School Leadership and Administration: Important Concepts, Case Studies and Simulations - Softcover

Snowden, Petra E

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0697241432 ISBN 13: 9780697241436

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., 1997

Synopsis

The text is designed to help prospective and experienced principals, administrators and supervisors increase their knowledge and skills through concepts, case-studies, and simulations. Two parts makeup this text. Part I presents important theoretical concepts and research findings that if adequately understood and appropriately applied can improve educators' problem solving and leadership effectiveness. Problems and issues illustrated in case studies and simulations are presented in Part II. Nevertheless, it is the problem dimension of human behaviour in school administration that should be studied, and it is here that preparation and in-service training programs need to be directed if prospective and experienced administrators and supervisors are to be equipped with the skills needed for the future as well as for the present. The fifth edition has a thoroughly updated research base, incorporates new topics for the '90s and beyond, and uses less conservative, traditional language. New current, relevant, diverse, pragmatic cases have been added; previously published cases have been revised.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Eight of the 65 cases are new.
A more lively writing style makes the theoretical section easier to read and understand; more headings divide and subdivide the chapters so material is presented in more easily digested chunks.
Additional coverage includes material on school-based management, shared decision-making and empowerment; more attention to the role of teachers as leaders; guidance on communicating the school's mission and vision to the community, along with communication strategies for dealing with hostile critics; improved sections on organizational culture, climate, and student characteristics in an increasingly diverse society; updated material on conflict management, school violence and safety issues; more material on professional development; more attention is devoted to school reform and improvement, including the debates over charter schools, vouchers, accountability, and learning standards and testing.
Includes a new survey instrument to help school leaders assess organizational culture and school climate from a multicultural perspective.
The text provides opportunities for students to interact with 'real life' situations. Students can have the virtual experience of sitting in the principal's seat by dealing with the issues presented in the 'in-basket' exercises and case study simulations.
A matrix in chapter 8 before Part II shows how to analyze the case studies and use the In-Basket exercises according to level, type of position, and area of administration. Case studies are grouped by topic and include leading questions grouped under headings such as "Analyze the Case," "Discuss the Larger Issues," "Be a Problem Solver," "Test Your Solution," and "Investigate Further."

About the Author:

Richard A. Gorton received his doctorate from Stanford University, majoring in school administration. His Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and his Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance were conferred by the University of Iowa. Dr. Gorton’s school experience includes teaching, counseling and guidance, and administration. He was Department Chairperson and Professor of Administrative Leadership and Supervision at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. He is currently a consultant with Gorton Associates in San Diego, California. A leader in state and national administrator orga-nizations, Dr. Gorton has collaborated on a national study of “the effective principal.” Because of his expertise and practical experience, he has frequently been called on as a consultant and workshop leader in the areas of teacher and administrator evaluation, in-service education, program evaluation, instructional supervision, student disciplinary problems, school-community relations, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Dr. Gorton has published two textbooks, two monographs, and over 100 articles, book reviews, and abstracts on a variety of topics related to educational administration and supervision, as well as education in general. Dr. Gorton’s other textbook for which he was senior author, School-Based Leadership. Challenges and Opportunities, is used in nu-merous university courses devoted to administrator preparation and by school districts for in-service education. He has also served as senior editor for The Ency-clopedia of School Administration and Supervision.

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0697241432
• ISBN 13: 9780697241436
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 325