Effective field trip policies will address the suitability of trips, proposal requirements, student participation, school-wide planning and organization, transportation, permission forms, insurance, emergency procedures, costs, and the assignnment of responsibility for supervision. (PGD)

Describes an Ohio school program that awards honorary high school diplomas to outstanding and distinguished Ohioans. (MD)

Outlines 11 suggestions for guiding boards in selection of a new superintendent. Important in the process are: setting aside the time and resources, establishing qualifications, and ensuring confidentiality and objectivity during the search. (MD)

This review of the Brown Act and other open-meetings laws in California has been prepared to assist school-board members in understanding the intent as well as the letter of the law governing deliberations and actions taken by school-board members in board meetings. This volume, published in 1999 to reflect the most current--at that time--changes…

Describes the New York City Community Improvement Project, which trains community school board members in board governance and policy development. Components include publications describing the organization and functions of the boards, and training sessions providing an overview of the educational structure, school law, and ethics. (FMW)

Many young people do not understand nor have they acquired the moral values and character traits they need to be good citizens. What is taught in moral education is the responsibility of the local school board. Answers six questions and provides information about the Center for the Advancement of Ethics and Character at Boston University. (MLF)

School boards should try to anticipate issues before they arise by reviewing the issues other boards are dealing with and tapping many sources of information. Offers 12 recommendations. (MLF)

A positive relationship between the board and the superintendent keeps a school system running. Offers 10 tips to promote such a relationship. (MLF)

Observers of school reform efforts in 17 central New York school districts found a performance dip that sets in during the implementation stage. Staff performance suffers because everyone is learning the new system. Assistance, support, and training need to be offered until everyone has mastered the basics. Gradually, the reforms will become an…

The president of a search firm that recruits administrators for school systems and colleges offers boards suggestions for developing systematic search and selection procedures to obtain the best available superintendent for their school district. (MLF)

To find out attitudes toward public participation at school board meetings, interviews were conducted with 22 board members and 20 average citizens, mainly from small to medium size districts in 16 states. Findings reveal that everyone agreed the public should have an opportunity to air opinions at meetings. Opinions vary about how boards should…

Conflicting policies, careless recordkeeping, and racial tension added up in turmoil for the Newton County (Georgia) Board of Education when an African-American student and a white student each claimed the honor of being class valedictorian. (MLF)

Many business groups favor selecting a school superintendent out of what they consider an enlightened corporate environment. However, a search consultant advises appointing a proven leader who possesses the intelligence, sensitivity, courage, and commitment to forge a vision for success and lead along the path to achieving that visions. (MLF)

Public speaking goes with being on the school board. A few pointers and practice can help you get better at communicating in public. Experts suggest the following: know what your point is and state it precisely; strive to be expressive, using your voice and gestures; and present a story that people can relate to. (MLF)

A good administrator has the following characteristics: (1) commitment to excellence in education; (2) leadership in the classroom, the individual school, or the school district; (3) admirable work habits; (4) dedication to professional growth and innovation; and (5) a passion for excellence. (MLF)