This report is designed for use by those specializing in the preparation of elementary and middle school principals and by those whose focus is on the inservice aspects of professional development. The paper identifies the proficiencies for K-8 principals and groups them into four major categories. The report elaborates on these categories,…

Discussion of five issues selected from National Association of Secondary School Principals' national study of middle level education and principalship. (DCS)

Middle level program planning involves three phases over three years: developing a written school philosophy, designing the curricular program, and implementing the plan to meet objectives. (Author/DCS)

A homeroom guidance program in middle schools is one way of helping adolescents adjust to the changes in their lives. One such program at a middle school in Massachusetts strives to develop a supportive group atmosphere where students can discuss adolescent issues and obtain useful advice. (TE)

Designed for principals of elementary and middle schools, this guide addresses the essential elements of a high-quality mathematics program and is intended to be a practical, ongoing resource. The guide begins with an overview of the important issues in mathematics education and a discussion of the basic elements of a mathematics program. It…

Guidelines are offered for those involved in a shift from a more secondary oriented, departmentally organized school to a middle level perspective that is more sensitive to the needs of young adolescents. (MLF)

Principals can help at-risk students in the middle school by identifying them early; scheduling them with counselors and teachers who can meet their needs; keeping in close contact with teachers about student grades; and offering opportunities for academic success. Finally, the entire staff must support the philosophy that failure is not an…

Schools are encouraging investment in cafeterias that can be used for a variety of purposes. The successful redesign of the George Rogers Clark Middle School/High School cafeteria in Hammond, Indiana, resulted in an up-scale-style dining area where students could also connect to the Internet for homework and research during breakfast and lunch.…

This document, the first part of a two-part evaluation of the third-year implementation of New York City's 3-year Dropout Prevention Initiative (DPI), is the final evaluation report of implementation of the DPI middle school component, called the Dropout Prevention Program (DPP), conducted in 29 schools. Case-management services and some…

Eleven essays on a wide range of topics related to school administration are presented. The essays are: "Philosophy of Education and the School Administrator,""Administration and the Curriculum,""Role of Administration in the Curriculum,""Issues in School Administration,""Administration in Education,""The Middle School,""Grouping Students in…

Proper documentation of strategies and results is crucially important for identifying problems and benchmark successes in the education of special needs students. In this article, the author shares the guidelines he provides to teachers at his school in the hopes of minimizing administrative tasks while ensuring that educators are familiar with…

Literacy is the foundation for success in all secondary school courses. Many middle and high school administrators are looking for an effective way to help all their students become better readers, writers, communicators, and learners of standards-based content curriculum. This book shows administrators how to combine sound leadership processes…

Suggests greater emphasis on middle school music education, both as part of general education and of the curriculum's exploratory component. Argues that music can add emotion to social studies and promote learning in all subject areas through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition. Calls for student opportunities to explore instruments and composition. (SG)

School leaders must take the initiative to create an environment that invites families of all types into schools. Offers 16 proven parent-involvement strategies to help improve student achievement including mutual goal setting, an analysis of school policies, and a schoolwide communication plan. (eight references) (MLF)

A partnership between Mount Holyoke College and a cash-starved school system led to the opening of Holyoke Magnet Middle School for the Arts. Only 20 percent of the school's budget is funded by the district; more than $500,000 is raised from outside public and private sources. Offers fund-raising tips. (MLF)