Joseph Murphy calls this 'finely crafted and beautifully written' book 'the most comprehensive and extensive treatment of the school leadership literature available to date' - from the Foreword by Joseph Murphy

A set of key leadership behaviours can help create the right kind of conditions in schools for learning to occur. How can school leaders excel in those behaviours?

An important and trusted resource for 25 years, this fourth edition of School Leadership: Handbook for Excellence in Student Learning emphasizes the school leader's role as champion of student learning. Integrating theory and practice, the editors introduce school leadership from five perspectives: the person, the values, the structure, the mission, and the skills.

This expanded edition draws from a variety of viewpoints on educational leadership to give school leaders - and those preparing for the role - insight and wisdom to meet the challenges of helping all their students learn.

Updates include:
o Expanded coverage of instructional leadership and the principal's role in student learning
o New chapters covering the headship, accountability, effects of leadership, distributed leadership, political leadership, and engaging the public
o New chapters on data-based decision-making and allocation of human, financial, and physical resources
o Eight completely reworked chapters that tie back to student learning
o End-of-chapter reflection questions for group discussion

This is the ultimate guide for all headteachers and administrators, a simultaneous life-preserver and indispensable coach for the important work of school leadership.