Professionalism and leadership are contradictory concepts. Because Maslow and Herzberg studied mostly males, they espoused motivational theories stressing achievement and competitiveness, not caring and nurturing relationships. Although women are underrepresented in principalships, they are overrepresented in successful ones. Professionalism,…

Educators and business leaders have wasted precious time and resources looking for external solutions. Giving up the futile search for "silver bullets" is the basic precondition for overcoming dependency and for taking actions that matter. Principals can gain insight from respecting those whom they want to silence, moving dangerously…

At their weekly school meeting, all members of a Massachusetts elementary school come together to build community and to celebrate one another. Each week, 20 to 40 parents show up, often with toddlers, sometimes with grandparents. Participants pledge the flag, sing songs, recognize students' birthdays, make announcements, and enjoy student…

A 1986 collaboration between a Fort Worth community group and middle school evolved into a network of 32 alliance schools in 1992-93. Aided by improvement-minded parents, community leaders, and educators, the alliance now has 100 schools in disadvantaged Texas communities. Community involvement contributes to improvements in conditions and…

Founded in 1977, "Communities in Schools" champions the connection of needed community resources with schools to help 300,000 youngsters annually to learn, stay in school, and prepare for life. The program brings in community-service providers, such as health-care and mental-health professionals, to work as a personalized team alongside…

A Maryland elementary school enlightened parents and community members about school technology by hosting a technology night showcasing student work. Through staff and community members' cooperative efforts, the technology committee created a comprehensive program composed of several elements: student involvement, district vision,…

According to a former community relations director for a Washington State district, there are three key elements of effective public engagement: choosing a focus, acknowledging that employees are a school system's first public, and using feedback loops. Employees are school ambassadors whose words and actions can either build community support or…

Describes a suburban Pennsylvania school district's efforts to develop a coordinated educational campaign about sexual harassment. Administrators awakened a cautious school board; applied for and received a Goals 2000 grant; trained staff; enlightened students, using age-appropriate materials; and motivated the community to participate. (MLH)

Students, parents, and sometimes even teachers often believe that complex mathematics is too difficult for certain learners. But the programs described in this article demonstrate that anyone can learn, understand, and use complex math. Lesa M. Covington-Clarkson boosted the confidence of black 6th graders by teaching them to use graphing…

Argues that a comprehensive educational system that makes use of varied community resources is needed to replace the traditional American school system, which no longer meets the changing needs of society. (JG)

Discusses two different strategies for incorporating home-school-community partnerships into the agenda for educational reform. The "gradual strategy" includes seven steps and the "bolder strategy" six steps. Includes references. (MD)

Examines arguments for and against the use of outside curriculum resources by school districts, describes different types of collaborative arrangements that can be employed by schools, and offers guidelines for carrying out successful collaborative efforts utilizing outside resources. Available from Association for Supervision and Curriculum…

The successful business strategy of "marketing" is appropriate in the management of public schools, which must develop the best possible product to fill the changing needs of students. (Author/MLF)

Results of a survey show considerable support for students learning the "basics"; however, there is even greater support for students becoming good citizens, having a good self-image, being self-confident, and exhibiting proper health habits. (Author/MLF)

A Colorado elementary school developed a user-friendly, performance-based report card with the help of students, parents, and staff and adapted it to a spreadsheet. The school sent an explanatory brochure and a detailed survey to solicit parents' response. Fully 65% of parents found the new format to be as useful or better than the old format.…