School Leadership and Administration: Important Concepts, Case Studies, and Simulations - Softcover

Gorton, Richard; Alston, Judy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0073378658 ISBN 13: 9780073378657

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education, 2008

Synopsis

This text helps prospective and experienced principals, administrators, and supervisors increase their knowledge and skills through concepts, case-studies, and simulations. Part I presents important theoretical concepts and research findings that can improve educators’ problem-solving and leadership effectiveness. Part II consists of over 65 reality-based case studies, “In-Basket Exercises,” simulations, and role-plays to illustrate problems and issues. The case studies, simulations, and exercises stimulate class discussion and reflection on key issues facing today’s school administrator and offer guidelines for thoughtful problem-solving and resolution. The new edition has been updated to include the most current research on areas such as leadership, as well as refocused chapters to more accurately address real life school situations.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Eight of the 65 cases are new.
A more lively writing style makes the theoretical section easier to read and understand; more headings divide and subdivide the chapters so material is presented in more easily digested chunks.
Additional coverage includes material on school-based management, shared decision-making and empowerment; more attention to the role of teachers as leaders; guidance on communicating the school's mission and vision to the community, along with communication strategies for dealing with hostile critics; improved sections on organizational culture, climate, and student characteristics in an increasingly diverse society; updated material on conflict management, school violence and safety issues; more material on professional development; more attention is devoted to school reform and improvement, including the debates over charter schools, vouchers, accountability, and learning standards and testing.
Includes a new survey instrument to help school leaders assess organizational culture and school climate from a multicultural perspective.
The text provides opportunities for students to interact with 'real life' situations. Students can have the virtual experience of sitting in the principal's seat by dealing with the issues presented in the 'in-basket' exercises and case study simulations.
A matrix in chapter 8 before Part II shows how to analyze the case studies and use the In-Basket exercises according to level, type of position, and area of administration. Case studies are grouped by topic and include leading questions grouped under headings such as "Analyze the Case," "Discuss the Larger Issues," "Be a Problem Solver," "Test Your Solution," and "Investigate Further."

About the Author:

Richard A. Gorton received his doctorate from Stanford University, majoring in school administration. His Bachelors Degree in Political Science and his Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance were conferred by the University of Iowa. Dr. Gortons school experience includes teaching, counseling and guidance, and administration. He was Department Chairperson and Professor of Administrative Leadership and Supervision at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. He is currently a consultant with Gorton Associates in San Diego, California. A leader in state and national administrator orga-nizations, Dr. Gorton has collaborated on a national study of the effective principal. Because of his expertise and practical experience, he has frequently been called on as a consultant and workshop leader in the areas of teacher and administrator evaluation, in-service education, program evaluation, instructional supervision, student disciplinary problems, school-community relations, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Dr. Gorton has published two textbooks, two monographs, and over 100 articles, book reviews, and abstracts on a variety of topics related to educational administration and supervision, as well as education in general. Dr. Gortons other textbook for which he was senior author, School-Based Leadership. Challenges and Opportunities, is used in nu-merous university courses devoted to administrator preparation and by school districts for in-service education. He has also served as senior editor for The Ency-clopedia of School Administration and Supervision.

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0073378658
• ISBN 13: 9780073378657
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448