Leadership

Some Administrators Shine in Tough Times

By John Almond - March 4, 2010

To say that the budget forecast is grim is definitely an understatement.  Nonetheless, as a superintendent, you’re expected to be an instructional leader as well as a manager and continue to move the school district forward in terms of student achievement.  Unfortunately, many young principals have never experienced an economy of this nature, or, at a minimum, have only a faint memory of what it can be like to try to do more with less.  It’s during these tough times that leadership skills are put to the test.  The following leadership skills are extremely valuable during the good times and essential during challenging times...

State Board of Education

Jorge Lopez Steps Down, Rae Belisle's Long-Delayed Confirmation Hearing Still On Hold

By Jeff Hudson - February 26, 2010

There’s an open seat on the State Board of Education (SBE) – and there might be a second opening a few weeks hence, depending on how events shake out between now and March 11.

SBE member Jorge Lopez, appointed in March 2009 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, has resigned. In a letter announcing his decision, Lopes cited “recent family health issues and a new baby” as well as his duties as head of the Oakland Charter Academy...

Leadership

Six Tips for Successfully Communicating Budget News During Difficult Times

By John Almond - February 19, 2010

Budget cuts and staff reductions translate into reduced services, which in turn adversely impact the quality of education for students.  When districts are forced to cut staff, successful programs are cut along with them.  Other critical services that create successful learning environments suffer during a budget crisis, especially when the budget crisis is of the magnitude that we face today.  Ultimately, students are the ones that have been most victimized by California’s unresolved school finance issues...

UCLA Study Dubs Charter Schools "A Civil Rights Failure" – Charter Supporters Dispute Findings

By Jeff Hudson - February 12, 2010

Are charter schools less likely to be racially diverse, as compared with regular public schools?

A report published last week by the Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles at UCLA found that charter schools continue to stratify students by race, class, and possibly language.

Titled “Choice Without Equity: Charter School Segregation and the Need for Civil Rights Standards,” the report also concluded that...

Thomas Resigns as California's Secretary of Education after Turbulent Year in Sacramento

By Jeff Hudson - February 5, 2010

California State Secretary of Education Glen W. Thomas announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Secretary of Education.  Thomas cited family reasons for his decision.

“It has been the highest honor to serve the Governor, but family is always first priority,” said Thomas.  “My 96-year-old mother is not well.  Twenty-four years ago I cared for my father, and I told my mother that when the time came I would do the same for her...