Effective Technology Tools for School Leadership: Understanding Digital and Data-Driven Strategies

241 Pages·2022·11.201 MB·English

by  Leslie Jones, Eugene Kennedy

EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY
TOOLS FOR SCHOOL
LEADERSHIP
This book prepares educational leaders with the knowledge needed to
critically evaluate, select, and use technological tools to be effective
school leaders. Authors Jones and Kennedy explore the technology tools
needed to support the full range of responsibilities of a school leader,
including management and administration, personnel and evaluation,
security and safety, instructional leadership, organizational culture and
climate, external relationships, and action research. Each chapter unpacks
advantages and pitfalls of various technological tools and includes case
scenarios that contextualize these ideas for readers. Chapter content is
also aligned with The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders
(PSEL), the National Educational Leadership Preparation Standards
(NELP), and the International Society of Technology Standard in
Education (ISTE) standards. This timely and important book adds to
the toolbox for educators preparing to become effective and cutting-
edge school leaders.
Leslie Jones is Professor of Executive Leadership and Education at the
University of Holy Cross, New Orleans, USA.
Eugene Kennedy is Professor of Education at Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, USA.

EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY
TOOLS FOR SCHOOL
LEADERSHIP
Understanding Digital and
Data-Driven Strategies
Leslie Jones and
Eugene Kennedy
Cover image: © Getty Images
First published 2023
by Routledge
605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
and by Routledge
4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2023 Leslie Jones and Eugene Kennedy
The right of Leslie Jones and Eugene Kennedy to be identifed as authors of this work
has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in
any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter
invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or
retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered
trademarks, and are used only for identifcation and explanation without intent to
infringe.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Jones, Leslie, 1970 October 5- author. | Kennedy, Eugene, 1955- author.
Title: Effective technology tools for school leadership: understanding
digital and data-driven strategies / Leslie Jones and Eugene Kennedy.
Description: New York, NY: Routledge, 2023. | Includes bibliographical
references and index.
Identifers: LCCN 2022023068 (print) | LCCN 2022023069 (ebook) |
ISBN 9781032216706 (hardback) | ISBN 9781032216690 (paperback) |
ISBN 9781003269472 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: School management and organization–Technological
innovations. | Educational leadership–United States. | Educational
leadership–Standards–United States. | Education–Effect of
technological innovations on.
Classifcation: LCC LB2806.17 .J66 2023 (print) | LCC LB2806.17 (ebook) |
DDC 371.2–dc23/eng/20220707
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022023068
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022023069
ISBN: 9781032216706 (hbk)
ISBN: 9781032216690 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781003269472 (ebk)
DOI: 10.4324/9781003269472
Typeset in Sabon
by Deanta Global Publishing Services, Chennai, India
CONTENTS
Preface ix
CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1
Abstract 1
Critical Work of School Leaders 1
The Critical Role of School Leaders with a
Standards-Based Approach 4
Technology and the Work of the School Principal 18
Overview of the Book 24
Technology Tools 26
References 27
CHAPTER 2 Management and Administration 30
Abstract 30
Managerial and Administrative Tasks Linked to
Leadership Standards 30
Technological Tools Applicable to Many
Administrative Tasks 35
Communication and School-Board Specifc
Technologies 35
Scheduling Function, Monitoring Attendance,
and Enrollment Management 38
Budgets and Finances 40
Resources and Supplies 44
Maintenance of Facilities 44
Transportation 46
Scenario 1: A School-Level Challenge on Improving
Negativity 49
Scenario 2: A School-Level Challenge on Parental
Involvement 50
V
Summary 52
Technology Tools 53
References 53
CHAPTER 3 Personnel and Evaluation 56
Abstract 56
School Personnel and Evaluation Concepts Linked to
the Leadership Standards 56
Human Resource Management 59
Hiring of Non-Instructional and Instructional Personnel 61
Evaluating Instructional Personnel (Teachers and
Non-Classroom Teachers Who Support Instruction) 74
Evaluating Non-Instructional Personnel 79
Scenario 1: Are Things Okay as They Are? 81
Scenario 2: Ensuring Academic Integrity 82
Summary 84
Technology Tools 84
References 84
