Learning From the Best

Sandra Harris is currently associate professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where she teaches classes in social justice, action research, and other administrator preparation courses in the doctoral program. Formerly, Harris served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in public and private schools. Her scholarship agenda includes administrator preparation, K-12 peer harassment, and building relationship-oriented, socially just school environments. Harris publishes and presents at regional, state, and national conferences on these topics.

Foreword, by Daniel A. Domenech Acknowledgments About the Author Contributors 1. Introduction Role of the Superintendent Qualifications for the Superintendency Purpose of This Book 2. Leadership That Transforms Schools Leadership Sets Direction by Communicating and Collaborating, John Morton Leadership Sets Direction by Staying the Course, Robert Olsen Leadership Sets Direction by Involving the Community in Visioning, Patrick Russo Leadership Redesigns the Organization by Identifying the Culture of the District, James L. Hager Leadership Redesigns the Organization Through Instructional Leadership, Robert Olsen Leadership Redefines the Organization by Reducing District Health Care Costs, Ronald D. Valenti Leadership Develops People Through Servant Leadership, Thomas Leahy Leadership Develops People Through the Power of Collaboration, Robert Olsen Leadership Develops People Through Implementing Book Clubs, Krista Parent Leadership That Develops People Is Important, Gary Johnson Summary Leadership Reflection Additional Resources 3. Community Building Building Relationships With the Board of Education, John Morton School Board: Team of Eight Training, Chuck Holt Everyone Is Important, Robert Olsen Creating a Professional Learning Community, Brian Knutson Building Community: Three Key Elements and Four Steps to Implement, Thomas Little Communicating and Collaborating Within the District Takes Effort, Paul Kinder Building Trust in the Community at Every Level, Brenda Dietrich Leading by Example, John Morton Reaching Out to the Larger Community, Robert Olsen The Expanding Role of Community, John Morton Maintaining Quality Media Relationships, Mark Keen Building Community by Developing Cost-Effective Partnerships, Robert E. Nicks Summary Community Building Reflection Additional Resources 4. Changing Times The Changing Nature of Today's Superintendency, Robert Olsen Servant Leaders Build Relationships in Changing Times, Pauline Hargrove Changing Times Emphasize a Need for Civic Education, Brenda Dietrich Preparing Young People for a Global Community, Michael McGill Ten Strengths of Resilient Superintendents in Changing Times, Jerry L. Patterson and Diane E. Reed Summary Changing Times Reflection Additional Resources 5. School Reform The Achievement Gap: What Are WE Going to Do About It? Brenda Dietrich Achievement Gap Challenges: Special Education and LEP, Robert Olsen Closing the Achievement Gap, Chuck Holt School Reform Strategy: Dropout Recovery, Daniel King School Reform Strategy: Educational Summit for Evaluation, George A. Goens School Reform Strategy: Using Research to Reform Schools, Brenda Dietrich School Reform Strategy: Evaluate School Programs, Chuck Holt Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Ask "What Doesn't Make Sense?" George A. Goens Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Organizational Inertia, Robert Olsen Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Three Suggestions, Brenda Dietrich Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Learn to Live With NCLB, Robert Olsen Summary School Reform Reflection Additional Resources 6. More Creative Ideas That Work Guidelines, Practices, and Words of Advice, Pauline Hargrove Advice for New Superintendents, Brenda Dietrich John Morton's Top Ten List of General Advice, John Morton Feedback Is Important, Brenda Dietrich Doing the Right Thing..., Robert Olsen Moving From Leading a Small District to a Large District, Daniel King Passing a Bond, Tony J. Marchio Collaborative Tips for a Successful Budget, Ronald D. Valenti Books Every Superintendent Should Read Words of Wisdom Reflection Additional Resources 7. Superintendents Change the World of a Child Student Learning Results in Successful Schools People Are More Important Than Programs We Is More Important Than Me Changing a Student's World References and Further Reading Index

"The vignettes offer readers a clear picture of the processes used in each successful initiative. These tips are invaluable tools that superintendents can apply to improve their own craft. The resources provide a plethora of ideas and ways to extend knowledge. The book is filled with wonderful strategies and stories to learn from." -- Cathleen J. Chamberlain, Assistant Superintendent "Superintendents are often on an island of their own because they are the only superintendent in a district. This book offers practical ideas and strategies for some of the decisions we each have to make. A great reference for the beginner as well as the veteran superintendent." -- Elizabeth J. Lolli, Superintendent "An excellent book for experienced and new superintendents. I kept coming across little nuggets and big ideas that I couldn't wait to implement immediately." -- Janie L. Nusser, Superintendent "Provides a rare opportunity to get inside the heads of the best superintendents in the country. Harris' book captures essential craft knowledge that every superintendent needs to succeed in the job." -- Robert S. McCord, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership "Harris does a nice job of blending the experiences shared with research and suggestions for implementation. She pulled in many great contributors and applied their wisdom to a variety of situations. I came away with some great ideas." -- Carol J. Lark, Superintendent "This volume advances our knowledge in a crucial area that has been understudied and under-reported: the actual work of superintendents. Here in superintendents' own words, we learn how they put theory into practice as they face a multitude of daily challenges." -- Paul Kelleher, Professor of Educational Leadership "I feel like this book is taking me right into the offices of leaders all around the country, and I love it. It's rare when you can find a book that makes you feel like you really know the people you're reading about. Honestly, I think I could call each person and they would be willing to help my district (and me) improve in so many ways. Thanks for helping me build a unique team that helps me keep the laser-focus on improving student achievement." -- Crockett DuBose, Chief of Staff