First published in 2007. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Centered on the seven Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Standards developed for school leaders that covers both theory and practice. Using the seven Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Standards as an organizational tool, the revised seventh edition of The Principal: Creative Leadership For Excellence in Schools continues to provide future school administrators with both the necessary theory and the necessary practical skills to become effective educational leaders. At the same time, the newly updated text incorporates fresh material on modern legal issues, expanded coverage on the topic of cultural and ethnic diversity in schools, and all of the most recent research. With a focus on practical problem solving for school principals and other educational leaders, this text retains its focus on research linking educational leadership and productive schools, especially in terms of outcomes for children. Treating the principalship as a complicated and constantly evolving position that requires a constant focus on learning, instruction, and school improvement, this seventh edition text teaches readers to be moral agents, social advocates, community leaders, and caring individuals.

This work integrates the core instructional leadership tasks of all principals: supervision, evaluation, and professional development. The text demonstrates a hands-on approach grounded in sound theory and rigorous research. It provides both a conceptual frame and realistic exercises that today’s principals and supervisors can use to improve their practice. The book highlights observation tools that focus on high-yield instructional strategies. Principals and supervisors are encouraged to collect data in classrooms and provide this instructional feedback so together with teachers they can reflect and identify areas for growth. The models of supervision, evaluation, and professional development are research-based and are consistent with contemporary challenges that confront principals and others committed to improving instruction.