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Learning From the Best
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Learning From the Best
Lessons From Award-Winning Superintendents

Edited by:

Foreword by Daniel A. Domenech, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators


Courses:
Superintendency

February 2009 | 192 pages | Corwin

Leadership Solutions

"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.


 
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

"The vignettes offer readers a clear picture of the processes used in each successful initiative. These tips are invaluable tools that superintendents can apply to improve their own craft. The resources provide a plethora of ideas and ways to extend knowledge. The book is filled with wonderful strategies and stories to learn from."

Cathleen J. Chamberlain, Assistant Superintendent
Oswego City School District, NY

"Superintendents are often on an island of their own because they are the only superintendent in a district. This book offers practical ideas and strategies for some of the decisions we each have to make. A great reference for the beginner as well as the veteran superintendent."

Elizabeth J. Lolli, Superintendent
Monroe Local School District, OH

"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

"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

“Harris does a nice job of blending the experiences shared with research and suggestions for implementation. She pulled in many great contributors and applied their wisdom to a variety of situations. I came away with some great ideas.”

Carol J. Lark, Superintendent
Douglas County School District, Minden, NV

"This volume advances our knowledge in a crucial area that has been understudied and under-reported: the actual work of superintendents. Here in superintendents' own words, we learn how they put theory into practice as they face a multitude of daily challenges."

Paul Kelleher, Professor of Educational Leadership
Trinity University

"I feel like this book is taking me right into the offices of leaders all around the country, and I love it. It's rare when you can find a book that makes you feel like you really know the people you're reading about. Honestly, I think I could call each person and they would be willing to help my district (and me) improve in so many ways. Thanks for helping me build a unique team that helps me keep the laser-focus on improving student achievement."

Crockett DuBose, Chief of Staff
Galena Park ISD, Houston, TX
Key features
  • Hands-on tips that work from award-winning superintendents
  • A collection of ideas for new, transferring, and veteran superintendents
 

Sample Materials & Chapters

Foreword

Chapter 1


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