Being aware of thesis and dissertation pitfalls can help the graduate student make efficient use of resources available to him or her and bring precision to research and writing of that important project. The authors present 61 cases cast as an envisioned conversation between a student and a professor whom the student consults about a problem.

The cases are presented within ten chapters that proceed through a sequence of typical stages in the production of a thesis or dissertation. Chapter titles include Choosing and Defining a Research Topic, Searching the Professional Literature, Developing a Proposal, Getting Help, Devising Data-Collection Procedures, Organizing the Collected Information, Interpreting the Results, Writing the Report, Defending the Finished Product, and Publishing the Study.

This book guides students through the process of planning, researching, and writing the final version of theses and dissertations. Five major stages of the process are illustrated with multiple examples from the social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and such allied fields as education, social work, and business administration. The first stage, Preparing the Way, describes problems and alternative solutions in working with faculty advisors and in searching the professional literature. Stage 2 explains how to find good research topics and define them clearly for presentation to faculty advisors.

Stage 3 describes problems often encountered in data collection and suggests solutions for those problems. At Stage 4, students learn ways of organizing and interpreting information, including classification schemes, verbal and statistical summaries, and methods of deriving meaning from data. The final stage, Presenting the Finished Product, offers guidelines for thesis and dissertation writing and for publishing the results in such media as books, journal articles, and popular periodicals. Stage 5 also includes a chapter about how students can mount a convincing defense of their work during a faculty committee's final oral examination session.

A thoroughly revised and updated classic. This step-by-step guide takes masters and doctoral students through the five stages of writing a thesis or dissertation: preparing the way, choosing and defining research topics, collecting and organizing information, interpreting the results, presenting the finished product. The authors have successfully led hundreds of graduate students through the masters theses and disseration process. This comprehensive guidebook includes helpful checklists, multiple examples, and practical strategies. It covers both qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.

Foreword by Dr Terrence Deal In a highly readable, conversational tone, and using numerous real-life examples, the authors explain what it means to be a visionary, inspiring, and truly effective leader - guiding the reader through a process of self-assessment and professional development. They help the reader to take responsibility for his or her own personal/professional development through "reflection, activities, and exercises." In particular, the book is a response to those participants in the authors' leadership seminars who want practical ideas for improving their leadership. Brubaker and Coble have take each concept and make it come alive for the practising leader as a perpetual learner. They provide a range of instructional and learning materials which can be used as a personal guide to the reader, and as tools for training.

"This text moves beyond simplistic 'procedures to follow' to in-depth discussions of stages in the research process, providing strong reference points and examples for students embarking on the disciplined inquiry of thesis and dissertation research. A valuable text for proposal writing classes, faculty members who direct dissertations and theses, and students throughout the research process." -Betty J. Alford, Chair of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership Stephen F. Austin State University "Graduate students will be in debt to professors Thomas and Brubaker for providing a long-overdue guide to the rite of passage known as theses and dissertations. This book is realistic, clear, and refreshingly sensitive to what students need to know." -Seymour B. Sarason, Professor of Psychology Emeritus Yale University Take the anxiety out of preparing your thesis or dissertation! This revised classic helps graduate students approach the thesis or dissertation writing process with confidence, offering updated references and new information on Internet searches, narrative summaries, plagiarism, and Internet publishing options. The authors help readers stay on track by providing checklists and multiple examples as they progress through five critical stages: Preparation Selecting research topics Collecting and organizing information Interpreting the results The final presentation With thorough guidelines for evaluating research options, this indispensable resource helps make the writing process a satisfying and rewarding one!

This book guides students through the process of planning, researching, and writing the final version of theses and dissertations. Five major stages of the process are illustrated with multiple examples from the social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and such allied fields as education, social work, and business administration. The first stage, Preparing the Way, describes problems and alternative solutions in working with faculty advisors and in searching the professional literature. Stage 2 explains how to find good research topics and define them clearly for presentation to faculty advisors.

Stage 3 describes problems often encountered in data collection and suggests solutions for those problems. At Stage 4, students learn ways of organizing and interpreting information, including classification schemes, verbal and statistical summaries, and methods of deriving meaning from data. The final stage, Presenting the Finished Product, offers guidelines for thesis and dissertation writing and for publishing the results in such media as books, journal articles, and popular periodicals. Stage 5 also includes a chapter about how students can mount a convincing defense of their work during a faculty committee's final oral examination session.

This book provides step-by-step, concrete advice for aspiring school administrators as they strive to achieve principal certification. Each chapter's snapshots illustrate key challenges that face principal candidates. The last third of the book includes exercises that help candidates and mentors, as well as colleagues, move through the program. Written in an easy-to-read manner, the book invites continued conversation.

