The Principal Difference: Key issues in school leadership and how to deal with them

Principals in today’s schools face the complex challenge of being both visionary educational leaders and effective managers. They struggle to meet the conflicting needs and expectations of the staff and students, the parents, trustees, and even those in the wider community. They constantly strive to create a quality school environment that encourages learning for all. The Principal Difference explores the issues that confront school administrators, and demonstrates how best to provide the leadership today’s schools need. It offers powerful examples of strategies to help create a community that thrives on student achievement. Drawing on the latest research and personal case studies, this practical book outlines how educational leaders can: meet both external expectations and their school’s own stated goals; be accessible, responsible, and accountable; respond to and make use of outside assessments; encourage and respect cultural diversity; work collaboratively with teachers and other staff members; and engage with students, parents, and members of the community. Leadership can make the difference. A demanding and at times stressful career, the work of a principal can offer great rewards. This practical book shows principals how to transform their schools into more efficient, responsive learning communities as they learn to better meet the needs of students, staff, and the whole community.