Learning From the Best

Sandra Harris is currently associate professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where she teaches classes in social justice, action research, and other administrator preparation courses in the doctoral program. Formerly, Harris served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in public and private schools. Her scholarship agenda includes administrator preparation, K-12 peer harassment, and building relationship-oriented, socially just school environments. Harris publishes and presents at regional, state, and national conferences on these topics.

"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."

• Foreword, by Daniel A. DomenechAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorContributors1. IntroductionRole of the SuperintendentQualifications for the SuperintendencyPurpose of This Book2. Leadership That Transforms SchoolsLeadership Sets Direction by Communicating and Collaborating, John MortonLeadership Sets Direction by Staying the Course, Robert OlsenLeadership Sets Direction by Involving the Community in Visioning, Patrick RussoLeadership Redesigns the Organization by Identifying the Culture of the District, James L. HagerLeadership Redesigns the Organization Through Instructional Leadership, Robert OlsenLeadership Redefines the Organization by Reducing District Health Care Costs, Ronald D. ValentiLeadership Develops People Through Servant Leadership, Thomas LeahyLeadership Develops People Through the Power of Collaboration, Robert OlsenLeadership Develops People Through Implementing Book Clubs, Krista ParentLeadership That Develops People Is Important, Gary JohnsonSummaryLeadership ReflectionAdditional Resources3. Community BuildingBuilding Relationships With the Board of Education, John MortonSchool Board: Team of Eight Training, Chuck HoltEveryone Is Important, Robert OlsenCreating a Professional Learning Community, Brian KnutsonBuilding Community: Three Key Elements and Four Steps to Implement, Thomas LittleCommunicating and Collaborating Within the District Takes Effort, Paul KinderBuilding Trust in the Community at Every Level, Brenda DietrichLeading by Example, John MortonReaching Out to the Larger Community, Robert OlsenThe Expanding Role of Community, John MortonMaintaining Quality Media Relationships, Mark KeenBuilding Community by Developing Cost-Effective Partnerships, Robert E. NicksSummaryCommunity Building ReflectionAdditional Resources4. Changing TimesThe Changing Nature of Today′s Superintendency, Robert OlsenServant Leaders Build Relationships in Changing Times, Pauline HargroveChanging Times Emphasize a Need for Civic Education, Brenda DietrichPreparing Young People for a Global Community, Michael McGillTen Strengths of Resilient Superintendents in Changing Times, Jerry L. Patterson and Diane E. ReedSummaryChanging Times ReflectionAdditional Resources5. School ReformThe Achievement Gap: What Are WE Going to Do About It? Brenda DietrichAchievement Gap Challenges: Special Education and LEP, Robert OlsenClosing the Achievement Gap, Chuck HoltSchool Reform Strategy: Dropout Recovery, Daniel KingSchool Reform Strategy: Educational Summit for Evaluation, George A. GoensSchool Reform Strategy: Using Research to Reform Schools, Brenda DietrichSchool Reform Strategy: Evaluate School Programs, Chuck HoltOvercoming School Reform Barriers: Ask "What Doesn’t Make Sense?" George A. GoensOvercoming School Reform Barriers: Organizational Inertia, Robert OlsenOvercoming School Reform Barriers: Three Suggestions, Brenda DietrichOvercoming School Reform Barriers: Learn to Live With NCLB, Robert OlsenSummarySchool Reform ReflectionAdditional Resources6. More Creative Ideas That WorkGuidelines, Practices, and Words of Advice, Pauline HargroveAdvice for New Superintendents, Brenda DietrichJohn Morton’s Top Ten List of General Advice, John MortonFeedback Is Important, Brenda DietrichDoing the Right Thing…, Robert OlsenMoving From Leading a Small District to a Large District, Daniel KingPassing a Bond, Tony J. MarchioCollaborative Tips for a Successful Budget, Ronald D. ValentiBooks Every Superintendent Should ReadWords of WisdomReflectionAdditional Resources7. Superintendents Change the World of a ChildStudent Learning Results in Successful SchoolsPeople Are More Important Than ProgramsWe Is More Important Than MeChanging a Student′s WorldReferences and Further ReadingIndex