Learning From the Best
Purchase
Description
"Provides a rare opportunity to get inside the heads of the best superintendents in the country. Harris' book captures essential craft knowledge that every superintendent needs to succeed in the job."
—Robert S. McCord, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"An excellent book for experienced and new superintendents. I kept coming across little nuggets and big ideas that I couldn't wait to implement immediately."
—Janie L. Nusser, Superintendent
South Seneca Central School District, NY
Words of wisdom for achieving effective district leadership!
In today's challenging educational environment, superintendents need proven strategies that will help them lead their schools and districts successfully. This topical resource offers a collection of proven best practices from award-winning superintendents.
Representing school districts with diverse populations, school sizes, and communities, 22 current and former superintendents from around the country detail in their own words the practices that have been central to their professional and districtwide success. Readers can learn from the wisdom and experience of these outstanding leaders on topics such as:
- Transformational leadership that provides direction for the district
- Community building, outreach, and effective partnerships
- Responding to changing times, changing standards, and student needs
- Developing strategies for overcoming barriers to effective reform
Learning From the Best is a valuable resource for new and experienced superintendents seeking to steer their districts through today's most pressing educational issues.
Contents
Foreword, by Daniel A. Domenech
Foreword, by Daniel A. Domenech
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Author
Contributors
Contributors
1. Introduction
- Role of the Superintendent
- Qualifications for the Superintendency
- Purpose of This Book
2. Leadership That Transforms Schools
- Leadership Sets Direction by Communicating and Collaborating, John Morton
- Leadership Sets Direction by Staying the Course, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Sets Direction by Involving the Community in Visioning, Patrick Russo
- Leadership Redesigns the Organization by Identifying the Culture of the District, James L. Hager
- Leadership Redesigns the Organization Through Instructional Leadership, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Redefines the Organization by Reducing District Health Care Costs, Ronald D. Valenti
- Leadership Develops People Through Servant Leadership, Thomas Leahy
- Leadership Develops People Through the Power of Collaboration, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Develops People Through Implementing Book Clubs, Krista Parent
- Leadership That Develops People Is Important, Gary Johnson
- Summary
- Leadership Reflection
- Additional Resources
3. Community Building
- Building Relationships With the Board of Education, John Morton
- School Board: Team of Eight Training, Chuck Holt
- Everyone Is Important, Robert Olsen
- Creating a Professional Learning Community, Brian Knutson
- Building Community: Three Key Elements and Four Steps to Implement, Thomas Little
- Communicating and Collaborating Within the District Takes Effort, Paul Kinder
- Building Trust in the Community at Every Level, Brenda Dietrich
- Leading by Example, John Morton
- Reaching Out to the Larger Community, Robert Olsen
- The Expanding Role of Community, John Morton
- Maintaining Quality Media Relationships, Mark Keen
- Building Community by Developing Cost-Effective Partnerships, Robert E. Nicks
- Summary
- Community Building Reflection
- Additional Resources
4. Changing Times
- The Changing Nature of Today's Superintendency, Robert Olsen
- Servant Leaders Build Relationships in Changing Times, Pauline Hargrove
- Changing Times Emphasize a Need for Civic Education, Brenda Dietrich
- Preparing Young People for a Global Community, Michael McGill
- Ten Strengths of Resilient Superintendents in Changing Times, Jerry L. Patterson and Diane E. Reed
- Summary
- Changing Times Reflection
- Additional Resources
5. School Reform
- The Achievement Gap: What Are WE Going to Do About It? Brenda Dietrich
- Achievement Gap Challenges: Special Education and LEP, Robert Olsen
- Closing the Achievement Gap, Chuck Holt
- School Reform Strategy: Dropout Recovery, Daniel King
- School Reform Strategy: Educational Summit for Evaluation, George A. Goens
- School Reform Strategy: Using Research to Reform Schools, Brenda Dietrich
- School Reform Strategy: Evaluate School Programs, Chuck Holt
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Ask "What Doesn’t Make Sense?" George A. Goens
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Organizational Inertia, Robert Olsen
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Three Suggestions, Brenda Dietrich
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Learn to Live With NCLB, Robert Olsen
- Summary
- School Reform Reflection
- Additional Resources
6. More Creative Ideas That Work
- Guidelines, Practices, and Words of Advice, Pauline Hargrove
- Advice for New Superintendents, Brenda Dietrich
- John Morton’s Top Ten List of General Advice, John Morton
- Feedback Is Important, Brenda Dietrich
- Doing the Right Thing…, Robert Olsen
- Moving From Leading a Small District to a Large District, Daniel King
- Passing a Bond, Tony J. Marchio
- Collaborative Tips for a Successful Budget, Ronald D. Valenti
- Books Every Superintendent Should Read
- Words of Wisdom
- Reflection
- Additional Resources
7. Superintendents Change the World of a Child
- Student Learning Results in Successful Schools
- People Are More Important Than Programs
- We Is More Important Than Me
- Changing a Student's World
References and Further Reading
References and Further Reading
Index
Index
Description
"Provides a rare opportunity to get inside the heads of the best superintendents in the country. Harris' book captures essential craft knowledge that every superintendent needs to succeed in the job."
