While critical race theory is a framework employed by activists and scholars within and outside the confines of education, there are limited resources for leadership practitioners that provide insight into critical race theory and the possibilities of implementing a critical race praxis approach to leadership. With a continued top-down approach to educational policy and practice, it is imperative that educational leaders understand how critical race theory and praxis can assist them in utilizing their agency and roles as leaders to identify and challenge institutional and systemic racism and other forms/manifestations of oppression (Stovall, 2004). In the tradition of critical race theory, we are charged with the task of operationalizing theory into practice in the struggle for, and commitment to, social justice. Though educational leaders and leadership programs have been all but absent in this process, given their influence and power, educational leaders need to be engaged in this endeavor. The objective of this edited volume is to draw upon critical race counter-stories and praxis for the purpose of providing leaders in training and practicing K-12 leaders with tangible narratives that demonstrate how racism and its intersectionality with other forms of oppression manifest within K-12 schooling. An additional aim of this book is to provide leaders with a working knowledge of the central tenets of critical race theory and the tools that are required in recognizing how they might be complicit in the reproduction of institutional and systemic racism and other forms of oppression. More precisely, this edited volume intends to draw upon and center the lived experiences and voices of contributors that have experienced racism in K-12 schooling. Through the use of critical race methodology and counter-storytelling (Solorzano & Yosso, 2002), contributors will share and interrogate their experiences while offering current and future educational leaders insight in recognizing how racism functions within institutions and how they can address it. The intended goal of this edited volume is to translate critical race theory into practice while emphasizing the need for educational leaders to develop a critical race praxis and anti-racist approach to leadership.

Inclusive Practices and Social Justice Leadership for Special Populations in Urban Settings: A Moral Imperative is comprised of a collection of chapters written by educators who refuse to let the voices of dissent remain marginalized in our discussion of education in the 21st century education. Drawing from the authors' extensive experience in educational research and practice, coupled with their commitment to inclusion of special populations and social justice they urge readers to examine how educational policies are produced for the least advantaged in our schools. Effective inclusionary practices most certainly benefit all students, including English language learners, those who face gender discrimination, those who are in the foster care system, and those who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgendered. This collection presents a broader theoretical inclusive framework rooted in social justice: which we assert, offers the best practices for a greater number of students who are at risk of minimal academic success. This broader conceptualization of inclusive schools adds to extant discourses about students with exceptional needs and provides effective strategies school leaders operating from a social justice framework can implement to create more inclusive school environments for all students, especially those in urban centers. It is hoped that lessons learned will improve the preparation and practice of school leaders, thus improve educational outcomes for students from special populations.

While critical race theory is a framework employed by activists and scholars within and outside the confines of education, there are limited resources for leadership practitioners that provide insight into critical race theory and the possibilities of implementing a critical race praxis approach to leadership. With a continued top-down approach to educational policy and practice, it is imperative that higher education leaders understand how critical race theory and praxis can assist them in utilizing their agency and roles as leaders to identify and challenge institutional and systemic racism and other forms/manifestations of oppression (Stovall, 2004). In the tradition of critical race theory, we are charged with the task of operationalizing theory into practice in the struggle for, and commitment to, social justice. Though higher education leaders and leadership programs are often absent in this process, given their influence and power, higher education leaders need to be engaged in this endeavor. The objective of this edited volume is to draw upon critical race counter-stories and praxis for the purpose of providing higher education leaders-in-training and practicing higher education leaders with tangible narratives that demonstrate how racism and its intersectionality with other forms of oppression manifest within higher education. An additional aim of this book is to provide leaders with a working knowledge of the central tenets of critical race theory and the tools that are required in recognizing how they might be complicit in the reproduction of institutional and systemic racism and other forms of oppression. More precisely, this edited volume intends to draw upon and center the lived experiences and voices of contributors that have experienced racism in higher education. Through the use of critical race methodology and counter-storytelling (Solorzano & Yosso, 2002), contributors will share and interrogate their experiences while offering current and future higher education leaders insight in recognizing how racism functions within their respective institutions, and how they can address it. The intended goal of this edited volume is to translate critical race theory into practice while emphasizing the need for higher education leaders to develop a critical race praxis and anti-racist approach to leadership.

