ADM 520 The Superintendency

Course Description

This course focuses on the duties and responsibilities of the superintendent and the local school board. The importance of the internal and external relationships will be addressed. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between the superintendent and the local school board, communication, and leadership skills. Insight will be provided on the process of preparing and obtaining the superintendency.

Topics and Objectives

The History of the Superintendency

· Describe the development of state agencies, intermediate school districts, and local school districts.

· Analyze the superintendency from past and present perspectives.

The Superintendent

· Define the role of the superintendent.

· Describe the focus of the superintendent in today's society.

· Identify the challenges of the superintendent.

· Analyze management and instructional leadership of the superintendency.

The Structure and Organization of School Districts

· Identify the structure of school districts.

· Examine the organizational charts of school districts.

Effective Communication

· Examine the importance of effectively communicating.

· Review methods of communication with personnel and the media.

The Local School Board

· Identify the source of authority, duties, and responsibilities of the local school board.

· Examine the key components of building a positive relationship with the local school board.

Development of Policy

· Identify the purpose of developing policy statements.

· Describe the process of policy development.

Stress and the Superintendency

· Identify sources of stress for the superintendency.

· Investigate ways to reduce the stress of the superintendency.

Community Relations

· Evaluate the importance of community relations.

· Describe strategies used to develop positive community relations.

Obtaining the Superintendent's Position

· Examine the process of preparing for a superintendent's position.

· Identify the selection process for obtaining a superintendent's position.