21st Century Educational Leadership

Abstract

The future awaits and is a virtual unknown except for what can be predicted based on what is now known and speculation about potential changes based on that knowledge. This chapter puts forth predictions about major issues educational leaders may face as the 21st century unfolds. Those issues include: the rapidly burgeoning and ever expanding inclusion of technology in education and modern life; balancing the demands of various educational constituencies, the imperatives concomitant with managing soft interpersonal skills; dealing with diversity and plurality; giving credence to equity and social justice; developing and incorporating new modes of instruction and instructional delivery; defining and incorporating new basic skills; globalization of knowledge, communication and education; and managing change. The 21st century will be about educating individuals and the world as a whole. Educational leaders who grasp that concept and act on it will succeed.