This volume examines how effective instructional leadership by principals and other school administrators is affected by their own knowledge and beliefs about learning, teaching, and subject matter. Using mathematics as a subject focus, the authors examine several specific aspects of instructional leadership, such as teacher supervision and classroom observation, curriculum selection, and student assessment. Nelson and Sassi provide detailed portraits of administrators at work, illuminating key decision-making situations and the actions they choose to take. This important volume looks at a new image of the school principal, one that is tied more closely to learning and teaching.The authors discuss and offer important implications for mathematics education, educational policy, and school improvement.
This volume examines how effective instructional leadership by principals and other school administrators is affected by their own knowledge and beliefs about learning, teaching, and subject matter.
Alarmed by mounting evidence of a national shortage of qualified and willing principals, the authors surveyed or interviewed over 200 school principals from across the country to find out why so many are leaving the profession and how those who stay manage their work. They discovered that regardless of a principal's race, gender, school level, geographic region, or tenure, there was a remarkable consistency in the challenges identified and suggestions given for revamping the role of the American principal. Featuring stories shared by practicing principals, this timely volume: offers fresh insights on ways to both attract and retain good principals; shows how successful principals reconcile their expectations and hopes with the realities and disappointments encountered in their work; examines issues common to all principals, such as time management, staff evaluations, keeping the focus on instruction, community expectations, and pursuing a balanced life; presents strategies that principals have used to make their role more effective and more attractive; and provides practical ideas for coping with the present and envisioning the future, including alternative principal models.
Featuring stories shared by practicing principals, this timely volume: offers fresh insights on ways to both attract and retain good principals; shows how successful principals reconcile their expectations and hopes with the realities and ...
