McGraw-Hill Education School Leadership and Administration: Important Concepts, Case Studies, and Simulations

"School Leadership and Administration" is designed to help prospective and experienced principals, administrators and supervisors increase their knowledge and skills through concepts, case-studies, and simulations. Two parts make up this text. Part I presents important theoretical concepts and research findings that if adequately understood and appropriately applied 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 with guidelines for thoughtful problem solving and resolution. 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 Petra E. Snowden, received her Ph.D. in Urban Education/Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she also earned a Master of Science degree in German Literature and a Bachelor of Science degree in French, German, and Secondary Education. At present, Dr. Snowden is Director of the Ph.D. in Urban Services/Urban Education Concentration at Old Dominion University in Norfolk VA. She is past coordinator of the alternative Norfolk Public Schools and Old Dominion University principal preparation program, Principal Leadership for Urban Schools, Co- director of the Danforth Tidewater Principal Preparation program, Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Services, and Associate Professor of Educational Administration at Old Dominion University. She founded the Principal Center at Old Dominion University and served as assessor, coach, and mentor for the Tidewater NASSP/Assessment Center. Her research and writing interests focus on linkages between schools, universities, and community service agencies, particularly as these structures affect the lives of vulnerable children, youth , and adults, non traditional principal preparation, and mentoring. She remains active presenting at national conferences and providing professional development seminars within school settings on topics such as school board and superintendent roles and responsibilities, program evalu