This book offers 50 easy-to-read strategies for managing conflicts in your school involving students, parents, and teachers. Individually, these strategies provide specific insights into conflict resolution, reduction, and management. As a whole, the 50 strategies provide a comprehensive method to lead constructive change in your school. With quotes, examples, and reflection questions, this book offers ideas that help you lead with confidence.

Standards-Based Leadership is written specifically for superintendents and is framed within the most recent national standards: Professional Standards for Educational Leaders 2015. The cases provide an opportunity for superintendents, as well as those in training, to critically reflect on best-practices with real scenarios. Each chapter contains PSEL2015 standards, best practice literature, three cases, discussion questions, and additional resources. The chapters have been written by educators with leadership and superintendent experience.

It is only through effective leadership actions that principals can become outstanding leaders. By building relationships that value all stakeholders-including teachers, students, parents, and community members-your actions will lead to a thriving school. This book provides you with the tools for emphasizing shared purpose, caring, integrity, and honesty so you can Build Relationships with Actions that Value Others. In this updated edition, you'll find out how to: Establish trusting relationship based on mutual support, respect, and empowerment. Demonstrate cultural responsiveness by embracing diversity and integrating multicultural awareness throughout the curriculum. Employ creative concern-solving strategies and address conflicts with students, parents, and staff. Develop a learning culture to nurture student and teacher achievement. Each chapter concludes with a set of review questions to help you to reflect, evaluate, and improve upon your leadership skills. Filled with suggestions for actions that you can apply today, this book shows you how to become a BRAVO Principal!

Today's school principals are charged with the responsibility of creating learning organizations that emphasize success for all students. Framing decisions in standards that are grounded in research and best practice, this book provides a structure for learning and growth for both current and aspiring principals. Each chapter in Standards-Based Leadership: A Case Study Book for the Principalship is organized around a Texas Principal Competency Exam and related to the 2014 Texas Principal Standards and 2011 ELCC standards. The cases provided for discussion are all based on real problems that challenge principals in Texas or any other state. By applying the standards and using the brief literature reviews as resources to guide decision making, principals are provided with a framework for implementation of specific strategies that will best help them successfully lead schools.

Within the past few years, schools, communities, and parents throughout the world, have begun to recognize that bullying is not something that can be ignored with dismissive comments or admonitions. There is no doubt that school violence is a critical problem in America's schools and bullying is a maladaptive behavior with consequences. Bullying can be reduced, but first, educators and parents must recognize the pervasive nature of the problem. This easy-to-read book describes the problem of bullying at all school levels-elementary, middle, and high. Chapters include different types of bullying that occur and how they effect the bully, the bullied, and the bystander. The authors report the results of many studies including personal research to discuss incidences of bullying at school, and list of sources for preventing and intervening to reduce this type of misbehavior are included. For K-12 educators, professors of education, and parents.

The changing demographics of students and educators in schools today suggest that much of what we do as educational leaders revolves around the complex issues related to our various cultural understandings. In this book the authors discuss the relationship between culture and conflict and provide a continuum to better understand the basis for much cultural conflict. Authors emphasize a systematic framework that can be used to guide the practitioner in resolving conflicts rooted in cultural issues - from less difficult issues such as the cultural conflicts that occur on a campus between academic cultures and athletic cultures, to the more complicated and delicate issues rooted in racial or sexual identity issues.

The changing demographics of students and educators in schools today suggest that much of what we do as educational leaders revolves around the complex issues related to our various cultural understandings. In this book the authors discuss the relationship between culture and conflict and provide a continuum to better understand the basis for much cultural conflict. Authors emphasize a systematic framework that can be used to guide the practitioner in resolving conflicts rooted in cultural issues - from less difficult issues such as the cultural conflicts that occur on a campus between academic cultures and athletic cultures, to the more complicated and delicate issues rooted in racial or sexual identity issues.

