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School Leadership From A to Z
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School Leadership From A to Z
Practical Lessons from Successful Schools and Businesses



August 2003 | 208 pages | Corwin
Robert D Ramsey blends practical business ideas, good practice, and commonsense ideas into lessons that all principals should find useful in their work' - Paul Young, 2002-2003 President, National Association of Elementary School Principals

`Once again Robert D Ramsey, like a wise mentor, cuts to the heart of leadership. Every reader who likes new ideas, appreciates fresh perspective, and seeks core truths about leadership will include this book in his or her library and recommend it to colleagues' - Don Draayer, 1990 AASA National Superintendent of the Year

This book for school officials is a hard-hitting, hands-on guide that explains what it takes to be an effective school leader in today's schools. This is accomplished by combining the best thinking from today's best schools with proven ideas taken directly from successful businesses and other public and private organizations. School Leadership from A-Z explores every aspect of school leadership from A (Attitude and Ambiguity Tolerance) to Z (Zen for School Leaders) and everything in the middle. Culled from tough business and life lessons, it is the first-ever reference handbook for educational leaders.

Each section stands alone to view provocative, insider insight into critical elements of school leadership. These newfound strategies and fresh approaches is further discussed into four special bonus sections, which alone makes the book a worthwhile read for school leaders who are success-minded.

 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Introduction
 
A. Attitude and Ambiguity Tolerance
 
B. Built-in Backbone
 
C. Coaching, Culture and Common Sense
 
D. Do the Next Right Thing
 
E. Exceeding Expectations
 
F. Fun and the Fish Market Philosophy
 
G. Goombah and the Golden Rule
 
H. History and Heroes
 
I. Inform, Instruct and Inspire
 
J. Jacks or Better
 
K. "Kick Butt and Hug"
 
L. Low-Maintenance Leadership
 
M. Metaphors and Morale
 
N. Networking and Nit-picking
 
O. Optimism or Else
 
P. P's and Q's
 
Q. Quid Pro Quo
 
R. Removing Obstacles
 
S. Straight Talk
 
T. Teflon Tenacity
 
U. U-Turns
 
V. Vision and Vocabulary
 
W. Work and Play
 
X. X-Ray Thinking
 
Y. Yin and Yang
 
Z. Zen for School Leaders
 
A Final Word
 
Resource 1: A New Vocabulary for School Leaders
 
Resource 2: What Business Leaders Say About Leadership That School Leaders Need to Hear
 
Resource 3: Business Books You Might Want to Read to Become a Better School Leader
 
Resource 4: Borrowing from Business-Bright Ideas You Can Use in Your School Starting Tomorrow Morning

"While principals work to identify the balance between management and instructional leadership, to initiate adaptive change, a third component should also be studied: leadership. Ramsey blends practical business ideas, good practice, and common sense ideas into lessons that all principals should find useful in their work."

Paul Young, 2002-2003 President
National Association of Elementary School Principals

"Once again Ramsey, like a wise mentor, cuts to the heart of leadership. Every reader who likes new ideas, appreciates fresh perspective, and seeks core truths about leadership will include this book in his or her library and recommend it to colleagues."

Don Draayer
1990 AASA National Superintendent of the Year

"I highly recommend School Leadership From A to Z for either the rookie or veteran administrator. Ramsey provides through an easy-read, a comprehensive, practical perspective on what it takes to be an effective school leader today. This is a must read for all school leaders."

Roger Hill, Principal
Kirksey Middle School, Rogers, AR

"What does it take to be an effective school leader in today's schools? Ramsey has the answers in this wonderful hands-on guide for the aspiring or practicing administrator. Written in a style that allows the reader to read through the book or to use it as quick reference, Ramsey has captured the best practices from both schools and businesses. A practical handbook for all school leaders."

Denny Vincent, President
National Association of Secondary School Principals

"This book offers something for all school leaders--the seasoned veteran, the beginning neophyte, and everyone in between. Ramsey's observations hit at the very core of what's important in leadership and offer practical suggestions for coping with the daily challenges that face today's school leaders."

Patti Kinney, Principal
Talent Middle School, Talent, OR

"Dr. Ramsey possesses the rare ability to communicate his passion for the mission of education, while providing an effective and practical mentoring tool for all who face the daily challenges of school leadership. This book is a necessity for the professional library of the entry-level school administrator. I highly recommend this outstanding resource, which is filled with helpful and practical ideas for all who serve leadership roles in public and private education."

Bob Tift, President
Benilde-St. Margaret's School, St. Louis Park, MN

"This book tackles the everyday problems that we all face--and it is accomplished with style. Topics are addressed from A-Z, complete with eye-catching titles--titles that make the reader want to turn to the next chapter. Although packed with lots of information, I found myself chuckling over specific anecdotes, solutions, and straight-to-the point advice. The book is reader friendly and very applicable."

Belinda Akin, Principal
Monticello Intermediate School, Monticello, AR

For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

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ISBN: 9780761938330
£31.99