Description
Book SynopsisAlexander W. Wiseman presents the arguments, rationales, and explanations for what American principals do by looking at the international context in which the American educational system is situated and in which American school principals operate. This book offers a combination of background, theoretical perspective, data analysis, and policy recommendations founded upon evidence derived from empirical research. While books and articles touting the benefits of strong "leadership" have dominated popular principal literature, the managerial activity of principals is a topic of increasing importance but little attention. Being a principal is not about taking personal charge as much as it is about assembling and directing an excellent team and providing trusted team members with the resources and opportunities to do the best work they are capable of doing. Being able to be invisible, or 'lead from behind,' is one of the best characteristics that many 'good' principals have. This book provides an explanation for why this is so and principles for how to avert the growing crisis for American school principals.
Trade ReviewThrough a combination of background, theoretical perspective, data analysis, and policy recommendations-founded empirical research evidence, the author presents a critical but supportive view on the present and future of school principals. * Reference and Research Book News *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface: Reflecting on School Principals Chapter 2 Acknowledgments Part 3 Part I: The American School Principals Crisis Chapter 4 1. Getting Perspective of Principals Chapter 5 2. Expectations for American School Principals Chapter 6 3. American Principals in a Global Context Part 7 Part II: Questioning Conventional Wisdom Chapter 8 4. The Leadership Dilemma Chapter 9 5. Are Principals Instructional Leaders? Chapter 10 6. Are Principals Accountable for School Performance? Chapter 11 7. Are Principals Public Servants? Part 12 Part III: New Ways of Thinking about Principals Chapter 13 8. The New Institutionalism in Schools Chapter 14 9. The Complexity of School Principals' Work Chapter 15 10. Why School Principals Do What They Do Chapter 16 11. The Mixed School Principal Model Chapter 17 12. Averting the Crisis Chapter 18 References Chapter 19 Index Chapter 20 About the Author
