Professional learning communities (PLCs) are being recognized as effective in improving teacher collaboration and student achievement. Trust is critical in effectively implementing the PLC model, and the school principal is best positioned to influence school trust levels. Using five facets of trust, this research sought to clarify the impact of…

This study examines the use of polling students to improve conditions of learning in their school. Students from three schools (N = 2,006) in Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 completed an online poll about how cyberbullying affects their personal lives. Principals' impressions about the benefits of student polling are explained along with the Cyberbullying…

Analyzes data from recent studies on effective middle school principals. Formal education and professional associations are not related to principal effectiveness. Tenure, positive outlook, and ability to work with people are related to principals' effectiveness. These findings are similar to findings on effective elementary and senior high…

Describes a Prescriptive Discipline Plan developed by teachers at a Florida middle school. The plan featured three offense categories: minor infractions handled by teachers, intermediate offenses (cheating, disrespect, and insubordination) handled by administrators, and serious offenses (fighting, assault, sexual misconduct) invoking automatic…

As shown by a survey of three middle-level assistant principals, student discipline consumes an inordinate amount of attention. Also, participants did not see their position as an avenue to help youngsters. Since school administration duties should be shared, assistant principals must shed their "noneducational,""daily operations…

A middle-school counselor thanks her principal for his help over a 15-year working partnership. She is especially grateful for the principal's understanding of middle-level program objectives; respect for counselors' suggestions and nontraditional approaches; support for group counseling, teacher advisory programs, and counselors' professional…

Middle school principals should seek to alleviate the frustration of teachers, make efforts to help parents understand preadolescents' development, assist students in their total development, and work at developing a supportive educational climate. (MLF)

A recent study shows that effective middle-level principals identify key teacher leaders and involve them in the decision-making process. Informal teacher leaders are key in developing programs, climate, and curriculum within a school. Without teachers' acceptance, a program is doomed. To initiate change, principals must first sell their concept…

Describes a framework for moving from the general school effectiveness factors to specific practices and behaviors focusing on strong leadership by the principal. Outlines the general functions of instructional leadership, then narrows to one function, monitoring student progress, and derives specific principal behaviors. (MLF)

Middle level principals should take the leadership role now in responding to the issues of (1) reduction of middle level teacher ranks to meet the coming elementary and high school teacher shortage and (2) the need for computer literacy training for teachers. (MLF)

A high school principal explains her strategy for turning around a disorderly, gang-ridden middle school. Her discipline plan's success hinged on developing schoolwide expectations for behavior, developing positive consequences, compiling a list of unacceptable behaviors, and empowering teachers to administer consequences, including contacting…

"Turning Points," the report of the Carnegie Task Force on Young Adolescents, examines the condition of America's young people, ages 10-15, and how well middle-grade schools, health institutions, and community organizations serve them. In this interview, David Hornbeck discusses the report and its recommendations. Ignorance concerning this age…

To address deficiencies in basic skills, a Florida middle school is piloting a program that immerses 75 students in a mastery-learning curriculum centered around reading, writing, basic language arts, and functional math. The program covers science and social studies thematically and has a social/personal skill development unit. The principal's…

A study of two new middle schools demonstrates that reform is difficult to achieve unless teachers are expert in their work, share their expertise, and seek and create new knowledge to support their work. Leading from the center, school leaders figure significantly in expanding learning and developing community even in "teacher-run"…

A comprehensive counseling program encouraging all students to reach their potential, learn effective interpersonal skills, understand career information and requisite educational pathways, and accept responsibility for their choices will produce better learners and highly skilled workers. Principals can help by establishing and maintaining a…