Despite the recognition of the problems faced by beginning teachers, the provision of effective induction programs both in Australia and other nations has been less than universal, with only approximately one-half of beginning Australian teachers involved in any substantive form of teacher induction program. This paper offers a review of…

This Bulletin investigates the role of the principal in fostering a school climate conducive to collegial supervision--teachers observing teachers and working together for instructional improvement. Chapter 1 attempts to put into perspective the traditional responsibilities of the principal as instructional leader and teacher evaluator. Collegial…

Two methodologies for teacher-focused process evaluation--rating scales and systematic observation--are discussed and comments are made about their characteristics and effective utilization to improve teachers' performance. Process evaluation, referring specifically to the act of evaluating what teachers do in their classrooms, may be of formative…

This paper identifies the factors that can make a building principal an effective instructional leader, as seen from the superintendent's perspective. According to the author, the effective instructional leader helps those in the educational community define instructional goals and objectives, works to develop effectiveness in teaching, builds a…

Describes Written Language Consultant, an expert system designed to help teachers teach special education students how to write business letters. Three main components of the system are described, including entry of students' test scores; analysis of teachers' uses of classroom time and management techniques; and suggestions for improving test…

Suggests that a collaborative relationship between a clinical supervisor and a reading teacher can improve the teacher's effectiveness through a preobservation conference and identification of problems, classroom observation, and a post-observation conference. (JC)

Discusses the job-related factors that may make remedial reading teachers more susceptible to professional exhaustion. Lists ways in which supervisors can help teachers cope with burnout. (HTH)

Presents five strategies used by child-care center directors when teachers' personal stress affects their job performance. Notes that most directors identify irritability with children and coworkers as a sign of stress. Their most common strategy is to recommend community resources to staff for counseling and help with problems. (Author/KB)

Describes one teacher's experiences in supervision as a school principal and a student teacher supervisor, examining why supervision has such a low priority despite its importance in teacher education. The paper questions how education will change if potentially symbiotic institutions do not intentionally construct mechanisms to improve good…

Reproduced are eight selected quotations from books and speeches by Donald A. Schon concerning teaching, teacher education, and supervision. Quotes summarize Schon's ideas on knowing-in-practice, on reflecting-in-action, on reflective research, on capitalizing on uncertainty, on comparing two epistemologies of practice, and on reflective…

Reflective practicums focus less on the design of a product and more on the relationship. Some of the problems are due to role frames and value systems. Solutions to these and other shortcomings are offered. (SI)

This article takes issue with recent proposals to eliminate teaching experience as a requirement for principal certification. A principal relies on teaching experience in five areas: (1) employing teachers; (2) supervising instruction; (3) leading and managing teachers; (4) understanding and working with students; and (5) conferring with parents.…

Based on a theoretical paper on effective supervision (reproduced here), this study attempted to investigate superintendents' definitions of, knowledge of, assumptions about, and perceived effects of the supervisory structures and organization they have established in their school districts. Semistructured interviews of six superintendents in…

In an effort to support the contention that the levels of student achievement and discipline depend more on administrative style and school ethos than on inner city location and/or social class, race, or IQ of students, an investigation was conducted of a single midwestern urban high school. The procedure consisted of observation and interviews of…

This speech reviews school effectiveness research over the past 5 years, presenting the most important conclusions: schools make a difference in how much children learn, and principals make a difference in school effectiveness. The characteristics of better schools listed are: 1) clear sense of purpose, (2) well-formulated instructional goals, (3)…