Effective K-12 leaders remain a central concern for schools and communities of all types. The purpose of this research is to examine critically the literature on issues facing leaders in rural and urban settings and present a synthesis of cross-cutting themes. The authors reviewed the theoretical and empirical literature on K-12 leadership issues…

This research explores the historical development of African American teacher and principal hiring and placement in Columbus, Ohio, from 1940 to 1980. In 1909, the Columbus Board of Education established Champion Avenue School creating a de facto segregated school to educate the majority of African American children and to employ Black educators.…

This article presents a literature review of principal academies in urban public school districts, with an examination of five prototypical academies. Senge's five disciplines of learning organizations and Guskey's optimal mix model for professional development are linked to form the conceptual perspectives guiding the review. The analysis reveals…

This report presents selected findings from the Public School Principal and Private School Principal Data Files of the 2011-12 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). SASS is a nationally representative sample survey of public and private K-12 schools, principals, and teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. School districts associated…

This report presents selected findings from the Public School District Data File of the 2011-12 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). SASS is a nationally representative sample survey of public and private K-12 schools, principals, and teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. School districts associated with public schools and library…

This report presents selected findings from the Public School Library Media Center Data File of the 2011-12 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). SASS is a nationally representative sample survey of public and private K-12 schools, principals, and teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. School districts associated with public schools…

The central goals of federal education policy are to achieve equity of educational opportunity and proficiency in educational outcomes for all students--regardless of gender, ethnicity, income, language of origin, disability, or geography. The means to achieve these goals rely in part on the ability of states and districts to provide every student…

Beginning teachers continue to exit the classroom in alarming numbers, despite numerous recruitment and retention strategies. High teacher turnover rates result in a deficit of quality teachers and instruction; a loss of continuity and commitment; and time, attention, and funds devoted to recruitment versus support. The purpose of this empirical…

Presents comparative analysis of the factors affecting urban- and suburban-based teachers' and administrators' reported job satisfaction; and discusses the implications for policymakers' behavior, actions, and policies. Findings are presented from 6 subject groups totalling over 10,000 teachers and over 500 administrators revealing significant…

A review of research on innovative school reform for urban minority students is presented with a focus on school-based management (SBM). Through participation in SBM minority parents can improve the education and success levels of their children. Their involvement can be enhanced with the assistance of properly prepared principals. (MMU)

Examines the historical impact of treating schools as efficiently managed businesses versus the implications of viewing schools as organic communities in the context of recent school reform measures in Chicago (Illinois). Explicit recognition of these two models may assist the development of communities of learning at some schools. (JB)

Recommendations for reform of principal-preparation programs identify schools and school districts as important agents in the principal-preparation process. In the 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public school principals indicated whether or not they had formerly…

Through a review of the literature describes some elements of the role of the principal in a large city school system and finds that strategies and devices for organizational stability and survival comprise an important portion of a principal's discretionary activity. (Author/WD)

Draws on the results of two different studies to explore the changing nature of the principalship in Chicago public schools since the passage of the Chicago School Reform Act. It reveals changes not only in the characteristics of the principals hired since the act's passage but also changes in their roles. (GLR)

The restructuring process helps convert principals from instructional to transformational leaders who can identify and articulate a vision; foster acceptance of group goals; convey high performance expectations; provide appropriate models, intellectual stimulation, and individual support; and promote a strong school culture. Collaborative and…