The Principal's Field Manual

Michael B. Ayers
William A. Sommers - Southwest Educational Development Laboratory

Other Titles in:
Leadership | School Management

July 2009 | 176 pages | Corwin

'An extensive and comprehensive resource for aspiring as well as practicing school leaders at every level. For aspiring school leaders, this book provides a multifaceted look at the complexity of school organizations. For practicing school leaders, the design of the content, the broad array of useful information, the action checklists, the quick-read guidelines, and the extensive references provide readers with a useful guide' — Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director, National Association of Secondary School Principals

Research has shown that effective school leadership is a key factor in promoting high student achievement. This very practical, easy-to-use reference draws from leadership lessons learned in both education and business. Written as a field manual for "school CEOs" to facilitate understanding and operating a school as an organization, this book is designed for easy access within a unifying framework to enable flexible use for busy principals.

Based on the Organizational Effectiveness Model, the manual offers a blend of background knowledge and practices that are immediately useful, in the context of five elements that are essential to all organizations:

- Mission, including the central importance of useful metrics

- Strategies, such as the value of seeing the whole system

- Structure, including skill with conflict management

- People, highlighting the usefulness of political savvy

- Leadership, including the fundamental importance of trust

Filled with practical strategies and tools, The Principal's Field Manual is an invaluable resource for helping both new and experienced administrators better understand and effectively operate the school as a vital and dynamic organization.

List of Figures

Very Quick Reference

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Introduction

The Framing Model - Facets of Effectiveness

Two Fundamental Techniques

Less Quick Reference

Leadership

Communications

Dialog

Trust

Collaboration/Teamwork

Fire Fighting

Culture

Ten Rules/Guidelines for Leadership

Mission

Metrics

Organizational Values

Ten Guidelines/Rules for Mission

Strategy

Scenario Planning

Systems Thinking

Decision-Making / Problem-Solving

Ten Guidelines/Rules for Strategy

Organizational Structure

Project Management

Change

Conflict Management/Resolution

Policies, Procedures, and Professional Judgment

Competencies and Position Sketch

Ten Rules/Guidelines for Organizational Structure

People

Personal Values

Data, Information, Inferences

Managing Staff

Followership

Influence and Political Savvy

Ten Rules/Guidelines for People

Conclusion

Glossary

Appendix 1. Principal Responsibilities

Appendix 2. Operating Styles

Appendix 3. Project Charter Sample

Appendix 4. Capacity to Act Assessment

Appendix 5. Position Sketch

Appendix 6. Newmann’s Model

Appendix 7. Decision Requirements Table

Appendix 8. Uncritical Inference Test

References

Index

"An extensive and comprehensive resource for aspiring as well as practicing school leaders at every level. For aspiring school leaders, this book provides a multifaceted look at the complexity of school organizations. For practicing school leaders, the design of the content, the broad array of useful information, the action checklists, the quick-read guidelines, and the extensive references provide readers with a useful guide."

Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director

National Association of Secondary School Principals

"Principals, regardless of the hat being worn—instructional leader, process manager, school administrator, or organization CEO—will find a treasure trove of tools, processes, models, assessments, and much more. This compendium of ideas represents 'just in time' applications to the authentic, day-to-day realities of the practicing site administrator."

Karen M. Dyer, Director, Education and Nonprofit Sector

Center for Creative Leadership

"Leadership is partially about skill and personality, and a whole lot about values. This book takes all the elements of a leader’s journey and provides useful tools for both day-to-day and long-term success. It is simple to use, easy to follow, and actionable."

Alex C. Cirillo, Jr., Vice President, 3M Community Affairs

3M Foundation