Over the past 25 years a major shift in political ideology has refocused educational politics from equality issues to issues relating to excellence, accountability, and choice. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) first passed in 1965. NCLB legislation is a continuation of the educational reform movement for improved academic achievement that began in 1983 with publication of a government report, A Nation at Risk, which called for higher standards to prepare students for the 21st century. Reaction to the at-risk report generated many reform initiatives resulting in the assessment, standards and accountability movement today. The organizational structure of the NCLB covers 10 separate titles. This book provides an enhanced understanding of the NCLB major features and suggests resources in the areas of: History of Accountability and Achievement; Adequate Yearly Progress; Highly-Qualified Teachers; Title I; Reading and Early Childhood; School Reform including Charters and Vouchers; Restructuring; School Finance; and High School Reform.

This book offers 50 easy-to-read strategies for managing conflicts in your school involving students, parents, and teachers. Individually, these strategies provide specific insights into conflict resolution, reduction, and management. As a whole, the 50 strategies provide a comprehensive method to lead constructive change in your school. With quotes, examples, and reflection questions, this book offers ideas that help you lead with confidence.

Today's assistant principal is charged with the responsibility of supporting the principal in creating a learning organization which emphasizes success for all students. Frequently, due to the nature of the position, assistant principals often find themselves as the man (or woman) in the middle with job duties that are quite different from that of the principal. An important component leading to the successful implementation of school leadership is decision-making based on standards that are grounded in research and best-practice. Standards Based Leadership: A Case Study Book for the Assistant Principalship provides a structure for learning and growth that connects theory with practice, whether the assistant principal is already "on the job" or enrolled in a preparation program. Each chapter is organized around identification of a major ELCC standard and then related to the Texas standards. The scenarios are all based on actual problems that have faced practicing assistant principals. Applying the descriptors of the standard and using the brief literature reviews as resources to guide decision-making, assistant principals are provided with a framework for implementation of specific strategies that will best help students. As aspiring school leaders reflect on the realistic situations provided in each chapter and identify possible applications and implications, they will be strengthened in their quest to meet the challenges of standards-based leadership for the assistant principalship.

Today's school principal is charged with the responsibility for creating a learning organization which emphasizes success for all students. An important component leading to these successful school experiences is decision-making based on standards that are grounded in research and best-practice. Standards-Based Leadership: A Case Study Book for the Principalship provides a structure for learning and growth that connects theory with practice whether the principal is already 'on the job' or enrolled in a preparation program. Each chapter is organized around identification of a major ELCC standard, as well as the Texas standards. The scenarios are all based on real problems that have faced real principals. Applying the descriptors of the standard and using the brief literature reviews as resources to guide decision-making, principals are provided with a framework for implementation of specific strategies that will best help students. As school leaders reflect on the realistic situations provided in each chapter and identify possible applications and implications, they will be strengthened in their quest to meet the challenges of standards-based leadership for the principalship.

Although there are several case study books for administrators, this one book, specifically for superintendents, is framed within the state and national standards. It offers a way for superintendents as well as those in training to combine best-practice theory with practice using everyday, realistic situations. Each chapter includes: . questions for discussion . references . additional resources Readers will also find a corresponding brief literature review and a case study that illustrates the standard being discussed.

This book shows school leaders how they can infuse their daily practice with an examination of the actions they take to improve their schools. It identifies eight steps that inform the school improvement process and boost student achievement. These steps provide a framework for examining school improvement as part of a genuine process with meaning and value for all those involved.

This book shows school leaders how they can infuse their daily practice with an examination of the actions they take to improve their schools. It identifies eight steps that inform the school improvement process and boost student achievement.

These steps provide a framework for examining school improvement as part of a genuine process with meaning and value for all those involved.

As they wrestle with today s rules, regulations and high-stakes testing, our best teachers never forget that strong, positive relationships are at the core of student success. This book shows us how to build relationships with students, parents, and co-workers to create the kind of learning environments where all students achieve success.

