What can logically be expected of a school principal changes with the overall shift in educational trends. (CK)

The authority-based powers, traditionally the exclusive domain of principals, have been weakened by court decisions and collective bargaining. The principal must seek and develop ability-based powers--referent power and expert power. (Author/MLF)

Some insights gained in a first principalship are shared in hopes they may prove helpful to other new or aspiring principals in understanding the requirements of the job. (Author/MLF)

Tongue-in-cheek advice on how to survive the principalship. (Author/MLF)

The three basic school management styles are described here, along with some perceptions of how the principal's free choice of style is thwarted by certain conditions. (Editor)

The well-informed principal should understand the parameters involved in developing and maintaining an effective school guidance program. Principals must learn about information sources, professional counseling organizations, and effective program characteristics; keep current on legislation, litigation, and regulation developments; work…

Assistant principals should be expected, encouraged, and empowered to work beyond their disciplines, outside their cultures, and above their traditional roles. The assistant principal's role in team management is to become an advocate for excellence, a visionary leader, a change agent, a communicator, a motivator, and a determinant of school…

Based on data from three successive surveys, this article examines whether principals of small secondary schools perceive their roles differently differ from those administering larger schools. Although results are inconclusive, a significant decrease was reported in the number of principals reporting major scheduling problems, reliance on fund…

Administrator evaluators perceive principals' leadership styles variously as principal/teacher, general manager, professional/scientific manager, administrator/instructional leader, and curriculum leader. Currently practice promotes the administrator/instructional leader view of principals (for principals one knows) and denigrates the general…

According to "Information Power" (1988), the school library media specialist plays three roles: information specialist, teacher, and instructional consultant. As instructional consultant, the media specialist works with teachers to help them maximize their use of available professional resources to aid student learning. Tips for…

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 survey of 77 Missouri high school principals revealed a traditional view of the school librarian as one who purchases, processes, and circulates books and provides occasional reference services. Skills indicating involvement with the instructional process rated average in importance. Principals did not view library media specialists as teachers.…

Coaching occurs in many fields, including music, drama, and various sports activities. Building a "coaching" metaphor might help clarify differences in coaching roles that principals and teachers find confusing. Most head coaches recognize that responsible evaluation is more helpful than absolute power in helping each player be the best…

Effective principals pay close attention to body language and other subtle actions that are constantly read and interpreted by staff and students. Principals must not only talk the talk of an instructional leader but also walk the walk of a committed instructional leader. Specific suggestions are provided. (MLH)

Administrators are missing access to endless information and support if they disregard library media specialists (LMSs)' expertise. LMSs offer access to research, periodicals, and statistics benefiting the entire school community. They can contribute to public relations, facility planning, curricular tie-ins, technology training, grant-writing…