Learning From the Best

Foreword, by Daniel A. Domenech
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Contributors
1. Introduction
Role of the Superintendent
Qualifications for the Superintendency
Purpose of This Book
2. Leadership That Transforms Schools
Leadership Sets Direction by Communicating and Collaborating, John Morton
Leadership Sets Direction by Staying the Course, Robert Olsen
Leadership Sets Direction by Involving the Community in Visioning, Patrick Russo
Leadership Redesigns the Organization by Identifying the Culture of the District, James L. Hager
Leadership Redesigns the Organization Through Instructional Leadership, Robert Olsen
Leadership Redefines the Organization by Reducing District Health Care Costs, Ronald D. Valenti
Leadership Develops People Through Servant Leadership, Thomas Leahy
Leadership Develops People Through the Power of Collaboration, Robert Olsen
Leadership Develops People Through Implementing Book Clubs, Krista Parent
Leadership That Develops People Is Important, Gary Johnson
Summary
Leadership Reflection
Additional Resources
3. Community Building
Building Relationships With the Board of Education, John Morton
School Board: Team of Eight Training, Chuck Holt
Everyone Is Important, Robert Olsen
Creating a Professional Learning Community, Brian Knutson
Building Community: Three Key Elements and Four Steps to Implement, Thomas Little
Communicating and Collaborating Within the District Takes Effort, Paul Kinder
Building Trust in the Community at Every Level, Brenda Dietrich
Leading by Example, John Morton
Reaching Out to the Larger Community, Robert Olsen
The Expanding Role of Community, John Morton
Maintaining Quality Media Relationships, Mark Keen
Building Community by Developing Cost-Effective Partnerships, Robert E. Nicks
Summary
Community Building Reflection
Additional Resources
4. Changing Times
The Changing Nature of Today's Superintendency, Robert Olsen
Servant Leaders Build Relationships in Changing Times, Pauline Hargrove
Changing Times Emphasize a Need for Civic Education, Brenda Dietrich
Preparing Young People for a Global Community, Michael McGill
Ten Strengths of Resilient Superintendents in Changing Times, Jerry L. Patterson and Diane E. Reed
Summary
Changing Times Reflection
Additional Resources
5. School Reform
The Achievement Gap: What Are WE Going to Do About It? Brenda Dietrich
Achievement Gap Challenges: Special Education and LEP, Robert Olsen
Closing the Achievement Gap, Chuck Holt
School Reform Strategy: Dropout Recovery, Daniel King
School Reform Strategy: Educational Summit for Evaluation, George A. Goens
School Reform Strategy: Using Research to Reform Schools, Brenda Dietrich
School Reform Strategy: Evaluate School Programs, Chuck Holt
Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Ask "What Doesn't Make Sense?" George A. Goens
Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Organizational Inertia, Robert Olsen
Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Three Suggestions, Brenda Dietrich
Overcoming School Reform Barriers: Learn to Live With NCLB, Robert Olsen
Summary
School Reform Reflection
Additional Resources
6. More Creative Ideas That Work
Guidelines, Practices, and Words of Advice, Pauline Hargrove
Advice for New Superintendents, Brenda Dietrich
John Morton's Top Ten List of General Advice, John Morton
Feedback Is Important, Brenda Dietrich
Doing the Right Thing..., Robert Olsen
Moving From Leading a Small District to a Large District, Daniel King
Passing a Bond, Tony J. Marchio
Collaborative Tips for a Successful Budget, Ronald D. Valenti
Books Every Superintendent Should Read
Words of Wisdom
Reflection
Additional Resources
7. Superintendents Change the World of a Child
Student Learning Results in Successful Schools
People Are More Important Than Programs
We Is More Important Than Me
Changing a Student's World
References and Further Reading
Index