The summative evaluation conference should focus on providing positive reinforcement for satisfactory or exemplary teaching performance, identifying behaviors that do not meet expectations, and describing how they can be improved. This article shows principals how to schedule and conduct such conferences, avoid judgmental approaches and common…

Recounts an elementary school principal's interviews with 487 graduating sixth graders regarding their single, most vivid school experience and the qualities characterizing their best teacher and their favorite teacher (names not identified). The survey disclosed eight professional teaching qualities of "best" teachers (listed in inset). (MLH)

Describes the goals, the selection criteria, and the selection process of the Elementary Private School Recognition Program. Includes a listing, by states, of the 60 private elementary schools selected for 1985-86 recognition. (IW)

Lists and discusses 12 components of special education programs that principals and special education teachers can incorporate in new programs, can review in existing programs, and can use as a basis for developing goals for teacher evaluations. (PGD)

This Research Report summarizes various strategies that have been found to help struggling students succeed without having to repeat a grade. They include aligning instruction with standards, providing "early warning" assessments, multiage grouping, accelerated learning, increased professional development for teachers working with low-performing…

Responses from 338 students in 13 classes about what the principal in their school does prompted the principal to delegate routine tasks and to instigate buildingwide activities that would stimulate interest in academic achievement, particularly reading and math. (MLF)

Discusses the educational reform movement's progress sine the 1983 landmark report "A Nation At Risk." Praises elementary school principals for concentrating on basic education while secondary schools were lowering graduation requirements. Urges sound leadership, student motivation, higher principal salaries, careful teacher evaluation, and strong…

Principals need to get away from traditional beliefs that equate math success solely with rote knowledge of math facts and the ability to calculate. Today, math instruction also is being directed to student understanding of essential concepts. Principals must learn what to look for when they visit math classrooms to make sure it is being taught…

Textbook publishers are under attack for producing books that are superficial in content and oversimplified or confusing in language. They respond that their products are the inevitable result of applying the many textbook selection formulas to book production. Efforts by educators to improve textbooks are currently being organized. (PGD)

One way to exert leadership in orienting new teachers is to act confidently as master teacher. This can be accomplished by scheduling informal monthly orientation meetings centered on priority topics. Roundtable discussions of sensitive topics foster a different image of the principalship, increase administrator visibility, and facilitate both…

Describes a four-step process principals and teachers can use to examine and coordinate the coverage of curricular content at each grade level and to ensure that areas of omission and unnecessary duplication are minimized. (PGD)

Teacher evaluations can prove very effective if sufficient observation time is allowed, classroom activities are noted objectively and thoroughly, both positive and negative findings are discussed fully with the teacher, and opportunities for improvement are provided. (PGD)

Two cases illustrate some of the recent issues and decisions on the dismissal of school principals. Principals are cautioned that courts tend to defer to the judgment of school boards, particularly on matters within the members' area of expertise or authority. (MLF)

The incompetence of a few teachers can destroy the efforts of many excellent teachers. Principals need to know how to evaluate teachers effectively and act on their evaluations. The rationalizations typically used to justify failures to dismiss incompetent teachers will not stand up to scrutiny. (PGD)

Music teachers are often evaluated solely in terms of classroom management skills and assembly programs. This article suggests observable, measurable ways for principals to assess elementary music teaching--contingent on children's demonstrable enjoyment and understanding of music. Paul Lehman adds eight reasons for music education, including…