The School Administrator

March 2011 Number 3, Vol. 68Leading a School TurnaroundWithout a research base of support, can transformation work at a low-peforming site?

Features

School Transformation: Can It Work?
by ROBERT MANWARING
The most popular of the four federal options for academically struggling schools carries a series of aggressive practices, never packaged previously. Without a research base on which to proceed, how this option will play out remains uncertain.
Similar Reading: A Tsunami of Reform: Hard Moments Preparing for Change and AASA’s Executive Consultants Can Help With School Turnarounds
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Turnaround Necessities
by WILLIAM S. ROBINSON AND LEANN M. BUNTROCK
Based on their work in 43 school districts, the authors identify what it takes to turn around a chronically low-performing school and to do so taking a systemic rather than school-by-school approach.
Similar Reading: Additional Resources
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Overcoming Resistance to Change
by CHIP HEATH AND DAN HEATH
How to marry the emotional and the rational to be an effective change agent, according to the co-authors of Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard. They’ve produced a game plan for understanding how resistance to change arises from a conflict that wages within our own minds whenever we think about a change.
Similar Reading: Weast on Switch
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Connecting Hearts in the Workplace
by DAVE ULRICH AND BELINDA A. WOODSON
The lead author of The Why of Work sees ways for school leaders to create a deeper sense of meaning in the work of transformation. Writing here with a co-author from the principal ranks, he’s developed seven principles for helping educators accomplish this.
Similar Reading: Weast on The Why of Work
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Profile

The Road Runner's Persistent Push by PAUL RIEDE

The discipline that’s required to complete 11 marathon runs helps an Oregon superintendent to focus his mind on outcomes when he’s in the workplace.

Departments

Board-Savvy Superintendent

Boards, Personnel and Confidentiality by NICHOLAS D. CARUSO JR.

Our columnist on governance matters suggests school board members ought not to be using executive sessions to hide their involvement in hiring decisions. His advice to superintendents: Bring in legal counsel to advise boards on the statutory limits of their actions.

Focus

Targeting Voters in a School Bond Election by SCOTT R. MILDER

Through the use of social media and voter-targeting software, school districts can promote a successful vote on a budget or tax levy by connecting with registered voters who are the most likely to go to the polls. The author, a consultant with a Dallas-based firm, offers some proven engagement tactics.

President's Corner

Let’s Turn Around and See What We’re Doing by EDGAR B. HATRICK

The need to improve our schools should lead to “courageous conversations” that provide a forum for all stakeholders to talk honestly. School leaders can use these conversations to affirm existing strategies and suggest changes to bolster student performance.

People

People

The magazine’s monthly compilation of superintendents moving on to new positions elsewhere, along with retirement announcements.

Tech Leadership

Tweeting in Schools by JOSEPH E. ZYDOWSKY

Although Twitter messages have their tight limits, a superintendent in Wisconsin describes how his school district has benefited in several ways when sharing information with the community. He’s also identified personal advantages to tweeting and retweeting.

Guest Column

What If? by ELI BROAD

Philanthropist Eli Broad likes to ponder the possibilities of new initiatives in K-12 education. He asks school leaders to surmount their natural skepticism while considering new ideas for propelling students to higher achievement.

Executive Perspective

Unproven Federal Models by DANIEL A. DOMENECH

Those who are turning around failing schools are well aware of the key ingredients for success, notably effective site leaders. However, the U.S. Department of Education’s four intervention models that require removal of the principal shortchange the superintendent’s ability to make that determination.

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