The role of the secondary school administrator in staff management is critical to institutional effectiveness, especially during times of uncertainty concerning educational directions. The administrator must make positive efforts to represent central authorities to the school's staff and vice versa and to improve internal organizational structures…

Presents authors' abstracts of nine unpublished papers presented at the British Educational Management and Administration Society's annual conference in 1984. The conference focused on the interrelationships between the individual and the system, with emphasis on the position of school administrators within the educational system. (PGD)

"Metamessages," messages about the message, are conveyed by a person's behavior or appearance and by the structure of the organization. Communication can be improved by self-understanding and self-correction through feedback. Tips are given administrators on sending and receiving the intended messages. (MLF)

Quick phrases often hold deep meanings. Thirteen chief academic officers and deans were asked, "If you had several items of advice for new colleagues, what would they be?" (Author/MLW)

Functions as advisor-counsellor, educator-mediator, manager-administrator, draftsman, litigator, and spokesman are discussed by the University of Michigan general counsel. An illustrative list of subjects handled by institutional counsel is presented. (MSE)

Principals should perform functions in three major areas: (1) interpersonal relationships (leader, figurehead, liaison); (2) information processing (disseminator, spokesperson); and (3) decision making (change agent, disturbance handler, resource allocator, negotiator, and evaluator). (CL)

By celebrating the school's mission and goals, modeling appropriate behavior, and acknowledging appropriate behavior in others, principals can display the cultural leadership necessary to mold the school's organizational culture into an acceptable and manageable form. (PGD)

Discusses five ways in which school administrators can improve teacher evaluation practices: clarify the purpose of the evaluation; select substantive evaluation criteria that are related to learning outcomes; establish clear and reasonable standards; gather evaluation data from various sources; and prepare evaluation reports geared toward teacher…

This report is intended to help institutions review their arrangements for student administration through comparisons with generally recognized good practice and with specific developments and experience in the sector. This study from which the information on good practices was derived was conducted through visits to 11 pilot institutions to…

The "Heeding New Voices" study, a year-long series of structured interviews with new faculty and graduate students aspiring to be faculty members around the country, sought both to give voice to those who are just beginning their academic careers and to provide guidance for the senior faculty, chairs, deans, and others in higher…

A reduction in force (RIF) policy not exclusively based on seniority includes appeal procedures and provisions for teachers nearing retirement. A point system determines RIF order: supervisors assess teachers' planning and organization, instructional techniques, classroom and school environment, and professional attitude. Education, teaching…

Discusses the importance of staff development as reflected in the literature and describes the role of the chief student affairs officer. Presents a systematic process for designing and implementing staff development programs and identifies some obstacles to successful efforts. (JAC)

Teachers just out of college need the help of their principals in adjusting to their new roles. This article discusses six difficulties that often face new teachers and suggests eight long-term orientation techniques that have proved successful. (PGD)

To cope with declining high school enrollments, administrators can find new clients, programs, and functions or can cut back by dropping "frills" or closing schools. Guidelines for cuts include three approaches: the rational, cutting the least effective programs; the political, acknowledging political realities; and the symbolic,…

Offers cost-saving suggestions for school management regarding staff, equipment and machinery, materials, and vandalism and theft prevention. (WD)