School districts continue to strive to enhance students' academic achievement. Various studies and literature highlight the significance of the role of non- academic subjects, which in Ontario, Canada, are referred to as learning skills. Teachers in Ontario are mandated to report on six learning skills three times in a school year within their…

This study focuses on how superintendents who have experienced success, as measured by having a school district achieve and consistently achieve in the face of many challenges today. Several key strategies and leadership frameworks that superintendents use are examined through a review of current research and are validated by reviewing the results…

The purpose of this study was to identify successful tribally controlled schools and to determine the factors that contributed to their success. It also examined how stakeholders defined success. Two schools were studied. A review of literature on Indian education was conducted to determine the factors that are associated with improving Indian…

This study explored the perspectives of 350 California superintendents from various-sized school districts in relation to their ability to support student learning while addressing the numerous and complex personnel, social, and economic challenges faced by schools. Specifically, this study investigated the attitudes and opinions of district…

The Washington School Board Standards are intended for use by local school boards and individual directors as a common framework for school board governance. Two sets of standards were developed to encourage school boards and individual school directors to subscribe to the highest levels of professional and personal conduct and performance. The…

Effective, productive school board meetings depend on clearly specified roles for participants, the provision of thorough advance information about matters under discussion, adherence to agendas, obtaining adequate facilities, controlling public involvement, maintaining good press relations, and preserving the dignity of the proceedings. (PGD)

Teachers made economic gains in 18 of the 25 economically motivated teacher strikes occurring in Minnesota in 1981. Analysis suggests that school boards' prestrike offers strongly influenced strike activity, that public-sector bargaining is in an early developmental stage, and that labor markets for certified teachers are statewide. (PGD)

An innovative approach called "academic spotlight," focusing on positive aspects of school district accomplishments, is described. Principals and teachers plan presentations for board meetings that focus on successes and enrich the relationship between the board and employees. (MD)

The key to succeeding in superintendent-board relationships is fitting the school board into a three-part framework of policies, meetings, and goals. Advice is also provided concerning budgeting, becoming acquainted with board members, and handling disagreements. A sidebar classifies board members as builders, shopkeepers, mechanics, cheerleaders,…

Harmonious working relationships among school board members can result when members strive for cooperation rather than unanimity, engage in frank discussion, treat others with respect, identify someone who can promote compromise, involve the superintendent, and consider improving organizational communication and functioning by hiring consultants,…

A small sample of Ohio school board members, superintendents, principal-supervisors, and school business managers suprisingly agreed in their perceptions of real and idealized leadership behavior of the business managers. All four groups indicated very large differences between real and ideal perspectives. (SB)

A veteran superintendent outlines an eight-step method for achieving success, including assessing the situation, avoiding board overload, coping with stress, deemphasizing egoism, learning to live in the gray zone between policy formation and administration, ensuring effective board decisions, identifying prospective board members, and knowing…

Adversarial board situations are draining. To succeed in the face of strained relations with the board, superintendents must preserve their inner strength and confidence, keep the whole board informed, involve the community in district activities, and provide joint training on maintaining an effective relationship. (MLH)

The Board believes that these policies have been the principal reason that the program has developed so rapidly. (Author)

All aspects of school elections ranging from the nuts and bolts of campaign organization and media relations to effective long-term strategies to sustain community support for school funding and board member leadership comprise the 11 chapters of this two-part book. The first part offers an overview of board member election campaigns and effective…