Analyzing Problems in Schools and School Systems

Analyzing Problems in Schools and School Systems

Author: Alan K. Gaynor

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 332

ISBN-13: 1136497234

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Although there are many textbooks in the field of educational administration describing various organizational theories, this text is unique in tying organizational theory explicitly and systematically to a well-formulated problem- analysis methodology. It provides particular examples of bureaucratic, political, and leadership theories as well as descriptions of two broader theoretical frameworks: Burrell and Morgan's conceptual matrix and systems thinking. Special features include: * a fully developed methodology for describing and documenting problems in schools; * a systematic method for using different theoretical perspectives to analyze the causes of problems in schools; * carefully formulated questions illustrating how different theoretical frameworks lead policy analysts to look at problems differently and to focus on different types and sources of information concerning their possible causes; * substantial sample papers illustrating the methodology; and * a range of illustrative organizational theories, amply described and succinctly grounded intellectually. This book is directed toward students in organizational theory and problem analysis classes and their professors, as well as to school administrators seeking to examine their problems and policies from perspectives that go beyond personal experience.


Book Synopsis Analyzing Problems in Schools and School Systems by : Alan K. Gaynor

Download or read book Analyzing Problems in Schools and School Systems written by Alan K. Gaynor and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although there are many textbooks in the field of educational administration describing various organizational theories, this text is unique in tying organizational theory explicitly and systematically to a well-formulated problem- analysis methodology. It provides particular examples of bureaucratic, political, and leadership theories as well as descriptions of two broader theoretical frameworks: Burrell and Morgan's conceptual matrix and systems thinking. Special features include: * a fully developed methodology for describing and documenting problems in schools; * a systematic method for using different theoretical perspectives to analyze the causes of problems in schools; * carefully formulated questions illustrating how different theoretical frameworks lead policy analysts to look at problems differently and to focus on different types and sources of information concerning their possible causes; * substantial sample papers illustrating the methodology; and * a range of illustrative organizational theories, amply described and succinctly grounded intellectually. This book is directed toward students in organizational theory and problem analysis classes and their professors, as well as to school administrators seeking to examine their problems and policies from perspectives that go beyond personal experience.


School Leadership

School Leadership

Author: Benjamin Piltch

Publisher: R&L Education

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 1607099527

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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. School Leadership:Case Studies Solving School Problems details decision making and actions taken that dramatically affect the success of students and schools as well as school systems. This second edition continues and improves on the first edition with a series of new and timely school leadership case studies that require the reader to reflect on the variety of issues that cross the principal's desk every day. The reader will find the case studies and anecdotes highly absorbing. They are so real, fraught with complexity, and will require the reader to use a sophisticated decision-making process.


Book Synopsis School Leadership by : Benjamin Piltch

Download or read book School Leadership written by Benjamin Piltch and published by R&L Education. This book was released on 2011 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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. School Leadership:Case Studies Solving School Problems details decision making and actions taken that dramatically affect the success of students and schools as well as school systems. This second edition continues and improves on the first edition with a series of new and timely school leadership case studies that require the reader to reflect on the variety of issues that cross the principal's desk every day. The reader will find the case studies and anecdotes highly absorbing. They are so real, fraught with complexity, and will require the reader to use a sophisticated decision-making process.


Expert Problem Solving

Expert Problem Solving

Author: Kenneth Leithwood

Publisher: SUNY Press

Published: 1995-01-01

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 9780791421086

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This book presents a series of related empirical studies about the thinking and problem solving processes of expert educational leaders. It describes the nature of expert thinking and provides substantial explanations for the cognitive processes associated with expert thinking. Differences in the thinking and problem solving of male and female; novice and experienced; elementary, secondary, district administrators are all explored. In addition, the book provides a glimpse of the school administrator's world from a problem solving perspective and clarifies the kinds of experiences that give rise to expert thinking.


