A policy is a general statement of intent to act in a particular manner when confronted with a given situation or to achieve a given result in the future. Because policies ensure consistency and fairness, policy making is the most important function assigned to a governing board. Policies are not only the vehicle by which a board expresses and…

Defines staff morale, discusses its importance, and delineates the areas in which a personnel administrator should provide leadership to create positive morale. (SRT)

Now in its Second Edition, "The School Superintendent: Theory, Practice, and Cases," provides reflective summaries, pertinent questions, and case studies at the end of each chapter to encourage the reader to engage in reflection by linking content with personal experiences. The text provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the school…

Two decades of affirmative action have not substantially altered the percentage of women and minorities in higher education faculty and professional ranks. Although continued attention to affirmative action is important, institutions should not let their guidelines channel and truncate the screening process so as to overlook stronger candidates.…

A model for date rape prevention on college campuses is presented. Based on current literature, the model offers systematic prevention strategies at the institutional level and includes a date rape assessment guide and an outline of a sample date rape prevention program to assist institutions in program development. (MSE)

The article recommends that colleges and universities have a clear and detailed endowment policy that will meet donors' demands for accountability. The disclosure document needs to address investment policy and use of gifts and be communicated to trustees and staff. A collaborative relationship between fund-raising and financial operations is…

Administrators need to know what control they have over student-produced publications. The first step administrators should take is to be well versed in the First Amendment and in court rulings involving the scope of student rights and school authority in regard to the student press. Step two is to make rules within the law. In general, school…

This article describes procedures and materials developed for substitute teachers working in a learning disabilities resource room, including: policy information; schedules; specific student information; classroom procedures; daily plans; and additional or alternative activities. (CB)

Case study of a new principal who turns around an elementary school with a misbehaving student body and and apathetic staff by setting, publicizing, and consistently enforcing clear rules; documenting infractions; involving parents; encouraging student responsibility; and requiring lesson plans. (DCS)

Presents the findings from a 1985 survey of state legislation and school system policy on child abuse. All 50 states have statutes mandating that child abuse be reported, but there is great variation in how the laws are written and interpreted. Recommends three steps school boards should follow to establish effective child abuse reporting policy.…

This document intends to guide school principals through a process for improving the quality of math and science teaching in schools. The project is guided in part by national standards in mathematics and science which provide a vision for student learning that includes a mastery of the basic fundamentals of the subjects complemented by a…

Administrators must understand the type of evidence called for in a teacher dismissal hearing and set up procedures for gathering the evidence. Offers guidelines on the following sources of evidence: (1) school records; (2) evaluations; (3) recordings; (4) eyewitness accounts; (5) photographs; (6) policies and rules; and (7) direct testimony. (MLF)

A recent Canadian charter gives students new status in schools and places additional responsibilities on principals and teachers. Article helps administrators and teachers create school policy taking new legislation into account. Examines new student status and "right to schooling" in Charter. Recommends possible elements of school…

Assessments of campus climates can be difficult and be accomplished by several methods, according to purpose. However, a well-designed survey can yield comprehensive and substantive data about the characteristics of people in the institution, workings of programs and policies, and interaction of these elements to inform institutional decision…

The two segments of membership of the National Association for Campus Activities, commercial and school, can collaborate most effectively for multicultural campus programing through good communication, school identification of specific cultural issues to be addressed in programing, and establishment of standards and expectations for implementation…