Dealing with the Tough Stuff

Fledgling school administrators are often ill-prepared for their new leadership role and are frequently left to their own devices to navigate the slippery terrain of school administration. Dealing with the Tough Stuff: Practical Solutions for School Administrators addresses some of the thornier aspects of being an assistant principal such as handling discipline, mediating student conflicts, working with parents, facilitating parent conferences, and working with staff members. This handy guide will teach the tricks of the trade in order to survive and thrive in the job.

• Filled with the information that is rarely taught but school leaders need to know to be effective administrators
• Written by John Gabriel and Paul Farmer, two veteran and award-winning school leaders
• Includes strategies and illustrative examples for dealing with the down-to-earth problems that confront school administrators

Practical and insightful, the book covers everything from working effectively with parents and staff to mediating conflicts.

Foreword by Douglas Reeves ix

Acknowledgments xiii

About the Authors xv

Introduction xvii

Part One Working with Students 1

One Responding to Student Conflicts 3

Recognize Student Conflicts 4

Mediate Student Conflicts 6

Address Bullying 14

Resolve Student-Teacher Conflicts 23

Two Understanding and Preventing Student Misbehavior 27

Discuss Discipline with Your Staff 29

Review Discipline Data 39

Make Connections 40

Three Dealing with Student Discipline 45

Review Your Referrals 47

Engage Your Students 49

Work with Your Students 55

Four Conducting Investigations 61

Manage Your Investigation 62

Address Postdiscipline Concerns 72

Part Two Working with Adults 79

Five Creating and Maintaining Parent Partnerships 81

Build a Foundation 82

Involve Parents 88

Keep the Focus on the Student 92

Go Above and Beyond 95

Six Facilitating Parent Conferences 99

Before the Conference 100

During the Conference 103

After the Conference 108

Seven Navigating Staff Communication 111

Guide Conversations 112

Focus on Behaviors, Not Attitudes 124

Tend the Grapevine 126

Eight Building Capacity 129

Maintain a Focus on Deep Learning 130

Provide Support for Collaborative Teams 140

Develop Other Leaders 150

Conclusion: Beyond the Tough Stuff 153

References 157

Index 161

JOHN G. GABRIEL is a nationally known presenter, best-selling author, and principal of John Champe High School in Loudoun County, Virginia.

PAUL C. FARMER, a veteran educator and former school principal, is an educational consultant with Solution Tree, Inc., providing consulting services nationally for schools and districts.

DEALING WITH THE TOUGH STUFF

New school administrators often feel ill prepared for this unique leadership role. Those who aren't fortunate enough to have a helpful mentor to show them the ropes are frequently left to their own devices to traverse the slippery terrain of school administration. Even veteran administrators now face new challenges as the demands on their position have increased in recent years. Written by two skillful and experienced school administrators, this book helps readers navigate the thorniest aspects of school leadership, such as handling discipline, mediating student conflicts, conferring with parents, facilitating parent conferences, and working with staff members. Practical and insightful, this handy guide shows how to survive and thrive as a school leader.

PRAISE FOR DEALING WITH THE TOUGH STUFF

"At the heart of this book is a solid framework and practical solutions for any school administrator dealing with student misbehavior, teacher distress, or parent conflict. Gabriel and Farmer offer new and aspiring administrators clear, concrete advice to help them build effective relationships with their stakeholders and become seasoned leaders." —DANIEL A. DOMENECH, Ph.D., executive director, American Association of School Administrators (AASA)

"Filled with wisdom and insight about managing student conflicts, mastering the art of constructive staff conversations, and meeting parents as partners, Gabriel and Farmer hit the mark with practical ideas for aspiring, new, and veteran school leaders."?? —ROBIN FOGARTY, Ph.D., coauthor, Supporting Differentiated Instruction; president of Robin Fogarty & Associates

"With their many years of school administration experience, Gabriel and Farmer offer actionable strategies and advice that address the root causes of many problems that challenge schools. These practical, step-by-step approaches to managing and reducing conflict, addressing student discipline, communicating effectively, and building capacity are invaluable to practicing and aspiring school administrators." —S. DAVID BRAZER, Ph.D., coauthor, Using Research to Lead School Improvement; associate professor, George Mason University