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The Principal's Field Manual
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The Principal's Field Manual
The School Principal as the Organizational Leader


Other Titles in:
Leadership | School Management

July 2009 | 176 pages | Corwin
'An extensive and comprehensive resource for aspiring as well as practicing school leaders at every level. For aspiring school leaders, this book provides a multifaceted look at the complexity of school organizations. For practicing school leaders, the design of the content, the broad array of useful information, the action checklists, the quick-read guidelines, and the extensive references provide readers with a useful guide' — Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director, National Association of Secondary School Principals

Research has shown that effective school leadership is a key factor in promoting high student achievement. This very practical, easy-to-use reference draws from leadership lessons learned in both education and business. Written as a field manual for "school CEOs" to facilitate understanding and operating a school as an organization, this book is designed for easy access within a unifying framework to enable flexible use for busy principals.

Based on the Organizational Effectiveness Model, the manual offers a blend of background knowledge and practices that are immediately useful, in the context of five elements that are essential to all organizations:

- Mission, including the central importance of useful metrics

- Strategies, such as the value of seeing the whole system

- Structure, including skill with conflict management

- People, highlighting the usefulness of political savvy

- Leadership, including the fundamental importance of trust

Filled with practical strategies and tools, The Principal's Field Manual is an invaluable resource for helping both new and experienced administrators better understand and effectively operate the school as a vital and dynamic organization.

 
List of Figures
 
Very Quick Reference
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Introduction
The Framing Model - Facets of Effectiveness

 
Two Fundamental Techniques

 
 
Less Quick Reference
 
Leadership
Communications

 
Dialog

 
Trust

 
Collaboration/Teamwork

 
Fire Fighting

 
Culture

 
 
Ten Rules/Guidelines for Leadership
 
Mission
Mission

 
Metrics

 
Organizational Values

 
 
Ten Guidelines/Rules for Mission
 
Strategy
Scenario Planning

 
Systems Thinking

 
Decision-Making / Problem-Solving

 
 
Ten Guidelines/Rules for Strategy
 
Organizational Structure
Project Management

 
Change

 
Conflict Management/Resolution

 
Policies, Procedures, and Professional Judgment

 
Competencies and Position Sketch

 
 
Ten Rules/Guidelines for Organizational Structure
 
People
Personal Values

 
Data, Information, Inferences

 
Managing Staff

 
Followership

 
Influence and Political Savvy

 
 
Ten Rules/Guidelines for People
 
Conclusion
 
Glossary
 
Appendix 1. Principal Responsibilities
 
Appendix 2. Operating Styles
 
Appendix 3. Project Charter Sample
 
Appendix 4. Capacity to Act Assessment
 
Appendix 5. Position Sketch
 
Appendix 6. Newmann’s Model
 
Appendix 7. Decision Requirements Table
 
Appendix 8. Uncritical Inference Test
 
References
 
Index

"An extensive and comprehensive resource for aspiring as well as practicing school leaders at every level. For aspiring school leaders, this book provides a multifaceted look at the complexity of school organizations. For practicing school leaders, the design of the content, the broad array of useful information, the action checklists, the quick-read guidelines, and the extensive references provide readers with a useful guide."

Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director
National Association of Secondary School Principals

"Principals, regardless of the hat being worn—instructional leader, process manager, school administrator, or organization CEO—will find a treasure trove of tools, processes, models, assessments, and much more. This compendium of ideas represents 'just in time' applications to the authentic, day-to-day realities of the practicing site administrator."

Karen M. Dyer, Director, Education and Nonprofit Sector
Center for Creative Leadership

"Leadership is partially about skill and personality, and a whole lot about values. This book takes all the elements of a leader’s journey and provides useful tools for both day-to-day and long-term success. It is simple to use, easy to follow, and actionable."

Alex C. Cirillo, Jr., Vice President, 3M Community Affairs
3M Foundation

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction

Chapter 1


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781412971164
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