in both roles need to know and be able to do with respect to fiscal leadership and improved student learning. This book emphasizes that a focus on student achievement must be central to fiscal planning. The authors discuss the role values play in forming the leadership team, how to create a climate for success through collaborative strategies and ways to build systems strength to cope with uncertainty in fiscal planning. Using this leadership base, they outline the key management elements that must be in place to assure sound fiscal practices that monitor fiscal status and manage cash flow to mitigate uncertainty. Benchmarks for organizational success enhance communication with governing boards, internal audiences and taxpayers. This second edition adds perspective about detecting and address fraud or embezzlement and shares leadership perspective on capital facility planning and management. This book provides leaders with an outline of what do during every quarter of the fiscal year to exercise effective fiscal and educational leadership.

Download or read book The Modern School Superintendent written by Marvin E. Edwards and published by . This book was released on 2006-07 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An impossible job? That's what many have called the superintendency. With its growing and completing demands, it is a profession that can baffle even the most knowledgeable and well prepared. Public education resources have become more limited. There are new national and state testing requirements. Social issues are pulled into the schools and want more control over their operation. Add in politics and bureaucracy, and the end result is quite an unmanageable scenario. Unfortunately, more superintendents seem to be leaving the profession. Whether it is because of the demands superintendents face, the quality of preparation programs or a combination of both, the trend is a growing concern. Many superintendents are unprepared to deal with what they may encounter in running a school district. Yet the office is not all doom and gloom. Offering opportunities that are unavailable in many other careers, the superintendency is a position in which you will be taken seriously by others. And it is a profession in which one person, through skilled leadership, can make a difference by getting everyone to pull together and create a better environment for students. Surveys actually have shown that most superintendents would become superintendents again if they had the chance.

Download or read book Rural Education History written by Casey Thomas Jakubowski and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2023-06-15 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Using case studies and an auto-ethnographic study of rural education history in New York State, Casey Thomas Jakubowski provides an introduction to recent events in state-level educational policy implementation. Rural Education History: State Policy Meets Local Implementation argues that rural communities are subjected to urbanormative policy, especially in their schools, and provides voice to an understudied phenomena in an under researched region. The chapters combine sociology, policy, and rich case studies to demonstrate the realities, and nearby history, in rural America.

Download or read book Superintendent Leadership written by Elaine L. Wilmore and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2008-02-13 with total page 177 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Targeted to meet the needs of superintendents or those aspiring to the position. The stories, vignettes, and reflective exercises for the reader are major strengths." —Dan Lawson, Superintendent Tullahoma City Schools, TN "This is the first professional book that I have found exciting to read in a long time—I really couldn′t put it down! It made me immediately want to gather my leadership team together to devise our own plan. A terrific discussion starter, as well as a step-by-step plan for implementing and assessing new programs." —Marie Blum, Superintendent Canaseraga Central School District, NY Maximize districtwide performance through realistic, standards-based practice! Written by the past president of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration, this valuable resource examines the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that superintendents must develop to effectively manage change in today′s schools. Elaine L. Wilmore examines the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards—the new benchmarks established by NCATE and ISLLC for a highly effective superintendency—and shows how administrators can incorporate each standard into their global vision and everyday practice. Through case studies, problem-based learning, an assessment model, and reflective questions and activities, this reader-friendly handbook discusses ways for superintendents to: Attain proficiency in each ELCC standard Develop a positive district culture Manage operations, resources, and community involvement Superintendent Leadership is ideal for the development of future superintendents and the continuous professional learning of current administrators as leaders of the learning community.

Download or read book The Modern School Superintendent written by Marvin Edwards and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2006 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An impossible job? That's what many have called the superintendency. With its growing and completing demands, it is a profession that can baffle even the most knowledgeable and well prepared. Public education resources have become more limited. There are new national and state testing requirements. Social issues are pulled into the schools and want more control over their operation. Add in politics and bureaucracy, and the end result is quite an unmanageable scenario. Unfortunately, more superintendents seem to be leaving the profession. Whether it is because of the demands superintendents face, the quality of preparation programs or a combination of both, the trend is a growing concern. Many superintendents are unprepared to deal with what they may encounter in running a school district. Yet the office is not all doom and gloom. Offering opportunities that are unavailable in many other careers, the superintendency is a position in which you will be taken seriously by others. And it is a profession in which one person, through skilled leadership, can make a difference by getting everyone to pull together and create a better environment for students. Surveys actually have shown that most superintendents would become superintendents again if they had the chance.