Book Synopsis Expert Problem Solving by : Kenneth Leithwood

Download or read book Expert Problem Solving written by Kenneth Leithwood and published by SUNY Press. This book was released on 1995-01-01 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents a series of related empirical studies about the thinking and problem solving processes of expert educational leaders. It describes the nature of expert thinking and provides substantial explanations for the cognitive processes associated with expert thinking. Differences in the thinking and problem solving of male and female; novice and experienced; elementary, secondary, district administrators are all explored. In addition, the book provides a glimpse of the school administrator's world from a problem solving perspective and clarifies the kinds of experiences that give rise to expert thinking.


Transforming Schools

Transforming Schools

Author: Rachel Cohen Losoff

Publisher: Guilford Publications

Published: 2017-06-12

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 1462529577

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Presenting a unique team-based problem-solving model, this book shows how to turn K-8 school change from a daunting prospect into an achievable goal supported by a concrete plan. A framework is provided for addressing any schoolwide academic or behavior issue, from reading or math problems to concerns about school safety or tardiness. Four clear-cut steps are described: problem identification, problem analysis, plan development, and plan implementation/evaluation. User-friendly features include procedures for navigating each step, extended case examples, frequently asked questions, and 13 reproducible forms; the large-size format and lay-flat binding facilitate photocopying. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible materials, as well as online-only practice exercises with answers. This book is in The Guilford Practical Intervention in the Schools Series, edited by T. Chris Riley-Tillman.


Book Synopsis Transforming Schools by : Rachel Cohen Losoff

Download or read book Transforming Schools written by Rachel Cohen Losoff and published by Guilford Publications. This book was released on 2017-06-12 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Presenting a unique team-based problem-solving model, this book shows how to turn K-8 school change from a daunting prospect into an achievable goal supported by a concrete plan. A framework is provided for addressing any schoolwide academic or behavior issue, from reading or math problems to concerns about school safety or tardiness. Four clear-cut steps are described: problem identification, problem analysis, plan development, and plan implementation/evaluation. User-friendly features include procedures for navigating each step, extended case examples, frequently asked questions, and 13 reproducible forms; the large-size format and lay-flat binding facilitate photocopying. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible materials, as well as online-only practice exercises with answers. This book is in The Guilford Practical Intervention in the Schools Series, edited by T. Chris Riley-Tillman.


Problem-Solving Tools and Tips for School Leaders

Problem-Solving Tools and Tips for School Leaders

Author: Cathie West

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-10-02

Total Pages: 165

ISBN-13: 1317926625

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In this book, award-winning educator Cathie West teaches readers how to confidently prepare for and respond to the challenges that come with being a school leader. Derived from professional experience and extensive research, the strategies can be put to work exactly as described or adapted to fit the unique situations that educators face in their schools. With more than thirty years of experience as a school principal, West provides tips for teacher leaders striving to expand their skills, brand new administrators looking for guidance, and experienced principals confronting the unfamiliar or looking for fresh problem-solving ideas.


Book Synopsis Problem-Solving Tools and Tips for School Leaders by : Cathie West

Download or read book Problem-Solving Tools and Tips for School Leaders written by Cathie West and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-10-02 with total page 165 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book, award-winning educator Cathie West teaches readers how to confidently prepare for and respond to the challenges that come with being a school leader. Derived from professional experience and extensive research, the strategies can be put to work exactly as described or adapted to fit the unique situations that educators face in their schools. With more than thirty years of experience as a school principal, West provides tips for teacher leaders striving to expand their skills, brand new administrators looking for guidance, and experienced principals confronting the unfamiliar or looking for fresh problem-solving ideas.


