Managing Today’s Schools

Managing Today’s Schools: New Skills for School Leaders in the 21^st Century provides timely reflection about the nexus between management and leadership. As schools continue to support children and families in an ever-evolving society, school leaders must have the managerial skills necessary to help teachers pivot in real time. In this book, Glanz and colleagues address changing demographics, applying technology to pedagogical practices, increasing teacher leadership, shifting organizational structures to update how teacher evaluations are used, and addressing legal and financial issues schools must face to provide equitable education. These concepts help both practitioners and educational leadership preparation programs close the theory-practice gap we so often see plague the education profession.

-- Ian Mette, associate professor of educational leadership, University of Maine, and editor of the Journal of Educational Supervision

Are there still gaps in the research-informed knowledge base available on school management? Is there anything left to innovate on a subject that has been researched for many years? This book proves yes. All too often, school leaders are peddled old solutions to new situations. Unfortunately, as many school leaders have discovered, these solutions rarely work because the 21^st century’s schools are essentially different. This fascinating book clarifies how school management should look in contemporary education systems. Glanz’s endless passion for up-to-date research is a source of inspiration.

-- Haim Shaked, professor of educational leadership and president of Hemdat College of Education, Israel

Many skills are needed to succeed as a school leader. To motivate and engage others requires the ability to administer and make appropriate decisions. This timely book focuses on school management, a part of leadership research that often is neglected. Without the ability to organize and administer the organization and its actors, it is difficult to create the right milieu to maximize student learning. The chapters discuss management-related themes such as moral and ethical decision-making, teacher empowerment, technology, and budgeting. Practical examples are given in which managerial knowledge and skills deeply affect school governance. This is a chance to read a book that gives new perspectives on old issues and challenges.

-- Helene Ärlestig, professor of educational leadership, Centre for Principal Development, Umeå University, Sw