This quasi-experimental study examined the adoption of the Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines in 23 high schools. After training, school administrators and other staff members demonstrated substantial increases in knowledge of threat assessment principles and decreased commitment to zero tolerance approaches. Schools using the…

Concerned about improving beginning principals' professional development, the Minnesota Administrators' Academy initiated an administrative mentoring program in the early 1990s. A recent evaluation found that successful mentoring relationships involved mutually respectful pairs that met at least monthly and participated in various activities…

Principals should delegate the responsibility for research-based curriculum and instructional improvement to career (effective) teachers. Guidelines for planning cooperative in-service education workshops are provided, along with advice concerning goals, target audience, agenda, incentives, estimated budget, and program evaluation approaches. (MLH)

Alternative high schools have an important place in our educational system, since exellence in education must mean more than improving the abilities of those who are succeeding in our present school environment. A list of suggestions (nine "dos" and four "don'ts") are offered for consideration before establishing such a school. (MCG)

If school personnel are to do their jobs well, they must master the principles of positive growth for their own lives. Developing a positive view of self is not an easy task. Discusses the personal characteristics necessary for one to grow and to be able to accept change. (Author/RK)

Provides an evaluation model and outlines steps to take in planning for the evaluation process. Such planning and organizing ensures that the evaluation process is achieved systematically. (IRT)

This article deals with creating options for schools with staff problems. It suggests a practical methodology for helping schools fight the effects of bureaupathology. (Editor)

In a story set in the future, the author presents guidelines for persons wanting to implement change in education. (IRT)

Physical education teaches basic life principles as well as motor skills that have long-lasting benefits. Yet, say these authors, it is usually the first curricular area to suffer school budget cuts. Criteria for a good physical education program are described with the implication that if the subject is properly taught it is more difficult to…

NASSP's "This We Believe: Secondary Schools in a Changing Society" is acclaimed by many as one of the most perceptive studies ever published on secondary education. Because of its popularity the editors of the "Bulletin" present an outline of the study's central themes. (Editor/RK)

Certain characteristics qualify individuals to serve as mentor principals, including experience as practicing school administrators, demonstration of positive leadership qualities, ability to question beginning administrators appropriately, acceptance of alternative management methods, desire to promote exceptional performance, ability to model…

Experienced in the process of student evaluation of teachers, this author suggests ways of using student assessment to best advantage. (Editor)

Presents a list of 20 principles to follow when developing curriculum improvement programs. Includes a list of references. (MD)

After rejecting the extremes of complete coordination and no coordination in answering the question posed in the title, authors make the case for the middle ground. They then proceed to emphasize some points they consider essential to any educational program. (Editor/RK)

To support concepts such as teacher empowerment, school improvement plans, and site-based decision making, principals must learn how to lead or work with small groups. Each project team must have a champion (usually the principal), assigned members, a name, a district goal, desired outcomes, critical parameters, a time frame, resources, processes,…