This book presents a series of related empirical studies about the thinking and problem solving processes of expert educational leaders. It describes the nature of expert thinking and provides substantial explanations for the cognitive processes associated with expert thinking. Differences in the thinking and problem solving of male and female; novice and experienced; elementary, secondary, district administrators are all explored. In addition, the book provides a glimpse of the school administrator's world from a problem solving perspective and clarifies the kinds of experiences that give rise to expert thinking.

Kenneth Leithwood is Professor of Educational Administration and Head of the Centre for Leadership Development at The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. He is the author of Developing Expert Leadership for Future Schools (with P. Begley and B. Cousins); Understanding School System Administration (with D. Musella); Cognitive Perspectives on Educational Leadership (with P. Hallinger and J. Murphy); and Improving Principal Effectiveness: The Principal Profile. Rosanne Steinbach is Senior Research Officer at The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.