CHAPTER 4 School Security and Safety 87
Abstract 87
School Leader’s Role in School Security and Safety
Linked to the Standards 87
Security of Schools’ Information Technology System 94
Understanding Digital Security 95
Monitoring Transportation 100
Monitoring Access to School Buildings and Facilities 101
Monitoring Activity on School Grounds 102
Electronic Communications 104
Scenario 1: The Safe School Bus 105
Scenario 2: Prevention of School Bullying 106
Summary 109
Technology Tools 109
References 110
CHAPTER 5 Instructional Leadership 112
Abstract 112
Instructional Leadership Linked to the Leadership
Standards 113
Monitoring Classroom Instruction 115
Providing Professional Development and Support for
Teachers 120
Promoting Collaboration and Mentoring among
Teachers and Students 126
VI CONTENTS
Facilitating Individualized Instruction and Support
for Students 126
Monitoring Student Achievement 128
Scenario 1: The Case of the Ineffective Special
Educator: Instructional Challenges of a First-Year
Principal 130
Scenario 2: An Average District with a High
Performing School 136
Summary 139
Technology Tools 139
References 140
CHAPTER 6 Organizational Culture and Climate 143
Abstract 143
Leadership Standards Linked to the Tenants of
Organizational Culture 149
Monitoring and Analysis of the Academic Climate of
a School 152
Monitoring and Analysis of the Safety Climate of a
School 157
Scenario 1: Addressing Negativity in the Culture of
the School 161
Scenario 2: Preparing for a New Leadership Role 163
Summary 165
Technology Tools 165
Appendix A: Instructional Leadership Behavioral
Checklist 167
Step One: 167
Step Two: 168
Step Three: 168
Step Four: 168
Step Five: 168
Step Six: 169
Step Seven: 169
Appendix B: School Culture Assessment Survey 169
Appendix C: The Organizational Climate (https://
www .waynekhoy .com /ocdq -re/) 170
References 170
CHAPTER 7 Leadership for External Relationships 173
Abstract 173
External Relationship of School Leaders Linked to
the Leadership Standards 174
External Relationships and the Role of Technology 175
CONTENTS VII
Mass Messaging 179
Mobile Apps and School Communications 181
School Website 182
Social Media 185
Scenario 1: Using Technology to Build Relationships
with Community Partners 189
Scenario 2: The New Principal at Frost 192
Summary 196
Technology Tools 197
References 197
CHAPTER 8 Technology and Its Uses for Action Research
and Traditional Research 199
Abstract 199
What Is Action Research? 199
Action Research Designs 201
Nine-Step Model 201
Sagor’s Model 208
Ferrance’s Model 209
Stringer’s Model 210
Technology and Academically Oriented Research for
Leaders 210
Data Mining and Learning Analytics 211
Examples of Action Research from the Field 212
Example 1: 3rd Grade Math Teacher – Nine-
Step Model 212
School Example 1: Discipline Referrals by Teachers –
Nine-Step Model 216
School Example 2: Stringer’s Model 219
Written by Dr. Jeremye Brooks 219
Summary 221
References 221
Index 223
VIII CONTENTS
PREFACE
Media outlets are reporting the impact of COVID 19 on employers
and the workforce. Early in the pandemic, entertainment entities, res-
taurants, and the in-person retail industry closed. Other businesses
shifted employees to working remotely. Intuitions of higher learning
and K-12 schools shifted to virtual learning. It is noteworthy that the
medical profession and delivery workers do not have the option to work
remotely. Many businesses have re-opened; some employers continue
to have employees working remotely; and institutions of higher learn-
ing and K-12 schools alternate between in-person and remote working
assignments. In many instances, school districts provide both options.
The challenges for educators and specifcally educational leaders pro-
vide the impetus for this publication as a resource to assist school lead-
ers in their work.
The critical work for school leaders is documented in the literature;
however, COVID 19, weather events, and other challenges including
employee shortages have heightened the signifcance of the work of
school leaders and educators. In this publication, we provide technol-
ogy tools to assist school leaders in their work. Advances in technology
have impacted every aspect of modern life, from the ways in which we
communicate, socialize, and form relationships to the ways in which we
conduct our work. This is certainly true in education as the technologi-
cal tools available to students, teachers, and school leaders are greater
than ever and continue to evolve. The use of technology tools does not
replace the necessary skills, knowledge, and dispositions required of
school leaders. Assistance and increased effciency in the work of school
leaders can be accomplished using technology tools.
The goal of the book is to provide K-12 school leaders with the knowl-
edge needed to critically evaluate, select, and use technological advances
IX