Author describes the structure and process of a special blend of authoritative leadership and democratic action that he says work well for either alternative or traditional schools. (Editor)

Suggestions drawn from research and theory on problem-solving and creative decision-making. (Author/MLF)

By enabling students to mediate their own disputes, educators may be synthesizing the finest potential in the school--the creative, constructive dynamic inherent in conflict. This article describes a mediated dispute resolution program used in several schools and offers implementation advice. (MLH)

Describes the development of ongoing, clearly defined, and structured problem-solving and shared decision-making machinery that has upgraded the role and importance of intermediate supervisors with concomitant benefits in their morale and their contributions to the school at large. (Author/IRT)

Five principals outline their decision-making processes, which include concerns over timing and process, teachers' well-being, deciding how to decide, student expulsion, and problem identification. (MD)

For schools that are too large to give individualized attention to student problems, the house system's team approach to problem-solving responsibility may be the answer. One house organization plan is explained in detail here. (Editor)

To avoid bad decisions, principals must be willing to invest time, energy, and resources and prepare the problem-solving team for the frustrations involved in tackling tough problems. Simple probing techniques such as "creating (or intensifying) the problem,""the Five Whys""I wish" statements, the nominal Group Technique, and multivoting can aid…

Information is a commodity; those who are most successful can efficiently access it, critically evaluate and interpret it, and effectively and ethically apply it. Through collaboration, teachers and media specialists show students the connections between learning processes and how to apply them to problem solving or decision making. (MLH)

Achieving flexibility without losing student accountability is a challenge that faces every school. With a fluid block schedule, as described here, accountability is maintained without inhibiting flexibility. An additional advantage is that three levels of schedule decision making take some of the pressure off the principal. (Editor)

For a concise exposition of what management by objectives is and what it could mean for schools, with special reference to the principalship, this article is recommended reading. (Editor)

Summarizes a survey of Ohio superintendents' and other administrative supervisors' perceptions of the career-threatening problems experienced by principals. Respondents were asked to rate the deficiency effect of 23 administrative competencies later grouped into 7 clusters. Principals perceived as at risk most frequently experience problems with…

Based on 2 years' experience with 30 principals learning and applying a school-based, school-defined improvement procedure, this article discusses 3 sources of resistance to shared decision making presented in a principals' center environment: certain principals' personality characteristics, teaching staff composition in certain schools, and…

Believes that the principalship is the key position for facilitating change, this author provides practical suggestions for the principal as change-agent. (Editor)

Communication between the schools and the central administration is imperative for a successful school-based management program. Once shared decision making is in place, accountability must follow. Principals must establish ways to monitor the instructional process and should know which teachers are obtaining the best results. (MLH)

Leadership in the restructured school is provided by many individuals; teachers function as a community of scholars helping one another through discussions, coaching, and reflective activity. School leaders must acquire specific skills in certain areas, including vision setting, group process, conflict resolution, curriculum and instruction, and…