Argues that constant renewal makes it possible for principals to remain positive about themselves and their work. (FL)

Describes some of the responsibilities and common problems, both at home and abroad, that a study abroad director is likely to encounter. (EKN)

Suggests ways for ensuring that teacher evaluation methods used by principals when dismissing teachers will stand up to the challenges posed by hearings: Did the principal try to help the teacher improve? Were evaluation criteria relevant? Was the decision to terminate arbitrary or capricious? Was the evaluation process confidential? (PGD)

Conflict, a common managerial problem, offers opportunities for creative and positive actions. "Win-win" conflict resolution, which occurs chiefly through compromise, contribution, and synthesis tactics, requires trust, commitment, communication, and dialog. It can be encouraged by generating positive feelings, redirecting negative…

Discusses the principal's role as coordinator of the school's public relations program. Touches on relationships principals should develop with individuals (teachers, parents, students, and the public) and organizations and outlines the uses of publications, announcement boards, public programs, news releases, letters, parent conferences, annual…

Describes ways the principal can use the resources on hand more effectively to enhance student learning. (Author/JM)

The purchase of computer software must come before the purchase of hardware. Otherwise school people may watch an excellent computer collect dust while they search in vain for software that fills their needs. (Author/JM)

Innovation insurance involves planning in order to avoid pitfalls. When adopting microcomputers, this means answering 10 preliminary questions, appointing a coordinator of computer services, and arranging inservice teacher training. (Author/JM)

Discusses the importance of listening skills for school administrators, gives advice on how to improve listening skills, suggests five exercises for practicing listening, and defines five levels of listening skill: listening for appreciation, discrimination, comprehension, therapy, and significance. (Author/RW)

Outlines a seven-step procedure for dismissing incompetent or unprofessional teachers, including conferring with the teacher, summarizing the conference, developing an action plan with the teacher, having the personnel officer approve the plan, implementing the plan, and holding a progress assessment conference. Provides a sample performance memo…

The author gives illustrative examples of the application of creative problem solving to a variety of problems facing educational administrators. Sections address the areas of organization, finance, public relations, professional growth, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and stress management. (SW)

Provides 14 pointers for school administrators on how to hire the "perfect" secretary, including accurate job descriptions, checking of references, mental preparation for interviews, freedom from biases, effective interview questions, and attention to applicants' body language. (RW)

A style of supervision that varied from letting an assistant solve problems alone to solving the problems for him was not successful. A new approach that included scheduling meetings and collaborative inquiry proved to be effective. (MLF)

Teacher evaluation should take into consideration the artistic aspects of teaching, which are ignored by rigid evaluation formats. To do this, principals should participate in the classroom; observe the total learning environment; learn how a teacher deals with peers, students, and parents; and gain perceptions of the students themselves.…

An aware administrator can help marching bands deemphasize time-comsuming marching contests and sports activities and emphasize true music education. (JM)