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.
List of other publications
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