Action-Oriented Principals: Facing the Demands of External Pressures

by Jeri L. Engelking

Overview

The expanding needs of students and the accountability for results in today's schools require educational leaders to utilize more resources than ever before in their approaches to indentifying, analyzing, and solving complex problems. This book approaches administration through effective school research and practice, national association standards and practices, and involving the total school community in strategic planning. Not only are the 'what should be' segments of effective adminstration addressed, but also the 'how', 'what', and 'why' segments of best practice and involvement from planning through implementation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578866823
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	11/06/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	6.04(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

Jeri L. Engelking is the associate dean and professor of educational administration in the School of Education at the University of South Dakota, where he also serves as the director of the Educational Research and Service Center and the director of graduate studies for the School of Education.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Part I: The Changing School Principalship
Chapter 2 The School Principalship in Transition
Chapter 3 The Effective School Leader
Chapter 4 Leadership Qualities, Attributes, and Best Practices
Chapter 5 Basic School Principal Professional Skills
Part 6 Part II: The Innovative School Leader
Chapter 7 The Planning Process and School Leadership
Chapter 8 Creating and Illuminating a Vision
Chapter 9 Creating a Mission
Chapter 10 Establishing Goals and Objectives
Chapter 11 Continuous Professional Development
Chapter 12 Making a Commitment
Chapter 13 New Skills for School Leaders
Part 14 Appendix A: Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards for School Leaders
Part 15 Appendix B: National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) Standards for Advanced Programs in Educational Leadership for Principals, Superintendents, Curriculum Directors, and Supervisors

Editorial Reviews

As a middle school principal in a diverse building of 1000 students and ever challenging standards, I often feel like I am running to catch up with change. The relevancy of the book was apparent in the first chapter. I think this book would assist day-to-day administrators and those aspiring to go into administration to know what is ahead. The most relevant part of the book for me was the structure in Part II of how, what and why supported by examples. As I have journeyed through my career I have always sought examples to help save time, jump-start the process and set the vision of our tasks. Chapter 11 is critical for today's administrators and the 'new skills' are essential. This is a much needed resource to support administrators.

Dr. Diana Messick

I find the organization of the book of great interest, as the process of explaining the changing role of the school principal moves into the research base of effective school principals. The skills of effective principals are then presented and the focus is on how principals can put into practice the skills needed to become a modern, effective principal. I strongly feel that the external demands faced by school principals is greatly increasing. This pressure requires that we continue to examine the role of the school principal in a very fast paced era of change and increasing desire for accountability. I especially like the focus on planning and goal setting, and the focus on continuous professional development being especially pertinent to principals. I feel this would be a worthwhile book, both for current and aspiring principals.

Jerry Rasmussen

From my perspective, the book's author positions the school principal as a contemporary—grounded and growing in response to the needs of today's schools. He captures the essence of effective principalship and offers sound direction and process for leading schools forward. It is a solid and practical resource for any and all school principals.

Dr. James Parry

If I were to plan a textbook on the principalship, I'd include the material that Dr. Engelking has outlined. The historical perspective plus the practicality of useful research, are special highlights offering a unique perspective to the training of prospective principals and assisting experienced administrators keep current in the field....

Neal Nickerson

The book looks like a great read. I think all the areas covered are significant for success in this crazy job. I'm teaching the principalship course for two local universities. This could become my new text!

Dr. Robert Perdeams

I think that this book has been able to give a real comprehensive view of what it takes to manage a successful Principalship. I particularly like the portion where the book emphasizes planning. Many principals are unable to lead because they don't project a vision. The planning and development of a framework for leading staff is essential to providing staff with a road map for school success.

Rich Deaver