Uses Thomas Sergiovanni's mindscape notion to show that current formulations influencing leadership language are archaic and inappropriate. Proposes alternative models, using concepts such as intellectualism, artistry, and moral confidence. Argues for a closer linkage between the languages of leadership and learning, in contrast to vocabularies of…

A study of 794 families in South Wales clearly suggests that parents' and children's reported roles in selecting a new school are susceptible to variations over time. A three-step model predicts that simply dividing families into "alert" and "inert,""disconnected" and "privileged," or "parent-centered" and "child-centered" cannot demystify the…

Interviews with primary headteachers in three local education authorities in the Midlands, England, disclosed heads' overall satisfaction with a new government-mandated appraisal process. Although appraisal reports are available by law to chairpersons of governing bodies, such feedback tended to be perfunctory in many cases. Headteacher appraisal…

Describes an autobiographical study of a deputy headteacher's leadership role in organizing a teacher's group of action researchers in a comprehensive secondary school. The study aimed to provide the conditions and support necessary for empowering teachers to develop their classroom or management practice. "Story" aided self-reflection and served…

If Western school systems become more diversified and fracture into broad sectors (private, specialized, home, and custodial/neighborhood schools), the teaching profession will follow suit. From a policy perspective, politicians' demands are rising and are not easily met within a perspective that values creation of social equity and national…

Highlights some key ideas and several perspectives on leadership, including: situational leadership; a leadership framework suggested by T.E. Deal and L.G. Bolman; leadership of the chief executive/leading professional; moral leadership; and curricular leadership. Identifies leadership by its contribution to outcomes and its influence on…

A study of 81 experienced teachers reports that to understand and survive classroom life, a knowledge of interpersonal politics was essential. The qualitative data set disclosed seven major categories of ineffective principal influences on teacher thinking and behavior: lack of participatory decision making, lack of support, favoritism,…

Based on interview data with 39 secondary headteachers located in North East England, identifies aspects of principals' work that make for job satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Considers the relationship of those aspects and, building on other researchers' work, presents a unique model of job satisfaction that stresses personal needs and values and…

Investigates the extent to which primary headteachers have become "chief executives" since introducing "market forces" to schooling. Contrasts heads as managers with a more holistic view of heads as leading professionals. To manage current reforms, heads are forced to adopt a managerial approach at the expense of more highly regarded personal…

Follows the entry of one headteacher during her first year of staff acceptance at an Israeli school. Interview data from the headteacher, teachers, and parents indicated a whirlwind of staff tensions as the old traditions of a failing school were challenged by a determined new leader. Raising education standards represents a fundamental challenge…

Britain's Education (Schools) Act of 1992 instituted a regime of systematic inspections of all state schools by the newly formed Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). Presents results of research on the effects of OFSTED secondary school inspections, focusing on headteachers' reactions and their progress on resulting school action plans.…

British legislation over the past decade has increased considerably the responsibilities of (lay) school governors, but there has been little research into their role in effecting school improvement. Reports on a seven-school pilot project designed to set parameters and criteria for more detailed and extensive study. Governors seem content to…

Examines practices and products of school culture: jokes, hallway conversations, home-school correspondence, and interpersonal interactions between parents and teachers. These practices construct parents as functionally illiterate and further a hierarchical view of the teacher/parent relationship. Offers examples of parental and professional…