Questioning Leadership

The 21st Century movement for educational reform has given rise to several fundamental questions regarding the development of leaders and their affect on the teachers and students within their schools. How much influence on student achievement does a leader have? How significant is the attitude of the classroom teacher in relation to the achievement of his or her students? Through considering such sensitive questions this book investigates the relationship between educational outcomes and potential leadership styles and the professional beliefs and practices that could be influencing them. The research into leadership practices has produced clear and recognizable trends and outcomes. Understanding these findings is essential for informing principals about best practices, potential pitfalls in common management habits, as well as the effects of leadership tendencies on the success of schools.