Introduction to the Principalship ─ Theory to Practice

The latest leadership textbook from respected author team Kaplan and Owings explores how principals can effectively build a culture around student achievement. Introduction to the Principalship helps aspiring principals understand how to develop a vision for improvement, make decisions and manage conflict, build teachers’ capacity, communicate, monitor the organization’s performance, and create a school climate of mutual respect. This important book provides readers with various leadership concepts to inform their practice, as well as the cognitive and practical tools to evaluate and prioritize what leadership actions to take. Each chapter offers opportunities for readers to create personal meaning and explore new ways of doing leadership to advance a positive, person-focused environment. Providing both the theoretical framework and skills for effective practice, Introduction to the Principalship addresses the issues most urgent and relevant for educational leadership graduate students learning how to build a school culture that promotes every student’s success.

Special Features:

• Learning Objectives—chapter openers introduce the topic and initiates student thinking.
• Reflections and Relevance —interactive exercises, role plays, class activities, and assignments facilitate understanding and analysis of chapter content while asking students to interact with peers.
• ISLLC Standards—each chapter is aligned to the leadership standards, followed by exercises to help readers reflect on content in relevant and meaningful ways.
• Companion Website—includes links to supplemental material, additional readings, and PowerPoints for instructors.

Leslie S. Kaplan is a retired school administrator, a full-time education writer, and an Adjunct Research Professor at Old Dominion University, USA.

William A. Owings is Professor of Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University, USA.