The primary contribution of this book, however, is not its advocacy of a specific position but rather, its objective analysis of cogent topics. The content prompts us to consider governance in relation to quality education and to ponder alternative policy strategies that have yet to be fully evaluated. As a young doctoral student more than a few years ago, William Van Til, an eminent scholar and a mentor, reminded me almost daily that members of the education profession had a moral responsibility to address the most difficult questions about education and democracy. These enduring queries, he argued, extended to determining how this critical social service should be organized and controlled and to determining the appropriate roles for administrators and teachers. Those in our profession who fail to heed his advice by remaining indifferent to these philosophical dilemmas should consider Plato's long-standing warning: ""One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

This must-have study offers a definitive look at the state of school leadership in the United States. It provides a detailed picture of the men and women leading the nation's schools, based on a representative sample of school leaders nationwide. The American Association of School Administrators has conducted an authoritative State of the Superintendency report every decade since 1923. This report provides research on American school superintendents in 2010. Data were collected via an electronic survey from just under 1,900 superintendents across the United States. This report is a valuable resource for school leaders, aspiring school leaders, and those charged with preparing and supporting school leaders. It is essential reading for a range of audiences, including superintendents, aspiring superintendents, school board members, professors of education administration, superintendent search consultants, education researchers, and others looking for up-to-the-minute data on education leadership. Reported findings in the 2010 study include: * Personal characteristics * Career development * Professional education * School-board relationships * Opinions on a broad range of professional, educational, political, and social issues

The primary contribution of this book, however, is not its advocacy of a specific position but rather, its objective analysis of cogent topics. The content prompts us to consider governance in relation to quality education and to ponder alternative policy strategies that have yet to be fully evaluated. As a young doctoral student more than a few years ago, William Van Til, an eminent scholar and a mentor, reminded me almost daily that members of the education profession had a moral responsibility to address the most difficult questions about education and democracy. These enduring queries, he argued, extended to determining how this critical social service should be organized and controlled and to determining the appropriate roles for administrators and teachers. Those in our profession who fail to heed his advice by remaining indifferent to these philosophical dilemmas should consider Plato's long-standing warning: ""One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

This must-have study offers a definitive look at the state of school leadership in the United States. It provides a detailed picture of the men and women leading the nation's schools, based on a representative sample of school leaders nationwide. The American Association of School Administrators has conducted an authoritative State of the Superintendency report every decade since 1923. This report provides research on American school superintendents in 2010. Data were collected via an electronic survey from just under 1,900 superintendents across the United States. This report is a valuable resource for school leaders, aspiring school leaders, and those charged with preparing and supporting school leaders. It is essential reading for a range of audiences, including superintendents, aspiring superintendents, school board members, professors of education administration, superintendent search consultants, education researchers, and others looking for up-to-the-minute data on education leadership. Reported findings in the 2010 study include: _