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CHOICE Review

Sergiovanni's writing is always characterized by an excellent grasp of the relevant conceptual issues, and this book is no exception. The author describes US elementary and secondary schools and concludes that they are "incapable of providing for America's social and economic needs in an age of increased global competition." According to Sergiovanni, the necessary response is nine dimensions of "value-added leadership," intended to provide "extraordinary performance." The discussion of how these nine dimensions should be implemented is provided in some heavily prescriptive chapters for school administration. Sergiovanni relies on successful businesses as appropriate school models. Anecdotal information is used extensively to illustrate how schools fall short when conventional practices prevail, or conversely, how students can perform when students, parents, teachers, etc. are properly led. Formal empirical validation of the dimensions of value-added leadership is not in strong evidence. Good bibliography and index. Primarily of interest to graduate education students pursuing advanced degrees in administration. -D. E. Tanner, California State University, Fresno