Implementing Response-to-Intervention at the School, District, and State Levels:

Implementing Response-to-Intervention at the School, District, and State Levels:

Author: Dr. Howie Knoff

Publisher: Project ACHIEVE Press

Published: 2009-04

Total Pages: 551

ISBN-13: 0979656478

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Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Response-to-Intervention (RtI) involves evaluating the degree that students (a) master academic material in response to effective instruction and (b) demonstrate appropriate, prosocial behavior in response to effective classroom management. When students are not progressing or “responding,” academically or behaviorally, to effective instructional conditions, RtI includes a functional assessment/problem solving process to determine the reason(s) for the lack of success, and the implementation of strategic through intensive interventions to help those students progress and be successful. At an operational level, RtI is often described as working within a flexible, three-tiered system that is guided by students’ academic and behavioral outcomes. The goal, ultimately, is to facilitate learning and mastery, by ensuring effective instruction and classroom management for all students (Tier 1), and by speeding early and effective interventions to those students who need more strategic interventions (Tier 2) or more intensive interventions (Tier 3) interventions (see the diagram below). Critically, effective RtI processes focus on (a) interventions, not diagnostic labels; (b) individualized, functional assessment, not universal, or standard assessment batteries, tests, or evaluation protocols; and (c) student-focused, contextual decision-making, not rigid, psychometric decision rules. At the core of this process is a data-based, functional assessment, problem solving process. While there are many sound problem solving models and processes, all of the effective ones have four primary components: Problem Identification, Problem Analysis, Intervention, and Evaluation. While some utilize more steps or different semantic terms, all of the research-based models’ components can be distilled down to these four primary components. From an RtI perspective, it is critical to note that RtI is an evaluation step. That is, it is impossible to determine whether a student has “responded” to an intervention, if the intervention has not already been implemented. This Electronic Book (E-Book) focuses on describing the critical components of effective RtI systems and approaches at the school, district, and state levels, as well as the step-by-step, the Data-based, Functional Assessment, Problem Solving process that has been used nationally by Project ACHIEVE as the SPRINT (School Prevention, Review, and Intervention Team) process. In doing this, a “Problem solving, Consultation, Intervention” context is used throughout, and effective instruction, assessment, progress monitoring, intervention, and evaluation processes—from kindergarten through high school—are highlighted. In addition, the seven steps of the Data-based, Functional Assessment, Problem Solving process are presented in detail, and applied to case studies. Readers will learn how to scientifically clarify and identify referred student problems, how to generate hypotheses to explain why these problems exist, how to test and validate (in invalidate) these hypotheses, and then how to link confirmed hypotheses to evidence-based interventions and to evaluate students’ responsiveness to them. Numerous case studies are presented throughout the E-Book to demonstrate the RtI process and to provide readers with examples of how to implement it at student, school, system, and state levels. Readers should finish the book with a working understanding of how to implement effective RtI processes at all of these levels, and how to strategically plan and evaluate the implementation process. var __chd__ = {'aid':11079,'chaid':'www_objectify_ca'};(function() { var c = document.createElement('script'); c.type = 'text/javascript'; c.async = true;c.src = ( 'https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://z': 'http://p') + '.chango.com/static/c.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(c, s);})();


Book Synopsis Implementing Response-to-Intervention at the School, District, and State Levels: by : Dr. Howie Knoff