This hands-on guide is a valuable resource for both current and aspiring school leaders. Written in short, easy-to-read chapters, The Trust Factor, 2nd Edition presents real-world examples and relevant research to help you develop the essential skills you need for building trust with staff, teachers, students, and parents. The Trust Factor provides updated versions of over 50 practical strategies that will help you learn to: Recognize and avoid behaviors that damage trust Repair trust when it has been broken Navigate challenging situations, such as teacher evaluations, student discipline, parent complaints, or scarce resources Establish and sustain trust with faculty, staff, students, and community Approach social media in a way that builds trust with the community. The guidance in this book is explained with simple, easy-to-implement steps you can apply immediately to your own practice, and are accompanied by reflection questions and self-assessment tools to help practicing or aspiring educational leaders succeed.

It is only through effective leadership actions that principals can become outstanding leaders. By building relationships that value all stakeholders-including teachers, students, parents, and community members-your actions will lead to a thriving school. This book provides you with the tools for emphasizing shared purpose, caring, integrity, and honesty so you can Build Relationships with Actions that Value Others. In this updated edition, you'll find out how to: Establish trusting relationship based on mutual support, respect, and empowerment. Demonstrate cultural responsiveness by embracing diversity and integrating multicultural awareness throughout the curriculum. Employ creative concern-solving strategies and address conflicts with students, parents, and staff. Develop a learning culture to nurture student and teacher achievement. Each chapter concludes with a set of review questions to help you to reflect, evaluate, and improve upon your leadership skills. Filled with suggestions for actions that you can apply today, this book shows you how to become a BRAVO Principal!

This hands-on guide is a valuable resource for both current and aspiring school leaders. Written in short, easy-to-read chapters, The Trust Factor, 2nd Edition presents real-world examples and relevant research to help you develop the essential skills you need for building trust with staff, teachers, students, and parents. The Trust Factor provides updated versions of over 50 practical strategies that will help you learn to: Recognize and avoid behaviors that damage trust Repair trust when it has been broken Navigate challenging situations, such as teacher evaluations, student discipline, parent complaints, or scarce resources Establish and sustain trust with faculty, staff, students, and community Approach social media in a way that builds trust with the community. The guidance in this book is explained with simple, easy-to-implement steps you can apply immediately to your own practice, and are accompanied by reflection questions and self-assessment tools to help practicing or aspiring educational leaders succeed.

Standards-Based Leadership is written specifically for superintendents and is framed within the most recent national standards: Professional Standards for Educational Leaders 2015. The cases provide an opportunity for superintendents, as well as those in training, to critically reflect on best-practices with real scenarios. Each chapter contains PSEL2015 standards, best practice literature, three cases, discussion questions, and additional resources. The chapters have been written by educators with leadership and superintendent experience.

Today's school principals are charged with the responsibility of creating learning organizations that emphasize success for all students. Framing decisions in standards that are grounded in research and best practice, this book provides a structure for learning and growth for both current and aspiring principals. Each chapter in Standards-Based Leadership: A Case Study Book for the Principalship is organized around a Texas Principal Competency Exam and related to the 2014 Texas Principal Standards and 2011 ELCC standards. The cases provided for discussion are all based on real problems that challenge principals in Texas or any other state. By applying the standards and using the brief literature reviews as resources to guide decision making, principals are provided with a framework for implementation of specific strategies that will best help them successfully lead schools.

Over the past 25 years a major shift in political ideology has refocused educational politics from equality issues to issues relating to excellence, accountability, and choice. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) first passed in 1965. NCLB legislation is a continuation of the educational reform movement for improved academic achievement that began in 1983 with publication of a government report, A Nation at Risk, which called for higher standards to prepare students for the 21st century. Reaction to the at-risk report generated many reform initiatives resulting in the assessment, standards and accountability movement today. The organizational structure of the NCLB covers 10 separate titles. This book provides an enhanced understanding of the NCLB major features and suggests resources in the areas of: History of Accountability and Achievement; Adequate Yearly Progress; Highly-Qualified Teachers; Title I; Reading and Early Childhood; School Reform including Charters and Vouchers; Restructuring; School Finance; and High School Reform.