The Changing Landscape of School Leadership by Norton M. Scott;

Author:Norton, M. Scott;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Using an Issues Analysis Approach

One basic strategy for identifying the power structure of your school community is by implementing what is termed the issue analysis approach. Three procedural steps are associated with this strategy: (1) Major issues in the school community are identified. The issues need not be especially related to matters of education, although such issues as school board elections, budget overrides, school bond issues, and boundary changes loom important concerning educational decision making; (2) Influentials are determined by their role in the decision of these real issues; and (3) Determine the primary players who were most involved in supporting an issue that was successful or defeating an issue that was not passed by the voters.

The identification of the “generals” as well as the “lieutenants” is required. For example, once an issue is decided, one might use the chapter’s previous listing of the community’s power structure to identify individuals to visit on this matter. One of the problems faced in any attempt to identify members of the power structure is the question, “Were these the real issues?” “What about the issues that didn’t come to the fore?” A strong power structure often decided those issues that will not be brought to the public for a vote.

You should be aware that there are more sophisticated strategies for identifying the power structure in a school community. An in-depth discussion of the identification strategies is beyond the scope of this chapter. However, you should be aware of the early work of Dahl (1958) and Hunter (1953) on power structure. Dahl’s analysis approach is quite similar to the issues analysis approach discussed briefly in this chapter. On the other hand, Hunter’s strategy focuses on the reputational approach whereby persons in the center of community life are asked to nominate those persons who are most important in community policy decisions. Several lists of influentials are collected and then compared for repeated listings. The comparative listing is often presented to other prominent persons to gain their input regarding the ranking of those on the consolidated list.

Yes, but how does all of this important work get done? In the following chapters we discuss in depth the need for leadership distribution and major changes in the role of the assistant school principal. We recommend the reading of Norton’s recent book on The Assistant Principal’s Guide: New Strategies for New Responsibilities. These discussions focus on releasing the school principal for changing administrative responsibilities. As will be noted throughout this book, educational improvements and meeting the changes being faced by the school principal will require improvements and changes in the role of this leadership position.

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