The vast majority of American high school students say they want to attend college in order to pursue rewarding careers. Of students responding to the 2005 High School Survey of Student Engagement, 83 percent indicated that they expected to go to college. Despite high student aspirations, however, large achievement gaps persist among students by…

The task of hiring special education teachers may seem daunting because they serve in what is undeniably the most complex of teaching roles. This article provides guidance and suggestions for identifying key competencies that a viable special education teacher candidate should possess. Although many building leaders may still subscribe to gut…

Presents a step-by-step approach to selecting skilled technicians who are also good classroom instructors. Discusses getting started, designing the selection process, choosing instructors, and following up. Figures are included illustrating selection skills and procedures, instructional simulation rating criteria, interview questions, and…

A study explored the differences in educational background and role approach among 80 social-work-educated and non-social-work-educated field instructors. Overall, few differences were found, suggesting that the profession's mandate for social-worker-provided field instruction needs to be reexamined. (Author/MSE)

A shortage of qualified administrators has sparked a boom in principal-preparation programs. Some states and school districts have developed innovative principal-training programs that typically consist of classroom work; a full-time internship; and a network that allows program graduates to share information with colleagues and get feedback from…

This study examined the perceptions of teachers on the effectiveness of organizational communication in their schools and whether the perceptions differed between teachers in primary and junior high schools as a function of gender, age, marital status, seniority, and rank. Data were collected from a sample of 334 teachers in 63 schools, working in…

Women wishing to promote themselves into the educational leadership positions for which they are qualified should concentrate their energies in three major directions--planning, presentation, and perseverance. This report recommends steps women can take in finding a satisfying administrative position in education. Accompanying comments include…

Teachers and school-based administrators alike have searched to find ways to increase student achievement in their schools. Several widely known and discussed strategies include: (1) using data to drive instruction; (2) employing highly qualified teachers; and (3) improving school leadership. Additionally, positive student engagement in the…

Current research suggests principal effectiveness is key to a successful instructional program. However, there is considerable lack of uniformity among superintendents regarding principal recruitment and selection. Of the 80 surveys mailed to a random sample of the nation's superintendents, 35 usable surveys rating the importance of 42 recruitment…

There is much discussion of the shortage of qualified teachers and the need for teacher recruitment, but punishment strategies legislated in many states to motivate teachers to do the extraordinary are also publicized. There are positive approaches that can be used to motivate teachers, including improving facilities and classroom conditions,…

Reauthorization of ESEA through the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 included provisions for qualified paraeducators. Section 1119(g) states that all paraprofessionals who are performing instructional duties and are funded with Title I funds, including all paraprofessionals performing instructional duties in a schoolwide building, must meet…

Attitudes of preschool directors (N=591) in New South Wales, Australia, toward mainstreaming of students with disabilities and relevant competencies required of teachers were surveyed via questionnaire. Results indicated greatest optimism concerning the mainstreaming of students with mild disabilities. (Author/PB)

Could a North Dakota farm boy with a smallish frame, bookish appearance, understated speaking voice and aw-shucks humility possibly be a good fit to lead a powerhouse, cosmopolitan private school for American students living abroad, whose governing board consists mainly of high-flying corporate executives and well-heeled attorneys? The answer…

This booklet describes administrative rules (revised in 1984) regarding the delivery of special education services in Michigan. Presented in a question answer format, the guide explains current rules regarding: the Individualized Educational Planning Committee Process; Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense; vocational evaluation;…

This bulletin is one of a series reporting on the nation-wide study, "Qualification and Preparation of Teachers of Exceptional Children," which since 1952 has been one of the major projects of the Office of Education. Reported herein are the findings from the study which have bearing on the professional competence of directors and supervisors of…