This article argues that education leaders in this country, and indeed leaders of other public services, are facing life-changing decisions. The way ahead is full of possibilities and pitfalls. The article employs the metaphor of a railway journey to explore these. In particular it considers the implications for leaders in terms of how they…

We are now accumulating the knowledge base necessary for teaching to become a true profession, and we have the possibility within reach to work together to attain that stature. This editorial essay previews the articles that focus on this theme in this issue of "Educational Leadership." (TE)

This book is a tell-all guide to the euphoric highs and unimaginable lows of teaching. Mahoney and Purr present the naked truth of their own blunder-laden first few years in order to help new teachers, those who think they might want to become teachers, and those in the business of training and hiring new teachers, see the realities that cannot be…

A review of federal programs for health manpower and major issues in manpower demand, supply and distribution, and roles and responsibilities suggests key policy questions concerning the number and mix of health personnel, health professions education and training programs, and improvement in the knowledge base. (MSE)

Reminisces on a full and many-faceted career as teacher, counselor, and administrator at Briarcliff Public Schools (New York). This woman administrator shuns visions of a comfortable, leisurely retirement for the rewards and challenges of her everyday work with students, teachers, parents, and colleagues. (MLH

By examining the role of the teacher in Japanese schools, we can discover directions to follow and to avoid in developing the teaching profession in our own country. (Author/TE)

The institution, disciplines, and academic profession as a whole can enhance or inhibit vitality. A critical analysis reveals that despite many advances, a comprehensive professionalism has been compromised and must be restored. Professional development practices noted by Centra (1976) and Uwalaka (1985) are listed. (Author/MSE)

Although personnel management in the public sector has become increasingly difficult because of recent social changes, more worker and middle management involvement in decision-making processes can improve all levels of personnel management. The social changes affecting personnel management have assumed three forms: (1) the entrance into the work…

Recent legislation and judicial decisions regarding the legal responsibilities of postsecondary institutions to handicapped and learning-disabled students are discussed. The relevance of these decisions to administrators of allied health programs in the selection and retention of students is examined. (Author/CT)

Proposes the use of teacher sabbaticals to improve the quality of teachers. Includes a list of recommendations for implementing a sabbatical policy. (MD)

Institutional advancement as a profession has not put enough emphasis on formal research. Research helps to analyze media, define audiences, and target publications, as well as help in conducting long-range planning, marketing programs, and fund-raising campaigns. (MLW)

Idea man par excellence, Lee Shulman has long set directions for research on teaching. After founding and directing the Institute for Research on Teaching at Michigan State University, Shulman, now at Stanford, continues his far-reaching investigations into the interplay of content and pedagogy and into assessments of teaching that faithfully…

Problems facing health professions schools and academic health centers that can damage health were identified by the Southern Regional Education Board, along with recommendations for action within the states. Nine problems for these schools and centers concern: declining applications and enrollments for dental schools and many schools of pharmacy,…

The American Hospital Association's Commission on Workforce for Hospitals and Health Systems identified the workforce development related challenges facing health care institutions and issued a series of recommendations regarding how hospital leaders can build a thriving workforce. The change strategies identified by the commission were as…

The use of standardized course syllabi and behavioral objectives requires the commitment and acceptance of faculty and administrators, but it can also help schools of optometry establish standards for evaluating students and improving instructional quality. Classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction all lend themselves to writing clear…