| System must support leaders, not bury 'em |
6/11/04 9:23 AM |
| Author:
Eric Premack
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The current public system is loaded with strong leaders, but it is structured to drum even the best of them into paper-pushing, process-driven robots. In theory, the charter system provides an opportunity to really develop a focused mission and spend one's leadership energy on achieving it. Increasingly, however, many states, and especially the federal government are imposing the same paper-pushing process junk into the charter sector. This is probably the single largest challenge to overcome if we want real leaders to "take the charter leap." If we can overcome this challenge, it's a relatively simple (but by no means easy) task of providng specific training and tools to support the bold souls who make the leap.
We've had significant success with our Charter Leadership Institute (www.cacharterschools.org/Leadership_2000/leadership.html -- a 6-day "boot camp" for new charter directors) and an annual cycle of other workshops/training (www.cacharterschools.org/workshops.html) opportunities and supports. Many other states offer similar opportunities.
Posted as a reply to:
Leadership: Teachers & Administrators by Bob Montgomery 
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