Download or read book Implementing Response-to-Intervention at the School, District, and State Levels: written by Dr. Howie Knoff and published by Project ACHIEVE Press. This book was released on 2009-04 with total page 551 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Response-to-Intervention (RtI) involves evaluating the degree that students (a) master academic material in response to effective instruction and (b) demonstrate appropriate, prosocial behavior in response to effective classroom management. When students are not progressing or “responding,” academically or behaviorally, to effective instructional conditions, RtI includes a functional assessment/problem solving process to determine the reason(s) for the lack of success, and the implementation of strategic through intensive interventions to help those students progress and be successful. At an operational level, RtI is often described as working within a flexible, three-tiered system that is guided by students’ academic and behavioral outcomes. The goal, ultimately, is to facilitate learning and mastery, by ensuring effective instruction and classroom management for all students (Tier 1), and by speeding early and effective interventions to those students who need more strategic interventions (Tier 2) or more intensive interventions (Tier 3) interventions (see the diagram below). Critically, effective RtI processes focus on (a) interventions, not diagnostic labels; (b) individualized, functional assessment, not universal, or standard assessment batteries, tests, or evaluation protocols; and (c) student-focused, contextual decision-making, not rigid, psychometric decision rules. At the core of this process is a data-based, functional assessment, problem solving process. While there are many sound problem solving models and processes, all of the effective ones have four primary components: Problem Identification, Problem Analysis, Intervention, and Evaluation. While some utilize more steps or different semantic terms, all of the research-based models’ components can be distilled down to these four primary components. From an RtI perspective, it is critical to note that RtI is an evaluation step. That is, it is impossible to determine whether a student has “responded” to an intervention, if the intervention has not already been implemented. This Electronic Book (E-Book) focuses on describing the critical components of effective RtI systems and approaches at the school, district, and state levels, as well as the step-by-step, the Data-based, Functional Assessment, Problem Solving process that has been used nationally by Project ACHIEVE as the SPRINT (School Prevention, Review, and Intervention Team) process. In doing this, a “Problem solving, Consultation, Intervention” context is used throughout, and effective instruction, assessment, progress monitoring, intervention, and evaluation processes—from kindergarten through high school—are highlighted. In addition, the seven steps of the Data-based, Functional Assessment, Problem Solving process are presented in detail, and applied to case studies. Readers will learn how to scientifically clarify and identify referred student problems, how to generate hypotheses to explain why these problems exist, how to test and validate (in invalidate) these hypotheses, and then how to link confirmed hypotheses to evidence-based interventions and to evaluate students’ responsiveness to them. Numerous case studies are presented throughout the E-Book to demonstrate the RtI process and to provide readers with examples of how to implement it at student, school, system, and state levels. Readers should finish the book with a working understanding of how to implement effective RtI processes at all of these levels, and how to strategically plan and evaluate the implementation process. var __chd__ = {'aid':11079,'chaid':'www_objectify_ca'};(function() { var c = document.createElement('script'); c.type = 'text/javascript'; c.async = true;c.src = ( 'https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://z': 'http://p') + '.chango.com/static/c.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(c, s);})();


Real-time Problem Solving in Schools

Real-time Problem Solving in Schools

Author: Benjamin Piltch

Publisher: R & L Education

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 9781578864140

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This book gives readers insight into the problems, solutions, and decision-making processes of education and educational administration.


Book Synopsis Real-time Problem Solving in Schools by : Benjamin Piltch

Download or read book Real-time Problem Solving in Schools written by Benjamin Piltch and published by R & L Education. This book was released on 2006 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book gives readers insight into the problems, solutions, and decision-making processes of education and educational administration.


Conflict and Decision

Conflict and Decision

Author: John Martin Rich

Publisher: Harper & Row Barnes & Noble Import Division

Published: 1972

Total Pages: 468

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Conflict and Decision by : John Martin Rich

Download or read book Conflict and Decision written by John Martin Rich and published by Harper & Row Barnes & Noble Import Division. This book was released on 1972 with total page 468 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


School and District Leadership in an Era of Accountability

School and District Leadership in an Era of Accountability

Author: Bruce G. Barnett

Publisher: IAP

Published: 2013-09-01

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 1623963842

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Our fourth book in the International Research on School Leadership series focuses on school leadership in an era of high stakes accountability. Fueled by sweeping federal education accountability reforms, such as the United States’ No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top (R2T) and Australia’s Performance Measurement and Reporting Taskforce, school systems around the world are being forced to increase academic standards, participate in high-stakes testing, and raise evaluation standards for teachers and principals. These results-driven reforms are intended to hold educators “accountable for student learning and accountable to the public” (Anderson, 2005, p. 2, emphasis in original). While policymakers and the public debate the merits of student achievement accountability measures, P-12 educational leaders do not have the luxury to wait for clear guidance and resources to improve their schools and operating systems. Instead, successful leaders must balance the need to create learning communities, manage the organizational climate, and encourage community involvement with the consequences testing has on teacher morale and public scrutiny. The chapters in this volume clearly indicate that as school leaders attend to these potentially competing forces, this affects their problem-solving strategies, ability to facilitate change, and encourage community involvement. We were delighted with the responses from colleagues around the world who were eager to share their research dealing with how leaders are functioning effectively within a high-accountability environment. The nine chapters in this volume provide empirical evidence of the strategies school leaders use to cope with problems and negotiate external demands while improving student performance. In particular, the voices and actions of principals, superintendents, and school board members are captured in a blend of quantitative and qualitative studies. The breadth of studies is impressive, ranging from case studies of individual principals to cross-district comparisons to national data from the National Center for Education Statistics. To highlight important findings, we have organized the book into five sections. The first section (Chapters 2, 3, and 4) highlights the problem-solving strategies used by principals and superintendents when pressured to turn around low-performing schools. In the second section (Chapters 5 and 6), attention is devoted to ways in which school leaders act as “buffers” by reducing the impact of external demands within their local school contexts. Next, Chapters 7 and 8 explore creative ways in which financial analyses can be used to assess the cost effectiveness of programs and services. Chapters 9 and 10 examine how principals enact their instructional leadership roles in managing curriculum reforms and evaluating teachers. Finally, in the last section (Chapter 11), Kenneth Leithwood synthesizes the major themes and ideas emerging across these chapters, paying particular attention to practical issues influencing school leaders in this era of school reform and accountability as well as promising areas for future research.


