Middle school principals should seek to alleviate the frustration of teachers, make efforts to help parents understand preadolescents' development, assist students in their total development, and work at developing a supportive educational climate. (MLF)

Describes a framework for moving from the general school effectiveness factors to specific practices and behaviors focusing on strong leadership by the principal. Outlines the general functions of instructional leadership, then narrows to one function, monitoring student progress, and derives specific principal behaviors. (MLF)

Argues that providing leadership and opportunities for staff members to become more effective in their jobs are the primary responsibilities of a school principal. Offers a number of suggestions for use in staff development. (FL)

Practical guidelines for new middle/junior high and secondary school principals are offered in this paper. Specific suggestions are made for becoming familiar with the school, staff and students; organizing for instruction, including hiring and master scheduling; handling administrative business functions, which include clarifying staff roles,…

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,…

Noting that the first decade of the new millennium is sure to see continuing efforts to reform curriculum and classroom practices by implementing the middle school concept, this booklet answers middle school teachers' most pressing questions about the cornerstone of the middle school concept, integrated curriculum. The 20 questions addressed…

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…

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…

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…

Prevention of teenage suicide and coping with it when it occurs is an increasing concern for middle-level principals. This article focuses on specific implications of the youth suicide problem for middle-level principals with considerations for other principals as well. (Author/TE)

This guide explains the essential elements of high-quality reading programs and provides suggestions for raising reading achievement in the elementary and middle grades. It is designed to promote the development of the principal as an instructional leader and focuses on the principal's role in the implementation of an effective reading program.…

This planning and development guide suggests that careful, comprehensive, long range planning combined with gradual program implementation and effective administrative leadership can create responsive middle school programs. Sample sequential objective charts and activity lists are included. (DCS)

The personal development needs of preadolescents make extended guidance programs for middle school students crucially important. This article describes steps for teacher advisory program development--including a sample curriculum outline and learning activity--and summarizes the program role of the principal, counselor, and teacher. (DCS)

Underserved students (low-income, underrepresented minority, or first generation to attend college) do not attend college at the same rate as their white, middle-, or upper-income peers, and research suggests that this discrepancy is due in large part to the lack of opportunity for underserved students beginning in middle school. This briefing…

Most students pass through five major transitions from one level of schooling to another. This book-for principals, teachers, and counselors-focuses on the transition from middle school to high school. The book is grounded in Queen's Twelve Factors for Successful Student Transitions, a research-based set of findings and guidelines. Each factor is…