Download or read book Effective School District Leadership written by Kenneth A. Leithwood and published by SUNY Press. This book was released on 1995-01-01 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reports the results of a series of studies of effective school district leadership

Download or read book The Role of Superintendents that Engage in Systemic Change that Addresses the Inequities in Lower and Middle Socioeconomic Districts written by Tamra Stephanie Collins and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 115 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Change is an intentional process and it requires system leaders to be strategic and purposeful with their actions. In order to effect systemic change within their respective districts, system leaders need to be clear about the moral imperative (Fullan, 2004) of equity work. Superintendents will need to be cognizant and empathetic of the students and communities they serve, engage in difficult conversations, understand the challenges that surface as a result of inequity, and be open to inclusion and collaboration. The researcher examined the extent district leaders can influence changing the culture of their districts to ensure equity. Additionally, the research highlighted an analysis of how district leaders’ perceived beliefs and attitudes about inequities can impact district practices and policies, as well as how system leaders’ assessment of their own culture shapes how they deal with addressing disproportions in low and middle socioeconomic school districts. While there is ample research and literature on the issues of addressing the achievement gap and culturally proficient leadership to address inequities, there is not sufficient research regarding how district leaders, superintendents in particular, engage in systemic changes that address inequities within lower and middle socioeconomic school districts. Moreover, there is little research focused on New York City Superintendents’ perceptions and influence in advancing sustainable equity work with varying socioeconomic districts. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how superintendents engage in systemic change that addresses inequities within lower and middle-class school districts in New York City. The participants targeted in this research were divided into two groups. The first group were superintendents who led districts with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, and the second group was comprised of superintendents that led middle- class districts. The research design that was employed was a qualitative study, and it was conducted using interviews, examining publicly available documents, and a review of relevant research to support the findings. The findings that emerged from this research showed that superintendents, regardless of leading districts with differing socioeconomic status, are steering systemic change that addresses the underlying issues of inequity but not in a step by step process, and not in the same way. Another finding focused on how superintendents were building the capacity of school leaders to lead equity work in their schools, while they advocated and redistributed resources to underserved communities. A third finding highlighted superintendents in middle-class districts whose perceived beliefs and attitudes reflected the need to create diversity within their district schools, while superintendents in low-socioeconomic districts perceived beliefs and attitudes referenced that their districts lacked access to resources, a lack of high-quality teaching and low expectations. Lastly, superintendents demonstrated their influence in advancing equity by setting clear goals and non-negotiables focused on closing the achievement gap.

Download or read book The School Superintendent written by Theodore J. Kowalski and published by SAGE Publications. This book was released on 2012-11-09 with total page 449 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The School Superintendent: Theory, Practice, and Cases is the essential guide to succeeding as a superintendent or as an administrator in another district-level position. Comprehensive in both theory and practice, this textbook and reference guide examines the role and responsibilities of school district administration in professional, social, philosophical, and political frames, while balancing perspectives of rewards and challenges commonly expressed by school superintendents. Important topics covered include the emerging role of superintendent as communicator, the changing conditions in districts and schools, inadequate funding for public schools, and the treatment of policy administration, leadership roles, and community involvement. Fully updated, the Third Edition provides: greater emphasis on the challenges facing novice superintendents; new material on strategic planning and visioning; new and expanded coverage of contemporary issues such as inadequate district funding and social challenges; additional figures, tables, key terms, and other helpful learning tools; and more.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of the Social and Cultural Foundations of Education A H 2 I Z 3 Biographies visual history index written by Eugene F. Provenzo and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2009 with total page 1393 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 'Encyclopedia' provides an introduction to the social and cultural foundations of education. The first two volumes consist of A-Z entries, featuring essays representing the major disciplines including philosophy, history, and sociology, and a third volume is made up of documentary, photographic, and visual resources.