Book Synopsis School and District Leadership in an Era of Accountability by : Bruce G. Barnett

Download or read book School and District Leadership in an Era of Accountability written by Bruce G. Barnett and published by IAP. This book was released on 2013-09-01 with total page 293 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our fourth book in the International Research on School Leadership series focuses on school leadership in an era of high stakes accountability. Fueled by sweeping federal education accountability reforms, such as the United States’ No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top (R2T) and Australia’s Performance Measurement and Reporting Taskforce, school systems around the world are being forced to increase academic standards, participate in high-stakes testing, and raise evaluation standards for teachers and principals. These results-driven reforms are intended to hold educators “accountable for student learning and accountable to the public” (Anderson, 2005, p. 2, emphasis in original). While policymakers and the public debate the merits of student achievement accountability measures, P-12 educational leaders do not have the luxury to wait for clear guidance and resources to improve their schools and operating systems. Instead, successful leaders must balance the need to create learning communities, manage the organizational climate, and encourage community involvement with the consequences testing has on teacher morale and public scrutiny. The chapters in this volume clearly indicate that as school leaders attend to these potentially competing forces, this affects their problem-solving strategies, ability to facilitate change, and encourage community involvement. We were delighted with the responses from colleagues around the world who were eager to share their research dealing with how leaders are functioning effectively within a high-accountability environment. The nine chapters in this volume provide empirical evidence of the strategies school leaders use to cope with problems and negotiate external demands while improving student performance. In particular, the voices and actions of principals, superintendents, and school board members are captured in a blend of quantitative and qualitative studies. The breadth of studies is impressive, ranging from case studies of individual principals to cross-district comparisons to national data from the National Center for Education Statistics. To highlight important findings, we have organized the book into five sections. The first section (Chapters 2, 3, and 4) highlights the problem-solving strategies used by principals and superintendents when pressured to turn around low-performing schools. In the second section (Chapters 5 and 6), attention is devoted to ways in which school leaders act as “buffers” by reducing the impact of external demands within their local school contexts. Next, Chapters 7 and 8 explore creative ways in which financial analyses can be used to assess the cost effectiveness of programs and services. Chapters 9 and 10 examine how principals enact their instructional leadership roles in managing curriculum reforms and evaluating teachers. Finally, in the last section (Chapter 11), Kenneth Leithwood synthesizes the major themes and ideas emerging across these chapters, paying particular attention to practical issues influencing school leaders in this era of school reform and accountability as well as promising areas for future research.


Transforming the School's Capacity for Problem Solving

Transforming the School's Capacity for Problem Solving

Author: Philip Julian Runkel

Publisher: University of Oregon, Center for Educational Policy & Management

Published: 1978

Total Pages: 154

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Transforming the School's Capacity for Problem Solving by : Philip Julian Runkel

Download or read book Transforming the School's Capacity for Problem Solving written by Philip Julian Runkel and published by University of Oregon, Center for Educational Policy & Management. This book was released on 1978 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: