"The goals and challenges for district leaders are constantly changing. Leadership and governance are only parts of the puzzle when other elements such as the NCLB legislation, budgets, standards and assessment, changing demographics, and public engagement are brought into the picture. Today's superintendent needs an effective tool to help steer the school district to success. Drawing on the experiences of nearly 200 superintendents over the past ten years, The Superintendent's Fieldbook offers guidance that can be referenced again and again. Written for current and future superintendents, principals, school board members and teachers, this valuable guide is divided into nine sections--each offering ideas to implement, practical lessons, exercises, and questions for reflective practice. The authors identify seven key "commonplaces" of the successful modern superintendent including: Leading within a governance structure; Understanding and addressing standards and assessment; Considering race, class, and the achievement gap; Developing your schools' principals from building managers to leaders of learning; Exploring collaborations with agencies of government and organizational allies; Engaging your community to construct a shared vision of the future. Vignettes describing real events and situations will help you connect lessons learned to your own district experiences, and help you and your district thrive in the rapidly changing world of education." -- Publisher.

Bridge the great divide between distanced administrative duties and daily classroom impact. This book introduces a top-down power mechanism called defined autonomy, a concept that focuses on district-defined, nonnegotiable, common goals and a system of accountability supported by assessment tools. Defined autonomy creates an effective balance of centralized direction and individualized empowerment that allows building-level staff the stylistic freedom to respond quickly and effectively to student failure.

"Wilmore has hit another homerun! This book is a great resource to help all future administrators not only pass the test, but also fully understand the domains and competencies set forth by SBEC. Wilmore′s knowledge, wisdom, and enthusiasm are all evident in this outstanding book. A must-read for those interested in passing the exam and entering the wonderful career of school administration." —Jay E. McWilliams, Principal McCamey High School, TX The perfect study guide for aspiring superintendents to succeed on the TExES exam! In this comprehensive resource, Elaine L. Wilmore guides superintendents in Texas and elsewhere through the TExES exam for superintendent licensure. Because Texas standards are closely aligned with those of the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), this must-have guide is useful for aspiring educational leaders across the nation, not just those taking the TExES exam. This book covers each of the ten key competencies in detail within three domains: leadership and educational community, instructional leadership, and administrative leadership. Wilmore highlights what test-takers must know and understand as they approach this important exam, including: Details and examples from each domain and leadership competency Test-taking tips and strategies Data analysis and problem-solving skills Plans for preparing both cognitively and psychologically, leading up to the day of the exam Suggested additional resources This relevant resource offers support not only for passing the exam, but also to improve test performance and achieve lifelong leadership goals.

A concise and accessible text, The Superintendent’s Rulebook explores the human-resource, political, and leadership dimensions of the superintendency. This important book is designed for new aspiring superintendents and Boards of Education, helping readers to apply the many leadership lessons taught in training programs and education leadership courses to their everyday practice. Full of real-world examples, takeaway strategies, and supplemented with discussion and "inbox" questions, this valuable resource encourages reflection, while capturing the day-to-day spirit and complexities of district-level leadership.

Guidance for ever-changing challenges, success through improved effectiveness Equip yourself to face the demands of a superintendent with this practical guide for new and veteran school leaders. Understanding leadership and budgets is only one piece of a pie that has grown to include privatization, performance-based teacher compensation, technology, and global comparisons like PISA. Based on 15 years of research with 300 superintendents, including members of the National Superintendents Roundtable, The Superintendent’s Fieldbook will become your touchstone for practical advice that you can implement today. The authors developed this new edition to help you Navigate difficult situations through sample cases and tips for action Lead with an eye on global impacts by illuminating education abroad Understand the Common Core standards as explained by fellow superintendents Explore instructional coaching and rounds as professional learning opportunities "This remarkable book for new as well as veteran superintendents is thoroughly researched, practical, and compelling. If I could have but one book on my shelf to support the all-encompassing work we do, The Superintendent′s Fieldbook would be the one." —Suzanne Cusick, Superintendent Longview School District, WA "I′ve found most guides for superintendents to be long on theory and short on practical advice. The Superintendent′s Fieldbook doesn′t make that mistake. This is where school leaders and aspiring superintendents can learn how to survive on the job, bargain like a pro, engage with the public, and work with their boards while tackling the achievement gap and explaining to the public what′s right with American schools." —Gloria J. Davis, Superintendent Decatur Public Schools, Decatur, IL

Written by leadership expert Elaine L. Wilmore, this ideal resource helps aspiring and practicing superintendents attain proficiency in the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards.