Interview with Dr. Richard Bernato By: LaSaunra Haynes and Nasrullah Doctoral students cohort 14

1.Rubin, H. (1998). The Princessa: Machiavelli for Women. New York: Dell. 2.Tzu, S., & Roberts, J. (2012). Art of War. New York: Golden Words. 3.Bernato, R. F. (2001). A study of high-involvement behavior among shared decision teams in long island elementary blue ribbon and non-blue ribbon schools. (Order No , Dowling College). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses,, p. Retrieved from search.proquest.com.library.dowling.edu/docview/ ?accountid= (prod.academic_MSTAR_ ).

 Currently he is a Professor at St. John University graduate division.  Completed his doctoral degree in Dowling  Also worked as a Director of St John  Thirty-four years service in New York Public School  Adjunct Professor Dowling

1. In what year was your doctorate degree granted? 2.I see you wrote a dissertation on High involvement behavior among shared decision teams in Long Island elementary blue ribbon and non-blue Ribbon Schools. i)What do you think the blue ribbon schools are better than non-blue ribbon schools? ii)On page 115 of you dissertation you have mentioned that factors analysis reveals that the 7 factors of shared decision making model which are, Power, Knowledge,

Information, leadership, instructional guidance, resources and rewards, were not present in the schools you studied and new factors were identified in the (Organizational structure, Communication, School-Community relationship) Do you think the schools should change in their decision making and incorporate the 7 factors of the shared decision making model?

iii) In some situation leaders have to decide instantly, how a leader should handle such situations or which type of leader handle such situations better and effectively? iv) In New York state schools, school boards have an effective role in the school administration. Do you suggest any change in the role of school boards, I meant decreasing or increasing their role?

v) You did mention the post sputnik reforms in the US education system in you dissertation. Do you think these reforms were successful in achievement of both equality and excellence through education? vi)In your opinion what are the reasons that American students are behind other students of the industrially advanced countries especially in mathematics and sciences?

vii) Can both equality and excellence be achieved by the schools in the USA? viii)What changes would you suggest for the schools particularly changes in the administration ?

3. What are your responsibilities at your current position? 4. How do you evaluate success? 5. What makes a leader successful? Do you think people can learn to be a leader? 6. 6.What are the major challenges that leaders have?

i) In the book La Princessa, Machiello for women, the author recommend “The more outrageous ideas the better the chances of winning” (page 94) What do you think about it? Does it works in shared decision making model? ii)In the book Sun Tzu, the art of war, the author recommends that if the people are treated with nonviolence, faithfulness, and justice (equality) then they will be of one mind and will be glade to serve (page 43) What do you think about it?

7.Last question, as a current leader, what can you advise the future generations? Thank you very much Dr. Bernato for spearing time for this interview. Your thoughts are very convincing and it will guide us in the rest of our life and in our career

It was a good exercise. We leaned many things about the interview. For example, how to conduct an interview? And, how to edit it. Dr. Bernato was very friendly. He answered each question in detail. He has vast knowledge and experience of US education and schools. The findings of his study were very interesting. He applies his knowledge, he gained in his study at Dowling. He use his decision making skills and knowledge in his teaching carrier at Saint John.

A few questions posed to Dr. Benato reflected on his dissertation. “High Involvement Behavior Among Shared Teams In Long Island Elementary Blue Ribbon and Non Blue Ribbon Schools.” We wanted his opinion on excellence, equality in education. Dr. Bernato explained the significance of the term “Blue Ribbon Schools”. These schools are selected because of their outstand achievement in certain areas that are evaluated by federal government and given the acknowledgement. It’s a prestigious accommodation that schools and communities like to be recognized for their outstanding performance. However a “Non Blue Ribbon” school doesn't mean the school is inferior

 Management and leadership style has a tremendous impact on the schools culture.  Communication empowers everyone inside and in the community.  Decision making models should be implemented to empower your staff and the mission of the school.  Authoritarian leadership isn’t useful for a good relationship. That style will get things done,but only for a short goal. He shared a story of good leadership vision,implementation and the survival of his plan even when he was no longer in charge.

 Abut the idea “more outrages ideas the better the chances of winning” (Princessa Machiavelli) he paused and responded,yes he has seen leaders coming forward with good initiative plans and the decision making model is great way to enhance creativity. Yes people should be daring and outrages to get things accomplished,be a visionary person.  About SunTzu, philosophy on justice, and equality he said We must fix a system that is failing.

 He continued to discuss the findings from his study. Pointing out information from his dissertation, he mention’s seven factors of shared decision making model. Power,knowledge,information,leadership,instructional guidance, resources and rewards. However these items were not found in all schools new factors emerged :  organizational structure, communcation,school-community relationships. As new leaders in education we should empower ourselves by incorporating these factors to enrich our schools and community.

Thank you