"The Art of the Possible": Exploring the Leadership Qualities of Ralph W. Tyler

• In Event: Teaching, Learning, Empowering: Profiles of Educators

Abstract

This presentation explores the leadership qualities of Ralph W. Tyler (1902-1994)—a professor of education who popularized the concept of “behavioral objectives” and played a key role in the execution of the Eight-Year Study, the Cooperative Study in General Education, the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences, and the National Assessment of Education Project. This presentation argues that Tyler’s accomplishments can be better understood by taking his leadership style into account and that key moments in his childhood and schooling influenced his approach to administration, something that he frequently referred to as “the art of the possible.” These moments are analyzed along with perspectives by those who had a first-hand look at Tyler’s leadership style.

Author

• Kevin S. Zayed, Denison University