A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Foreword

The Policy Forum on Educational Leadership was convened to answer the question: what needs to be done to improve the quality of leadership of the education system for the next century? The recommendations outlined at the end of this policy brief are the product of 2 days of intense discussion by over 40 leading experts in the field of leadership. These findings and the discussion summarized here should provide a firm base for those interested in improving leadership in education to begin their own deliberations and endeavors.

This policy brief owes much to the efforts of Deborah Inman, the former Director of the National Institute on Educational Governance, Finance, Policymaking, and Management. Inman saw the importance of strong leadership in helping to shape and carry out the many elements of reform necessary to effect real change in American education. The Policy Forum, which this brief reports on, was the product of her imagination and efforts in identifying the problem and convening the right group of people to address that problem.

That group of people, including state policymakers, education consultants, professional development specialists, representatives of foundations and school reform groups, association leaders representing school boards, school administrators, principals and teachers, and U.S. Department of Education officials, contributed their time and wisdom in addressing this critical element of reform.*

Special thanks go to Richard Elmore of Harvard University and Anthony Alvarado of Community School District #2, New York City for their insights and suggestions in planning this Forum. Also contributing their thoughtful perspectives during the planning phase were Edwin Bridges of Stanford University and Mary Russo of the Boston Public Schools. Paul Schwarz, Principal in Residence at the U.S. Department of Education, provided singular guidance in identifying participants for the Forum.

Participants addressed definitions of leadership, successful practices, changing professional development needs, and the research and policy implications of new ways of thinking about leadership. The policy brief summarizes the main ideas and suggestions made by the forum participants in a way that, we hope, makes this stimulating 2-day seminar accessible to readers.

*Participants in the meeting are listed separately in this document.

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