School Leadership for the 21st Century Initiative Publications
Leadership for Student Learning: Urban School Leadership - Different in Kind and Degree
(September 2001). In this "politically incorrect" essay on big city schools, author Larry Cuban spotlights the importance and singularity of urban leaders in pursuing school reform. In addition to debunking three "obvious fictions" about large urban school districts, the paper makes some decidedly political challenges. A glimpse of the tough tasks ahead is provided through a list of five suggestions for improving both cities and schools. For a corresponding transcript of a roundtable discussion on urban school leadership, link here.
Leadership for Student Learning: Recognizing the State's Role in Public Education
(May 2001). Citing the "statutory diversity," "unwieldy assortment" of priorities, and "dysfunctional and incompatible relationships, responsibilities, and capabilities" typifying state educational governance systems, Task Force members conclude that states must address three educational leadership challenges: (1) leadership development; (2) bipartisan coalition-building; (3) systematic approaches to implementing standards and assessments. The report concludes with "free advice for the powerful" and "Eleven Guiding Principles" to spark discussions of state leadership for student learning. For a corresponding transcript of a roundtable discussion on the state's role in public education, link here.
Leadership for Student Learning: Redefining the Teacher as Leader
(April 2001). The report spotlights the "clashing images" of today's teachers, cites some of the changes and promising practices that are serving to help redefine the teacher's role in public education, and provides questions communities can use to help examine their own teacher leadership issues and plan specific actions. For a corresponding transcript of a roundtable discussion on redefining the teacher as leader, click here.
Leadership for Student Learning: Restructuring School District Leadership
(February 2001) Highlights: Recognizing that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution, task force members encourage district leaders to focus on the common goal of improving student learning and to use it as the fundamental priority to organize the school system. Strategies for restructuring include planning for recruitment and succession, creating and maintaining an informed leadership base, building a learning organization, and holding leadership accountable. The report includes promising practices as well as questions for use in initiating community discussion and action. For a corresponding transcript of a roundtable discussion on restructuring school district leadership, link here.
Leadership for Student Learning: Reinventing the Principalship
(October 2000) Highlights: The core mission of the principalship must be redefined as leadership for student learning. To "reinvent the principalship" for 21st century schools, communities must fill the pipeline with effective school leaders, support the profession, and guarantee quality and results. Guidelines and suggested questions are included for those who wish to start conversations on reinventing the principalship in their communities. Published copies available for $3.00 each. For a corresponding transcript of a roundtable discussion on reinventing the principalship, link here.