Standards-Based Leadership

Today's assistant principal is charged with the responsibility of supporting the principal in creating a learning organization which emphasizes success for all students. Frequently, due to the nature of the position, assistant principals often find themselves as the man (or woman) in the middle with job duties that are quite different from that of the principal. An important component leading to the successful implementation of school leadership is decision-making based on standards that are grounded in research and best-practice. Standards Based Leadership: A Case Study Book for the Assistant Principalship provides a structure for learning and growth that connects theory with practice, whether the assistant principal is already "on the job" or enrolled in a preparation program.

Each chapter is organized around identification of a major ELCC standard and then related to the Texas standards. The scenarios are all based on actual problems that have faced practicing assistant principals. Applying the descriptors of the standard and using the brief literature reviews as resources to guide decision-making, assistant principals are provided with a framework for implementation of specific strategies that will best help students.

As aspiring school leaders reflect on the realistic situations provided in each chapter and identify possible applications and implications, they will be strengthened in their quest to meet the challenges of standards-based leadership for the assistant principalship.

Sandra Lowery is a former public school superintendent. She is currently a full professor and chair of the Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Sandra Harris is an educator with experience in K-12 public and private schools. She is currently assistant professor in the Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.