Knowledge From the Field

Education Governors for the 21st Century

Published: November 2005

Publisher(s): James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy

Author(s): Guillory, Ferrel

Funder(s): Wallace Foundation

View Report (24 pages; 705KB; PDF)

Area of focus: Educational Standards

Abstract

The report explores the environment in which governors define their approach to education and seeks to understand the leadership traits and skills of governors who sustained improvements in public education. It proposes that America’s public educational institutions require constant nurturing to assure high-quality teaching and learning and that strong “education governors’’ are essential to America’s future.

Key Findings and/or Recommendations

= “Education governors” should be thoroughly informed by current research and best practices.

= They should formulate a cohesive policy agenda, use data, examine the landscape for emerging issues, and clearly set out priorities.

= Governors should use the bully pulpit and political levers to solidify public support, build coalitions, and position themselves as the driving leaders.

= They engage stakeholders in the design and implementation of their agenda and manage how and when to proceed with new policy initiatives.

Geographic Focus: National

Subjects/Keywords: After-school learning; out-of-school time programs; OST

+ Successful strategy
= Observation
– Challenge