Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership current issue

Teacher with a Learning Disability: Legal Issues and District Approach

Clayton, J. K. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:41:49 PDT

This case study focuses on a teacher who discloses a learning disability to her Principal. Given the teacher’s challenges in retention of her content material, the district is faced with how to handle the personnel situation of an employee with a disability. This case raises questions of how to balance the needs and interests of students with the employee’s rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Building Action Research Teams: A Case of Struggles and Successes

Du, F. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:41:49 PDT

Teaching teams can hold the promise of being an ideal vehicle in which collaborative action research is conducted. This case documents the mixed results of a team leader’s efforts to improve teaching and introduce inquiry-based professional development through action research in a community college. This case paints a realistic and multidimensional picture of the often frustration-fraught process of leading teacher collaboration. Touching on the issues of action research, team building, and team leadership, this case could be used in various levels of leadership and organizational development courses, particularly those aimed at training teacher leaders.

Professional Behavior: Crossing the Line

McConnell, T. J., Rorrer, A. K. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:41:49 PDT

This case, which was inspired by actual events, describes the efforts of a district to create a culture of accountability for professional employee practice and behavior.¹ In the midst of new district leaders and a shift in district priorities, numerous situations test the fortitude, organizational knowledge, ethical commitments, and political prowess of the district leadership. As the case unfolds, there are opportunities for students in an educational leadership preparation program to explore the political, legal, ethical, and organizational change dimensions of district leadership, particularly around areas of human resource and supervision. In doing so, the case illustrates the importance of inter- and intra-personal dynamics of leadership, particularly leadership during transition.