Raymond Callahan's superintendent vulnerability thesis suggests that school superintendent behavior is subject to the political winds of local school boards, in turn dominated by the economic values of American businessmen. This thesis inspired a body of research termed "dissatisfaction theory," which describes the sequence of events…

This document reports on a study conducted in Wisconsin to determine the relative incidence of evaluations of high school principals by boards of education, the degree of formality of these evaluations, and the sources of information and/or criteria used. Results determined that evaluation of high school principals by school boards occurs on a…

Developed by the Michigan State Board of Education, this document begins with brief discussions of a philosophy for the integration of computers into all content areas and district planning for computer use in schools. Essential goals and objectives for computer education are then outlined in the following areas: (1) computing and its evolving…

An electronic news service called REDINET provides Indiana school management with statewide coverage of legislative committees, state agencies, and others. Individual school districts and subgroups are also able to communicate with each other. (MLF)

Presents a self-evaluation outline (or report card) of eight competencies appropriate for school board members. Using a 100-point scale, board members can rate their individual or group prowess as leaders, monitors, evaluators, communicators, team members, efficiency experts, role models, and decision-makers. (MLH)

To address the professional needs of principals and other middle management supervisors, school boards might consider meet-and-discuss sessions, a middle ground between unilateral board action and collective bargaining. Sessions are nonbinding, produce better decisions, confront root causes of job dissatisfaction, and can strengthen the management…

Comparison is inherent to system and state coordination activities and is valuable for overall review and for identifying differential needs. A variety of factors affect interinstitutional comparisons, and close cooperation between boards and institutions can increase the effectiveness of the process. (MSE)

In "Hosemann v. Oakland Unified School District," a California Superior Court ruled that Oakland public schools have an affirmative duty to alleviate crime and violence on school campuses. Both students and staff members are now protected against violent acts on school grounds. Guidelines are offered for school boards and administrators…

The Local Government Act of 1972 redefined local government boundaries in England and reduced the number of local education authorities. Ancillary corporate management "reforms" ultimately reduced the chief education officer's power, enhanced ruling party and chief executive power, and heavily politicized the education service. (49…

Offers superintendents guidelines for resolving personnel disputes, policy disagreements, and communication problems with school boards so that schools run smoothly. (KS)

Outlines four steps to follow in doing a full superintendent evaluation: (1) set clear goals for the superintendent, (2) follow up on the goals, (3) get other administrators' views of the superintendent, and (4) present the findings to the superintendent. Includes examples of questions to ask. (MD)

Arbitration is an effective way to resolve disagreements between school systems and their employee unions. A practicing arbitrator offers some suggestions that encourage the best use of the arbitration process. (MLF)

With parent and community input, the school board can develop policies that will prevent unnecessary conflicts and help resolve others involving controversial issues in the curriculum. (Author/DCS)

Outlines how the "cult of efficiency" and the "cult of deficiency" emphasize weakness and have affected American education. Points out that a new "cult of proficiency" emphasizing strengths, not weaknesses, is needed. (MD)

This guide describes the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) and includes information about the program and its results that will be useful for administrators and members of boards of education. In spring 1998, the Department of Education, in conjunction with Harcourt Educational Measurement, began its annual administration of the DSTP…