Download or read book Success in the Superintendency written by Kay T. Worner and published by R&L Education. This book was released on 2010-06-16 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Success in the Superintendency will help new and aspiring superintendents gain meaningful, practical information from award winning, experienced superintendents. The book's ten chapters cover topics identifiable to every superintendent_no matter how many years experience he or she has on the job. The author and editor of the book, Kay T. Worner, weaves information, advice, and research into each chapter making the book a valuable tool for all administrators. The tips, and scenarios for each chapter are inspired by thirty-six Superintendents of the Year representing various states and over twenty years of awards. Because of the wealth of information and advice, the book is ideal for graduate school students, beginning superintendents, and superintendents who seek some advice from those who are recognized by their peers as excellent leaders. The book is organized so that it is easily read chapter by chapter, or the reader can quickly search a topic of interest. Success in the Superintendency is a must have for every superintendent's professional library.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of the Social and Cultural Foundations of Education written by Eugene F. Provenzo, Jr. and published by SAGE Publications. This book was released on 2008-10-29 with total page 1393 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: More than any other field in education, the social and cultural foundations of education reflect many of the conflicts, tensions, and forces in American society. This is hardly surprising, since the area focuses on issues such as race, gender, socioeconomic class, the impact of technology on learning, what it means to be educated, and the role of teaching and learning in a societal context. The Encyclopedia of the Social and Cultural Foundations of Education provides a comprehensive introduction to the social and cultural foundations of education. With more than 400 entries, the three volumes of this indispensable resource offer a thorough and interdisciplinary view of the field for all those interested in issues involving schools and society. Key Features · Provides an interdisciplinary perspective from areas such as comparative education, educational anthropology, educational sociology, the history of education, and the philosophy of education · Presents essays on major movements in the field, including the Free School and Visual Instruction movements · Includes more than 130 biographical entries on important men and women in education · Offers interpretations of legal material including Brown v. Board of Education(1954) and the GI Bill of Rights · Explores theoretical debates fundamental to the field such as religion in the public school curriculum, rights of students and teachers, surveillance in schools, tracking and detracking, and many more · Contains a visual history of American education with nearly 350 images and an accompanying narrative Key Themes · Arts, Media, and Technology · Curriculum · Economic Issues · Equality and Social Stratification · Evaluation, Testing, and Research Methods · History of Education · Law and Public Policy · Literacy · Multiculturalism and Special Populations · Organizations, Schools, and Institutions · Religion and Social Values · School Governance · Sexuality and Gender · Teachers · Theories, Models, and Philosophical Perspectives · A Visual History of American Education

Download or read book Building Great School Board Superintendent Teams written by Bradley V. Balch and published by . This book was released on 2017-09-22 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To address urgent challenges and drive continuous improvement effectively, school board members, superintendents, and school leaders must develop strong school board/superintendent teams. The authors offer a systematic approach for establishing a unified school leadership team that can efficiently meet demands, avoid conflict, and respond to the ever-changing educational environment. Each chapter includes professional development activities that can be adapted for teams of any size. Learn how to build an effective school leadership team: Consider how the school board/superintendent team can remain sustainable and productive in governance, instructional leadership, and school improvement. Foster committed team relationships and develop effective school leadership practices and qualities within the team. Clarify superintendents' and school board members' roles and responsibilities to improve governance and avoid conflict. Learn characteristics of effective communication and how to speak with one unified voice as a team. Participate in team professional development activities that build trust, respect, transparency, and accountability among the team. Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: Legal Perspectives and the Case for Local Control Chapter 2: Induction and New Team Member Orientation Chapter 3: Team Members' Roles and Responsibilities Chapter 4: Effective Communication and a Unified Voice Chapter 5: Team Decision Making Chapter 6: Committed, Effective Team Leadership Chapter 7: Foundational Statements Chapter 8: Continuous Improvement and Quality Assurance Chapter 9: Governance and Leadership During Change Chapter 10: Dysfunctional Teams and Rogue Members Chapter 11: System Evaluation Essentials Chapter 12: The Future of the School Board-Superintendent Team References and Resources

Download or read book Examining the Role of School Superintendents in Creating Sustainable Change Through Principal Leadership written by Michele L. Whitley and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Educational policy in the United States in the past decade has focused on eliminating the achievement gap by establishing legislation orienting educators toward research-based evidence and increased accountability at all levels of the system (Daly, Liou et al., 2014). Educational leaders play an important role in initiating and maintaining change, and leadership practice is imperative for educational reform (Weinbaum et al., 2012). The interconnection between the success and failure of reform initiatives in schools have rested in part on the fabric and dynamics of social relations (Daly, 2010). The purpose of this grounded theory, qualitative study is to examine how the understanding and use of social network theory is applied by superintendents as they build the capacity of principals so that change occurs and can be sustained to improve student outcomes. Daly's (2010) social network theory is the conceptual frame for this investigation. Key findings showed that all the participating superintendents deemed it necessary to be able to communicate, create vision, and serve as a model for leadership to build capacity of building principals to reach district goals. Superintendents also considered professional development, network ties, and information flow necessary to support principals' attainment of district goals with their staff. Lastly, superintendents believed that social networks and social capital within the organizational culture are necessary to sustain change. Several conclusions were identified from the findings. Superintendents believed it was necessary to build leadership capacity of principals through articulating vision and goals, long- term planning and empowering principals to lead initiatives. Superintendents modeled leadership and considered network ties when building social capital and accessing resources. Superintendents created structures for external and internal communication for information flow but did not explicitly reference the development of social networks. The development of social capital is necessary to sustain the attainment of district goals. Research regarding educational leadership and change is enhanced by this study as it provides ideas for leaders working with teams on how to apply social networks to create and sustain change in an organization. The focus on the relationship between central office and building principals to examine how the system interacts to achieve sustainable change through coordinated efforts is understudied and this research attempts to provoke thinking centered on systemic change efforts.