Staff at an Ohio high school with 1,200 students decided to create a more welcoming, supportive place for all students; initiate advisory periods; put up student pictureboards; provide career-exploration and social development opportunities, and radiate a steady diet of caring and friendly attention. (MLH)

Describes the educational benefits of walkthroughs (unscheduled classroom visits) by principals. Provides walkthrough procedures and observation questions. (PKP)

The author of a number of books about political leaders explains how his ideas apply to leaders in education. (Author/MLF)

Describes use of the Sexton-Switzer Educational Management Grid to help school leaders analyze their own management style and argues that there are appropriate situations for both the "authoritarian" and "student developmental" styles. (JG)

The role of today's leaders in a rapidly changing society is analyzed. (CK)

Reports on observations in 34 class periods of six elementary teachers teaching spelling. Notes that much of the time was not devoted to actual instruction. Reviews the methods of spelling instruction that research has found effective and recommends ways that administrators can help improve spelling instruction, including classroom observation.…

Lists some reasons why supervisors are often among the first personnel to be cut in a budget crunch, then lists six abilities essential for the survival of supervisors in education's changing climate. (JM)

Using survey data, this article outlines the steps administrators can take to create effective community involvement. A table details the task assignment and evaluation of community members in such roles as consultant or member of a task force or committee. (JM)

By merging the roles of teacher and administrator, a stronger and more stable system can emerge. Joint problem solving and decision making lead to innovative ideas. (Author/MLF)

The report most frequently heard in successful schools is that rules are carefully and openly developed, clearly announced, firmly enforced, and consistently applicable to everyone. (Author)

A Utah district's assessment committee created an innovative, yet conservative teacher-evaluation program using direct measures of teacher performance. Teachers can choose among various data sources: parent surveys, student surveys, student-achievement data, documentation of professional activity, and teacher tests. Datasets are preferred over…

Curriculum development, shared decision-making, and serving as an instructional leader are part of the principal's role. (Author/MLF)

Efficient supervisors have three kinds of skills: human, managerial, and technical. Each is defined and examples are provided. While human relations and management are important, technical skills, more than any other, make the role of the instructional supervisor unique. (TE)

John Goodlad suggests that individual schools should be encouraged to establish their own priorities for improvement and should be supported by their districts and by networks of schools with similar concerns. He further suggests that subject area teaching should concentrate on broad concepts rather than on unlimited, discrete topics. (PGD)

The school can help abused and neglected children by establishing policies, training staff, and ensuring administrator commitment. (Author)