—Robert S. McCord, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"An excellent book for experienced and new superintendents. I kept coming across little nuggets and big ideas that I couldn't wait to implement immediately."
—Janie L. Nusser, Superintendent
South Seneca Central School District, NY
Words of wisdom for achieving effective district leadership!
In today's challenging educational environment, superintendents need proven strategies that will help them lead their schools and districts successfully. This topical resource offers a collection of proven best practices from award-winning superintendents.
Representing school districts with diverse populations, school sizes, and communities, 22 current and former superintendents from around the country detail in their own words the practices that have been central to their professional and districtwide success. Readers can learn from the wisdom and experience of these outstanding leaders on topics such as:
- Transformational leadership that provides direction for the district
- Community building, outreach, and effective partnerships
- Responding to changing times, changing standards, and student needs
- Developing strategies for overcoming barriers to effective reform
Learning From the Best is a valuable resource for new and experienced superintendents seeking to steer their districts through today's most pressing educational issues.
Contents
Foreword, by Daniel A. Domenech
Foreword, by Daniel A. Domenech
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Author
Contributors
Contributors
1. Introduction
- Role of the Superintendent
- Qualifications for the Superintendency
- Purpose of This Book
2. Leadership That Transforms Schools
- Leadership Sets Direction by Communicating and Collaborating, John Morton
- Leadership Sets Direction by Staying the Course, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Sets Direction by Involving the Community in Visioning, Patrick Russo
- Leadership Redesigns the Organization by Identifying the Culture of the District, James L. Hager
- Leadership Redesigns the Organization Through Instructional Leadership, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Redefines the Organization by Reducing District Health Care Costs, Ronald D. Valenti
- Leadership Develops People Through Servant Leadership, Thomas Leahy
- Leadership Develops People Through the Power of Collaboration, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Develops People Through Implementing Book Clubs, Krista Parent
- Leadership That Develops People Is Important, Gary Johnson
- Summary
- Leadership Reflection
- Additional Resources
3. Community Building
- Building Relationships With the Board of Education, John Morton
- School Board: Team of Eight Training, Chuck Holt
- Everyone Is Important, Robert Olsen
- Creating a Professional Learning Community, Brian Knutson
- Building Community: Three Key Elements and Four Steps to Implement, Thomas Little
- Communicating and Collaborating Within the District Takes Effort, Paul Kinder
- Building Trust in the Community at Every Level, Brenda Dietrich
- Leading by Example, John Morton
- Reaching Out to the Larger Community, Robert Olsen
- The Expanding Role of Community, John Morton
- Maintaining Quality Media Relationships, Mark Keen
- Building Community by Developing Cost-Effective Partnerships, Robert E. Nicks
- Summary
- Community Building Reflection
- Additional Resources
4. Changing Times
- The Changing Nature of Today's Superintendency, Robert Olsen
- Servant Leaders Build Relationships in Changing Times, Pauline Hargrove
- Changing Times Emphasize a Need for Civic Education, Brenda Dietrich
- Preparing Young People for a Global Community, Michael McGill
- Ten Strengths of Resilient Superintendents in Changing Times, Jerry L. Patterson and Diane E. Reed
- Summary
- Changing Times Reflection
- Additional Resources
5. School Reform
- The Achievement Gap: What Are WE Going to Do About It? Brenda Dietrich
- Achievement Gap Challenges: Special Education and LEP, Robert Olsen
- Closing the Achievement Gap, Chuck Holt
- School Reform Strategy: Dropout Recovery, Daniel King
- School Reform Strategy: Educational Summit for Evaluation, George A. Goens
- School Reform Strategy: Using Research to Reform Schools, Brenda Dietrich
- School Reform Strategy: Evaluate School Programs, Chuck Holt
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Ask "What Doesn’t Make Sense?" George A. Goens
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Organizational Inertia, Robert Olsen
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Three Suggestions, Brenda Dietrich
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Learn to Live With NCLB, Robert Olsen
- Summary
- School Reform Reflection
- Additional Resources
6. More Creative Ideas That Work
- Guidelines, Practices, and Words of Advice, Pauline Hargrove
- Advice for New Superintendents, Brenda Dietrich
- John Morton’s Top Ten List of General Advice, John Morton
- Feedback Is Important, Brenda Dietrich
- Doing the Right Thing…, Robert Olsen
- Moving From Leading a Small District to a Large District, Daniel King
- Passing a Bond, Tony J. Marchio
- Collaborative Tips for a Successful Budget, Ronald D. Valenti
- Books Every Superintendent Should Read
- Words of Wisdom
- Reflection
- Additional Resources
7. Superintendents Change the World of a Child
- Student Learning Results in Successful Schools
- People Are More Important Than Programs
- We Is More Important Than Me
- Changing a Student's World
References and Further Reading
References and Further Reading
Index
Index
Reviews
February 2009 | 192 pages | Corwin
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | 28/04/2023 | 9781412959841 | $39.95 |
| Lifetime | 30/09/2024 | 9781452272597 | $36.00 |
"Provides a rare opportunity to get inside the heads of the best superintendents in the country. Harris' book captures essential craft knowledge that every superintendent needs to succeed in the job."
