Cautions that since education is complex, efforts to improve education must also be complex, extending beyond enabling principals to exert instructional leadership; that patient work is necessary to complete the absorption of changes; and that common standards for educational achievement do not necessitate standardizing teaching methods for all…

Because knowledge work occurs inside teachers' heads, it cannot be supervised directly. School improvement can become a permanent, ongoing organizational function by replacing traditional instructional supervision with a supervision-for-school-improvement function. The focus then shifts to examining a district's work processes, social…

An urban elementary school's transformation from chaos to harmony began when the principal and staff replaced their disciplinary policy of rules and regulations with the "10 commandments" of behavior. The James P. B. Duffy School No. 11 in Rochester (New York) is now honored as a model American school. (MLF)

Argues that the center of the educational leader's role should be maintaining, justifying, and articulating sound, comprehensive programs of instruction, rather than concentrating on administrative tasks such as collective bargaining, budgeting, and public relations. (JG)

The function of dialogue among educators in creating a humanistic curriculum is analyzed and related to three humanistic organizational theories. (GW)

A special type of meeting between a new school principal and the school staff resulted in clarification of concerns and expectations, reduction of stress, and establishment of the new leadership. (MLF)

To improve teacher performance today, leaders must focus on intangible rewards. The principle of equal treatment of unequals has discouraged excellence and rewarded mediocrity. (Author)

Strong schools have strong cultures evidenced by their heroes and heroines, rituals and ceremonies, and shared beliefs and values. (Author)

A style of supervision that varied from letting an assistant solve problems alone to solving the problems for him was not successful. A new approach that included scheduling meetings and collaborative inquiry proved to be effective. (MLF)

Former elementary principal suggests ways to improve student learning by increasing information sharing among faculty, including the restructuring of faculty meetings, adopting an inclusive planning process, and creating study groups. (PKP)

Discusses the role of instructional leaders and suggests resources that can aid leaders in enhancing learning. (JG)

Reminisces on a full and many-faceted career as teacher, counselor, and administrator at Briarcliff Public Schools (New York). This woman administrator shuns visions of a comfortable, leisurely retirement for the rewards and challenges of her everyday work with students, teachers, parents, and colleagues. (MLH

Of more importance than any lofty concept of the principal's leadership are crucial, mundane, support functions--which can be carried out by supervisors and teachers as well as by principals. (Author)

The task of the supervisor is to help the reading teacher learn and use tactics and strategies for improved questioning of students. (Author)