With dwindling funds and resources, tougher state and federal standards, and fatigue from more regulations and testing, many school administrators are giving up _or 'crashing' and leaving their posts. This book examines the process of preparing, encouraging, and retaining quality leaders at the school and district levels. Beginning with a chapter outlining six steps of critical organizational supports, subsequent chapters address factors in preparing administrator candidates effectively; improving novice teacher retention through principal support and mentoring; utilizing more fully mid-career teachers who come to schools having worked outside of education; the role of isolation in new principals' sense of efficacy; research findings about assistant superintendents about job satisfaction, efficacy, and ambitions for promotion; and finally, contemporary leadership challenges existing at the superintendent level. Concluding with thoughts about administrator accountability, the various chapters offer contemporary views on the preparation, utilization, and retention of school administrators throughout the life cycle. The chapters provide needed insight into what should and must be done to grow the best leaders for US schools.

About the Author
Sharon C. Conley, Ph.D. is professor of education in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at University of California, Santa Barbara. Her latest articles include: 'Organizational Routines in Flux: A Case Study of Change in Recording and Monitoring Student Attendance' with Ernestine K. Enomoto in Education and Urban Society and 'Teacher Role Stress, Satisfaction, Commitment and Intentions to Leave: A Structural Model' in Psychological Reports. Bruce S. Cooper, Ph.D. is professor of educational leadership and policy at Fordham University Graduate School of Education in New York City. His latest books as editor and author include: Handbook on Education Politics and Policy with James Cibulka and Lance Fusarelli (Routledge Press) and The Rising State: How State Power is Transforming our Nation's Schools (SUNY Press) with Bonnie Fusarelli. He is former president of the Politics of Education and a recent recipient of the Jay D. Scribner Award for Mentoring from the University Council of Education Administration.

Reviews
Today, the media challenge school leaders on a global stage-in film, print, and using social networks-to improve their practices. Hence, we need to leverage our knowledge on educational leadership now more than ever. This book provides critical models to help future leaders actualize the changes they seek. As a superintendent, I often see potential school leaders struggling to understand where and how to make a difference. The authors in this book will inspire us all to share and rethink our education strategies and practices. Both emerging and experienced leaders can capitalize on these writers' perspectives, as educators prepare to confront the rising challenges that face today's schools. -- Debra Jackson, ED, superintendent of schools, Highland Falls - Fort Montgomery Central School District
In today's schools problems abound; leadership is in short supply. The shortfall is caused, in part, by our 'tiptoeing' around the core issues: How do we seek out, educate, and motivate people to become effective educational leaders? This book brings together people who know what they are talking about to address pressing questions that need attention. The collection is akin to having a panel of experts at the ready for immediate consultation or support. -- Terrence E. Deal, PhD, formerly Irving R. Melbo Professor, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California



Book Information
ISBN 9781607098386
Author Sharon Conley
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield Education
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 268g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 154mm * 11mm