The School Administrator

June 2010 Number 6, Vol. 67ReadinessThe nation refocuses on college and career preparations

Features

College and Career Readiness
by KAREN J. PITTMAN
The seriousness of the readiness gap between being fully credentialed and fully prepared leaves the author, who co-founded the Ready by 21 partnership, wondering whether this spring’s high school graduates are equipped for success at the next stage.
Similar Reading: AASA’s role in Ready by 21
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Ready for All Destinations
by WESLEY BOYKIN, CHRYS DOUGHERTY AND MARY LUMMUS-ROBINSON
What does college and career readiness mean for students, particularly for those who plan to enter the workforce immediately after high school without first attending college? The authors are affiliated with the National Center for Educational Achievement.
Similar Reading: Additional Resources
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Gaining on the Gap
by ROBERT G. SMITH
Convinced that enrolling many more students in the most rigorous classes would narrow the learning gap, the superintendent of a suburban school district first had to deal with the expectations of teachers, parents and the students themselves.
Similar Reading: The importance of allies
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Deliberate Excellence
by JERRY D. WEAST
The top leader of Montgomery County, Md.’s schools uses a five-stage plan for connecting students to academic attainment. It has enabled his school system to bring about intentional results in a way that doesn’t overrun the capacity of people to implement purposeful change.
Similar Reading: Additional Resources
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Partnering PreK to University
by KATHLEEN C. COHN
School districts and postsecondary institutions are collaborating as part of action-oriented local partnerships that are boosting both college readiness and access. The author focuses on the particulars of several such partnerships involving districts in California.
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Profile: Walt Rulffes

A Master Builder Coping With Declines by Paul Riede

Walt Rulffes has spent most of his 13 years in Clark County, Nev., as a master builder, but he’s had to preside over declines in enrollment and funding in his final year before retirement.

Departments

Board-Savvy Superintendent

Welcome Aboard, New Board Member by DENNIS SMITH

A veteran superintendent’s letter to an incoming member of the board of education about the complex task and responsibilities that lie ahead.

Guest Column

The Superintendency: Is It Worth It? by KIMBERLY MORITZ

During her first year as a superintendent, the author felt the full weight of responsibility and the import of every school district decision she made, big or small. A year later, she’s located the balance she needs to succeed.

Can We Live Without Federal Involvement? by STEVE ATWATER

As he looks forward to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, this superintendent suggests we be careful the current populist sentiments of Sarah Palin and others about the role of government do not distort the repurposed law so that it limits what educators can accomplish.

People

People

With summer’s approach, there are plenty of superintendent comings and goings nationwide.

Punchback: Answering Critics

Why Does Everyone Think CEOs Have the Answers? by DIANE RAVITCH

Business leaders are flawed in their analysis when they push for federal and state policy that promotes competitiveness in public education. Their prescriptions won’t likely produce a better-educated citizenry, says the author of The Death and Life of the Great American School System.

President's Corner

Looking Back, Leading Forward by MARK T. BIELANG

In his final column, AASA’s president addresses the power of perspective as an organizational leader and shares his gratitude for a year of personal and professional growth.

Executive Perspective

A Blueprint That Requires Our Collaboration by DANIEL A. DOMENECH

AASA wants to facilitate a process under the Obama administration’s “Blueprint for Reform” that would enable local schools to shop for the most fitting resources and services that suit their needs.

AASA School Solutions

Communicating the Same Message to All Ears Effectively by SEBASTIAN RAPPORT

The CEO of a product, Pixetell, writes about how superintendents have used this multimedia messaging tool to explain complex topics to others.

The School Administrator

Features

Profile: Walt Rulffes

Departments

Book Reviews