The School Administrator

March 2007 Number 3, Vol. 64Primacy of the SuperintendencyA conclusive case links district leadership to student outcomes

Features

The Primacy of Superintendent Leadership
by J. Timothy Waters and Robert J. Marzano
The authors’ new research finds an abiding connection between the work of the school district CEO and the level of student achievement.
Similar Reading: Accessing the McREL Report
read more | purchase issue
The Superintendent as Change Leader
by Carrie Portis and Mary W. Garcia
What the Stupski Foundation discovered about school system leaders who surmount resistance to new ways of thinking and acting at the classroom level.
Similar Reading: A Change Leader at Work
read more | purchase issue
From Custodian to Conductor
by Paul D. Houston
For today’s superintendent, the challenge is to bring out the best in all the players, harmonizing them into a symphony of success. The work is all about relationships.
read more | purchase issue
A Test of Time: Unchanged Priorities for Student Outcomes
by Richard Rothstein and Rebecca Jacobsen
The authors’ study has discovered that today's superintendents want to be held accountable for school performance in ways that fit well with American tradition and values.
Similar Reading: 100 Points, 8 Goals, Your Choice
read more | purchase issue
The Four-Quadrant Leadership Team
by Donald A. Phillips and Robyn S. Phillips
A homegrown model that defines the key attributes and skills for the most effective performers in a school system’s administrative positions.
Similar Reading: Using the Four-Quadrant Model
read more | purchase issue

Profile

The Architect of a "Profoundly Different" System by Jay P. Goldman

Suzanne Freeman is full of energy and enthusiasm as the superintendent in Trussville, Ala., where she has enjoyed an unusual experience — building a new school system from scratch.

Departments

Punchback: Answering Critics

No More Magical Thinking: Leading From Top or Bottom by Larry Cuban

Why continue the illusion that school sites have the answers? The veteran Stanford professor says to make schools better, superintendents also need to centralize district decision making.read more

Focus

Tapping Into Mexican Resources To Educate Latinos by Verdi N. Avila

One answer for improving educational outcomes among Spanish speakers may be found in a program developed in Mexico. It is available to U.S. schools at no cost.read more

Guest Columns

Values-Based Leadership by Don Knauss

The former CEO at Coca-Cola says an organization’s top leader today must focus on two areas: the crafting of a strategy for victory and the enforcement of organizational values.read more

Going to College Is Not Always the Best Choice by Lawrence B. Schlack

Any retired superintendent who’s running around the country telling high school seniors not to go to college had darn well better explain himself. Here’s one Michigan educator’s attempt.read more

You Can't Please Everyone by Barbara A. VonVillas

Once upon a time there was a school superintendent who was beloved by the entire staff. This superintendent lived in fantasy land.read more

The Restorative Power of Ice Packs by Greg Vandal

The healing properties of these simple devices have long been known to elementary school nurses. The author, a veteran superintendent, believes they may be a miracle cure for more serious ills.read more

Board-Savvy Superintendent

Dealing With a Vindictive Board Member by Terre Davis

When a single-issue candidate lands a spot on the school board, be ready to deal with issues that aren’t on anyone else’s agenda.read more

President's Corner

The Primacy of the Superintendent by Eugene G. White

It may be the primary position of authority and pre-eminence in the school district, but the superintendency is no stronger than the support it generates from others.read more

Executive Perspective

Revenge of the Blob by Paul D. Houston

Leadership in school districts matters, just as it does in business or on commissions that release widely publicized reports. It is time for the “blob” to exact its revenge on those who question the usefulness of local school leadership.read more

People

People

The comings and the goings of AASA members. The Sidelight shines on a superintendent who restores antique cars in Northfield, Minn.read more

Federal Dateline

Washington in April by Nick Penning

Why AASA’s Legislative Advocacy Conference offers you a perfect combination – a chance to learn about the leading education issues on Capitol Hill and an opportunity to meet your elected federal legislators. It’s a chance to make your mark on education policy.read more

The School Administrator

Features

Profile

Departments

Book Reviews