Offers principals advice in two broad areas when it comes to hiring school counselors: understanding the changing role of the school counselor, and employing up-to-date selection criteria and methods. (RS)

Tells stories, somewhat fictionalized, that may help English chairs frame the discussion on curricular revision. Describes the institutional and management issues chairs need to explore when they think about initiating the curriculum debate. Considers departmental structural issues, campus structural issues, organizational issues, and a set of…

Addresses the "community" within an English department. Considers what image of the department the author can have that allows the possibility of forgiving one another. Discusses what metaphors describe the department: a lifeboat; a hive; a monastery; an ecosystem; or a minefield. Considers how metaphors account for the best and the worst things…

Principals need to get away from traditional beliefs that equate math success solely with rote knowledge of math facts and the ability to calculate. Today, math instruction also is being directed to student understanding of essential concepts. Principals must learn what to look for when they visit math classrooms to make sure it is being taught…

The booklet outlines characteristics and competencies needed by principals in schools serving special education students. Traits of empathy, integrity, honesty, creativity, and imagination are among those considered. Competencies (in terms of knowledge, values and attitudes, and performance) are listed for seven functions: to promote and represent…

Several models for improving school effectiveness are now available, and most of them highlight the principal's leadership role. Unfortunately, administrators do not regularly reflect on the important aspects of their professional roles or analyze the factors that may make it difficult for them to implement given models of effectiveness in their…

Teacher morale is based on the teacher's self-esteem. Teachers who feel appreciated, important to the realization of organizational goals, professionally and intellectually capable of contributing to organizational outcomes, and accepted as competent by their supervisors have the high self- esteem needed for good morale. To develop confidence in…

Pennsylvania's school districts and area vocational-technical schools are required to submit long range plans to the Pennsylvania Department of Education every 5 years. Part of the planning process involves the development of strategies, or action plans, for achieving the long term objectives identified in the long range plans. This planning guide…

A strategy to reform the educational system based upon collaboration and inclusion, vision building among all participants, the establishment of a new infrastructure, and the replacement of linear, top-down planning is explained. Each of these four goals is examined with suggestions for implementation given. After this strategy is outlined, three…

The role of the school principal appears to have changed as the result of Public Law 94-142 (Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and now includes increased community involvement, paperwork, time related to non-instructional tasks for children, and greater involvement of teachers in the organization and structure of the school. In response…

The guide is intended to help clarify P.L. 94-142, The Education For All Handicapped Children Act, and its regulations for administrators. The manual is organized around three central topics: an overview of the law and its regulations (background and purpose of the law, major provisions of the regulations, future of special education); effects of…

Extracurricular activities in secondary schools are an important part of student preparation for adult life. This document presents guidelines on the components, administration, and evaluation of student activities. It suggests that a comprehensive activity program should include student government, publications, cultural activities, service…

The question of whether teacher evaluation should involve teaching peers is discussed in relation to the concept of "zones of acceptance." The author suggests that teachers should be involved in evaluation when the issues being evaluated fall within their scope as teachers. (MD)

The key to a principal's ability to escape desk work for daily classroom work is a competent, knowledgeable secretary. When in the classroom, the principal should offer to correct papers or act as a teacher aide, sign up to teach a class, encourage teachers to request observation, and present teachers with duty release coupons for professional…

This first in a series of articles on an instructional development project management model discusses the role of the project manager, and outlines the phases of the model that is used to meet training needs. Highlights include project planning, instructional development (including creating the materials), and followup (including evaluation). (LRW)