Real-Time Problem Solving in Schools: Case Studies for School Leaders

by Benjamin Piltch, Terrence Quinn

Overview

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. Real-Time Problem Solving in Schools details decision making and actions taken that dramatically affect the success of students and schools as well as school systems. Includes: _

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578864164
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	05/22/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	188
Product dimensions:	6.44(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

Dr. Benjamin Piltch, now retired, has had extensive experience as a classroom teacher, central office administrator, principal, college professor, and college administrator of an education master's degree program. He has presented at many conferences locally and nationally. Dr. Terrence Quinn's leadership as a school principal earned him nationwide distinction as Reader's Digest American Hero in Education.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction: Case Study Themes/Issues Chapter 2 Chapter 1: A Betrayal of Trust? Chapter 3 Chapter 2: Zachary's Achilles Heel Chapter 4 Chapter 3: The Suicide Boy Chapter 5 Chapter 4: The Principal as the Instructional Leader—Part 1 Chapter 6 Chapter 5: The Principal as the Instructional Leader—Part 2 Chapter 7 Chapter 6: "We Are Normal Too" Chapter 8 Chapter 7: The Elemiddle School Chapter 9 Chapter 8: A Community of Principals Chapter 10 Chapter 9: 90 Percent of Success is Showing Up Chapter 11 Chapter 10: School Leadership Committee Chapter 12 Chapter 11: A Principal's Report Card Chapter 13 Chapter 12: Will Cheating Strike Out Bobby? Chapter 14 Chapter 13: The Chart Attack Chapter 15 Chapter 14: Fighting Fat Chapter 16 Chapter 15: Town on the Rebound? Chapter 17 Chapter 16: Making a Monk Chapter 18 Chapter 17: Management Stuff Chapter 19 Chapter 18: Sexual Abuse? Chapter 20 Chapter 19: Visiting the Classes Chapter 21 Chapter 20: Culture Shock Chapter 22 Chapter 21: The BMW Teacher Chapter 23 Chapter 22: The Vision Thing Chapter 24 Chapter 23: Serving Two Masters Chapter 25 Chapter 24: The Game Plan Chapter 26 Chapter 25: Is Bernie Burning Out? Chapter 27 Chapter 26: Breakfast for the Staff Chapter 28 Chapter 27: But Can She Teach? Chapter 29 Chapter 28: A Community of Teachers Chapter 30 Chapter 29: The Good Parents' Association President Chapter 31 Chapter 30: A Petulant Parents' Association President Chapter 32 Chapter 31: Hands-On Science Chapter 33 Chapter 32: Innovative Staff Development Chapter 34 Chapter 33: In-School Suspension Chapter 35 Chapter 34: The New Teacher Chapter 36 Chapter 35: Ongoing Assessment Chapter 37 Chapter 36: A School's Art Museum Chapter 38 Chapter 37: Social Studies Instruction Chapter 39 Chapter 38: A Difference of Styles Chapter 40 Chapter 39: When Pupil Achievement Goes South Chapter 41 Chapter 40: A Tug of Conscience

Editorial Reviews

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

This book is for principals, assistant principals, and superintendents and is accessible to parents and general readers as well.

Reference and Research Book News

This book combines the knowledge and experience of two successful administrators. Their analyses and suggestions provide wonderful insight into the decision-making process of successful principals and educators.

Robert Fredericks

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