—Robert S. McCord, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"An excellent book for experienced and new superintendents. I kept coming across little nuggets and big ideas that I couldn't wait to implement immediately."
—Janie L. Nusser, Superintendent
South Seneca Central School District, NY
Words of wisdom for achieving effective district leadership!
In today's challenging educational environment, superintendents need proven strategies that will help them lead their schools and districts successfully. This topical resource offers a collection of proven best practices from award-winning superintendents.
Representing school districts with diverse populations, school sizes, and communities, 22 current and former superintendents from around the country detail in their own words the practices that have been central to their professional and districtwide success. Readers can learn from the wisdom and experience of these outstanding leaders on topics such as:
- Transformational leadership that provides direction for the district
- Community building, outreach, and effective partnerships
- Responding to changing times, changing standards, and student needs
- Developing strategies for overcoming barriers to effective reform
Learning From the Best is a valuable resource for new and experienced superintendents seeking to steer their districts through today's most pressing educational issues.
Table Of Contents:
- Foreword, by Daniel A. Domenech
- Acknowledgments
- About the Author
- Contributors
- 1. Introduction
- Role of the Superintendent
- Qualifications for the Superintendency
- Purpose of This Book
- 2. Leadership That Transforms Schools
- Leadership Sets Direction by Communicating and Collaborating, John Morton
- Leadership Sets Direction by Staying the Course, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Sets Direction by Involving the Community in Visioning, Patrick Russo
- Leadership Redesigns the Organization by Identifying the Culture of the District, James L. Hager
- Leadership Redesigns the Organization Through Instructional Leadership, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Redefines the Organization by Reducing District Health Care Costs, Ronald D. Valenti
- Leadership Develops People Through Servant Leadership, Thomas Leahy
- Leadership Develops People Through the Power of Collaboration, Robert Olsen
- Leadership Develops People Through Implementing Book Clubs, Krista Parent
- Leadership That Develops People Is Important, Gary Johnson
- Summary
- Leadership Reflection
- Additional Resources
- 3. Community Building
- Building Relationships With the Board of Education, John Morton
- School Board: Team of Eight Training, Chuck Holt
- Everyone Is Important, Robert Olsen
- Creating a Professional Learning Community, Brian Knutson
- Building Community: Three Key Elements and Four Steps to Implement, Thomas Little
- Communicating and Collaborating Within the District Takes Effort, Paul Kinder
- Building Trust in the Community at Every Level, Brenda Dietrich
- Leading by Example, John Morton
- Reaching Out to the Larger Community, Robert Olsen
- The Expanding Role of Community, John Morton
- Maintaining Quality Media Relationships, Mark Keen
- Building Community by Developing Cost-Effective Partnerships, Robert E. Nicks
- Summary
- Community Building Reflection
- Additional Resources
- 4. Changing Times
- The Changing Nature of Today's Superintendency, Robert Olsen
- Servant Leaders Build Relationships in Changing Times, Pauline Hargrove
- Changing Times Emphasize a Need for Civic Education, Brenda Dietrich
- Preparing Young People for a Global Community, Michael McGill
- Ten Strengths of Resilient Superintendents in Changing Times, Jerry L. Patterson and Diane E. Reed
- Summary
- Changing Times Reflection
- Additional Resources
- 5. School Reform
- The Achievement Gap: What Are WE Going to Do About It? Brenda Dietrich
- Achievement Gap Challenges: Special Education and LEP, Robert Olsen
- Closing the Achievement Gap, Chuck Holt
- School Reform Strategy: Dropout Recovery, Daniel King
- School Reform Strategy: Educational Summit for Evaluation, George A. Goens
- School Reform Strategy: Using Research to Reform Schools, Brenda Dietrich
- School Reform Strategy: Evaluate School Programs, Chuck Holt
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Ask "What Doesn’t Make Sense?" George A. Goens
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Organizational Inertia, Robert Olsen
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Three Suggestions, Brenda Dietrich
- Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Learn to Live With NCLB, Robert Olsen
- Summary
- School Reform Reflection
- Additional Resources
- 6. More Creative Ideas That Work
- Guidelines, Practices, and Words of Advice, Pauline Hargrove
- Advice for New Superintendents, Brenda Dietrich
- John Morton’s Top Ten List of General Advice, John Morton
- Feedback Is Important, Brenda Dietrich
- Doing the Right Thing…, Robert Olsen
- Moving From Leading a Small District to a Large District, Daniel King
- Passing a Bond, Tony J. Marchio
- Collaborative Tips for a Successful Budget, Ronald D. Valenti
- Books Every Superintendent Should Read
- Words of Wisdom
- Reflection
- Additional Resources
- 7. Superintendents Change the World of a Child
- Student Learning Results in Successful Schools
- People Are More Important Than Programs
- We Is More Important Than Me
- Changing a Student's World
- References and Further Reading
- Index