The main strategies promoted within the book are; evaluating and communicating the plans for the appropriate professional development opportunities. The administrators should evaluate the collaboration between families and the teaching faculties. The shortcomings identified in the relationships between the different stakeholders must be addressed early, and solutions developed. The progressive assignment of the educators will help the administrators to gauge the competency of the teachers as well as their weaknesses. This information will help in the development of appropriate initiatives such as training, workshops, and seminars.
Leadership in Schools
Despite his vast expertise, Bateman is not the only authority on the issue of leadership in schools. To effectively gauge the value of the book, we shall compare it to Michael Fullan’s “Leading in a Culture of Change.” The first thing to note about the two books is that both have string themes of leadership and change. They both identify the need for leaders to keep abreast of all changes within their respective industries. Although the focus of the books is different, the emphasis on changing roles of leadership and the need to adapt or be left behind is much emphasized. Furthermore, the requirements to continuously improve one’s knowledge in a field by attending seminars and conferences are highlighted in both books.
The significant differences between the books are based on the specific practices and focus of the strategies. For example, in Fullan’s book, the focus is on change, its complexity, and dynamics, as well as how leaders should accommodate the change and develop measures to adapt and thrive (Fullan, 2007). On the other hand, Bateman’s book details the different approaches that special education leaders can adopt to promote change other than reacting to it, and the book also contains numerous practical scenarios. The inclusion of more robust and specific recommendations helps to make Bateman’s book more relevant. The narrow focus also allows the book to be more effective, especially for its target audience.
The points put across in the book are well-thought-out and clearly arranged to help readers follow. However, the points on the prevention of litigation between the different stakeholders are a bit complicated and not easily followed. Despite the author’s emphasis on the importance of understanding the different types of laws. The explanations about the different laws require more than one read, and this may affect the overall value of the book. Nonetheless, the book is wonderful and provides a road map for all special education administrators to develop proper leadership skills and enhance the undertaking of their mandates and enhance their career development.
Brief Email about the Book
I would like to begin by taking this opportunity to express my gratitude for the amazing work that you do. I have been a follower and ardent reader of your journal for the better part of my adult life. I came across an intriguing book written by a very gifted and accomplished author, Professor David Bateman, “Special Education Leadership.” I would not be overselling it to say that the book changed my life. Special education is one of the most interesting and difficult facets of education. The diversity of the students, coupled with the social and academic challenges associated with some of the students make it difficult for administrators to effectively manage the stakeholders (teachers, students, and parents/guardians). The author is well-versed in the topic, and this book is a great resource to help all administrators in special education institutions. Other than this target demographic, the book is also an amazing source of information on how special education schools are run and the challenges that administrators will encounter. The book provides recommendations on how to navigate these challenges and includes real examples of their implementation. I believe that this book review is an accurate representation of Bateman’s works, and it will help to inform people about the book. Thank you in advance for your consideration to publish this review.
References
Bateman David. (2019). Retrieved 3 December 2019.
Bateman, D., & Cline, J. (2019). Special Education Leadership: Building Effective Programming in Schools. Routledge.
Bayar, A. (2016). Challenges facing principals in the first year at their schools. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 4(1), 192-199.
Burke, M. M. (2013). Improving parental involvement: Training special education advocates. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 23(4), 225-234.
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