'Future generations of educational leaders will be in debt to Brubaker for a long overdue guide to presentation of self in educational settings. The book is realistic, clear, and sensitive to the needs of practitioners on the firing line' - Lawrence Simon, Professor, Elon University 'Dale Brubaker writes that teacher and administrator preservice and inservice education programs give too little attention to cmmunication skills that will help educational professionals reach other adults. His book explains the implications of this unacceptable truth and moves the reader to do something about it' - Richard D. Amme, President, Amme & Associates, Inc. 'I heartily endorse Dale Brubaker's latest book on civilities and the presentation of self as a natural extension of his essays, commentaries and books over the past several decades' - George E. Uhlig, Professor of Education, University of South Alabama Discover the attitudes, behaviors, and skills that will help you become a more dynamic communicator in any situation! Why do some educators have the ability to inspire while others barely hold the attention of staff, parents, or seminar participants? How should you present ideas to ensure the most success in effecting change? Discover the oft-overlooked but critical civilities of leadership that will give you a distinct edge. Using vignettes and thought-provoking exercises, Brubaker illustrates the rituals, attitudes, and skills successful leaders exhibit, allowing them to make meaningful connections with audiences and foster positive and productive school cultures. The Charismatic Leader offers SAGE advice for getting the most out of every interaction, whether a one-on-one conversation, interview, or presentation,or a large group. Beginning with the 'table manners of leadership,' Dale L Brubaker pinpoints essential skills that promote the effective exchange of information and better relationships including: Listening carefully to absorb details and discover hidden messages Focusing on the task at hand to choose the most appropriate communication strategy Preparing and rehearsing for flawless personal presentation Team building using techniques that foster collaboration and motivation Make every interaction count-and build ties that will make a positive and lasting difference in your organization!

"This second edition is a must read for educational leaders. Brubaker?s emphasis on ?inner curriculum? is close to my heart and depicts the spirit of becoming a creative curriculum leader. Administrators and teachers should read this book at least once a year!"
Deborah Wortham, Director, Department of Professional Development
Baltimore City Public School System, MD

"This book touches the soul of the reader who wants to transcend testing."
Lawrence Simon, Professor
Elon University

"Creative Curriculum Leadership helped our faculty re-examine assessment and create a productive learning community."
Kirk Gaddy, Principal
St. Katharine School, Baltimore, MD

When we learn, we learn through our own experiences. So when we teach, how do we incorporate our own invaluable life lessons into a state-mandated curriculum? Dale Brubaker?s Creative Curriculum Leadership provides an innovative and liberating solution to this problem. In this updated resource, Brubaker tells why educators need to move beyond the traditional quest for higher test scores. He offers a framework for teachers to develop an "inner curriculum," in which a person uses his or her own values, passions, and life lessons to enhance an already-established course of study. The author provides guidelines to help teachers take a leadership position in communities. When formula and mandate threaten to dominate educational policy, Brubaker offers an exciting vision of what it means to inspire learning and empower leaders!

Creative Curriculum Leadership includes:

Six new appendices to help you fashion your own inner curriculum

• Two new chapters detailing practical methods for developing leadership in teaching and learning communities
• Self-appraisal inventories designed to develop your own "sense of calling" in your vocation so that you can stay on track
• Real-life case analyses illustrating each chapter?s key concepts

In the course of a day teachers must be prepared to resolve countless contradictions and make many decisions, necessitating excellent `people skills'. The authors use case studies to help teachers develop these skills and to stimulate teachers to make informed decisions that can have a lasting effect on their professional and personal effectiveness. This book gives teachers the information they need to better understand how schools work and how they can improve the way they function as teachers. The authors describe key variables and operational guidelines for decision making and how teachers can function as creative leaders.

'An exciting guide to help aspiring educational leaders develop' - Terrence E. Deal, Professor of Education, University of Southern California 'Moving, realistic, and candid. Every would-be and present administrator would benefit from reading this book' - Seymour B. Sarason, Author and Professor of Psychology Emeritus, Yale University 'Filled with practical, useful ideas to help you get (and keep!) your career going in the right direction. All school administrators should make this book a part of their personal learning plan. We are using it as a part of our intensive leadership training program' - Richard E. Maxwell, Deputy Executive Director, Buckeye Association of School Administrators Is your administrative career moving along as you intended? Are you getting closer to your ideal job? This book will help you deal with the pressures, pitfalls, and opportunities that face educational administration leaders. If you are on track, and especially if you're not, Brubaker and Coble will teach you how to identify and prevent "derailment." This second edition is completely updated and two new chapters - "Accountability and High-Stakes Testing" and "The Seasons of an Educational Leader's Career" - address the new political realities of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Use this guide to assess your chances for derailing. The authors provide precise information for avoiding potential career derailment and direction for continuing your self-development in order to become a more valuable asset to your school district and your board. You'll gain strategies to help start or keep your forward momentum, learn what you may be doing to sabotage prospects for promotion (or retention), and discover how to take steps to remedy the situation. Become - or remain - an effective, creative school administrator. Help colleagues and staff use their talents to benefit themselves and the organization. This practical, step-by-step guide is designed to help you create an atmosphere in which derailment can be prevented or minimized. Professors of educational administration and curriculum will find this book a valuable asset for courses that focus on teacher and administrator leadership. This text serves as an insightful and practical addition to existing supervision and instructional leadership literature by emphasizing the link between leadership and student-centred learning