School Leadership: Case Studies Solving School Problems

Parents, lawmakers, supervisors, and unions are among the many constituencies that demand influence, if not control, of the educational process. How does the school administrator balance all the needs of the various groups and still remain true to the ultimate, though most powerless constituency: the students? Through case studies and anecdotes based on real-life experiences, the authors share the ups and downs of the educational world, seeking to find the balance that is most effective in ensuring success. School Leadership:Case Studies Solving School Problems details decision making and actions taken that dramatically affect the success of students and schools as well as school systems. This second edition continues and improves on the first edition with a series of new and timely school leadership case studies that require the reader to reflect on the variety of issues that cross the principal's desk every day. The reader will find the case studies and anecdotes highly absorbing. They are so real, fraught with complexity, and will require the reader to use a sophisticated decision-making process. Read more Continue reading Read less REVIEW
Situational awareness-the ability to know what to do in a wide variety of situations at that very moment-is one of the key indices of successful leadership. Recent studies on leadership significantly underscore this point. That's why I am so excited that Benjamin Piltch and Terrence Quinn have compiled a marvelous set of case studies for educational leaders. Whether you are an aspiring leader, a novice principal, or a veteran, a great deal of 'craft knowledge' will be shared with the reader. In my nineteenth year as principal of a large elementary school in western New York and as a professor of educational administration at SUNY-Brockport, this volume will be referred to time and time again! -- James R. Thompson, '93 NYS Elementary Principal of the Year, '94 National Distinguished Principal, and principal of the Wolcott School, Le Roy, New

One of the most common criticisms of administrative preparation programs is that they lack reality. What potential administrators want and need are authentic leadership strategies. This book of 'real world' case studies is exactly what my students need. These highly successful principals are not just spouting theory -- they are drawing upon their extensive administrative experience. Current and future school leaders will reap the rewards this material has in store for them. -- Rodney Davis, chair, Department of Educational Administration, Troy University, Dothan, Alabama ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Benjamin Piltch, now retired, has had extensive experience as a classroom teacher, central office administrator, principal, college professor and college administrator for an education master's degree program. He has presented at many conferences locally and nationally. Terrence Quinn is associate professor and coordinator of the Educational Leadership Program at Queens College, New York City. His work as a school principal earned him national recognition as Reader's Digest American Hero in Education. Read more Continue reading Read less