Reports results of three year study of more than 200 principals about the tensions between role expectations and reality. Analysis of surveys and interviews finds most principals having to deal with three pairs of tensions: Between instructional leadership and management tasks, between personal and professional demands, and between the principal's…

A study of 575 volunteers in 57 elementary schools discovered that most are women (aged 36-55) supporting classroom and learning activities. Volunteers improve climate, individual student achievement, and school-community relations. Poorer schools lack sufficient volunteers. Benefits outweigh administrative, recruitment, and training costs. (MLH)

The 1998 study of the K-8 principal shows that the principal's role, revolving about staff supervision, student discipline, marketing, and community/political interactions, has become increasingly diverse and complex. The 42% turnover rate will probably continue into the next decade. Today, 42% of K-8 principals are women, compared to 20% in 1988.…