Prior research on Troops to Teachers (TTT) affirms that TTTs are effective instructors likely to work in high-poverty, high-minority schools, teach high-demand subjects, use research-based instructional and classroom management practices linked with student achievement, and plan to stay in the profession. A nonexperimental, mixed method design…

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) have become increasingly popular in schools. PLCs are groups of teachers, administrators, parents, and students who collaborate to improve their practices and focus on results (DuFour, 2004). Grade-level and department teachers participate in regularly scheduled collaborative team meetings; however, many…

The primary purpose of this study is to determine a preliminary national percentage of students who are "504-only." The survey data reveal that 504-only students represent 1.2% of the public school population. There is a significant difference in the 504-only percentage with regard to school level, with middle and high schools having a…

The annual Gallup Poll reveals what the public thinks about national education issues, Should these results be used to set local policy? A North Dakota school district did its own local survey in 1986 and describes how it was done. Includes seven references. (Author/MD)

Outlines results from a survey of assistant principalships in a six-state area. Presents a comprehensive listing of competencies resulting from the findings. Includes references. (MD)

A study that evaluated the effectiveness of formal and informal needs assessment procedures found them equally valid in ascertaining information for planning staff development programs. (MD)

Current research supports the importance of positive school climate and the use of school-climate measures as school-effectiveness predictors. This article describes several instruments, including the Organizational Climate Index, the Organizational Climate Description Questionnaire, the Effective School Battery, the Charles F. Kettering Ltd.…

This article reveals how junior high and middle school principals assess their job preparation and actual job requirements. The findings may be surprising. (Editor)

Claiming that there's an aura of dissatisfaction with the present pre- and inservice programs for principals, the writer reports his findings about existing programs and suggested improvements. (Editor)

Administration of the Student Achievement Diagnostic Questionnaire for Administrators to 1,278 Georgia teachers verified the instrument's utility for measuring several factors affecting teacher motivation, including teachers' attitudes toward principals, toward the utility of improving performance, and toward the nature of and the possibility of…

A survey to determine the feelings of sudents attending a new middle school showed a decline in motivation among eighth graders. A majority of parents agreed that school discipline should be stricter. (LD)

A study conducted in an Illinois metropolitan school district explored four dimensions of school-based management implementation: school leadership, school climate, student achievement, and community involvement. Survey data from 176 teachers, 42 parents, and 6 administrators revealed that length of program involvement positively influenced…

A survey of all students enrolled in computer courses at a Colorado high school during fall 1997 revealed positive perceptions of the courses' value. Students enrolled in desktop publishing and word processing courses were more satisfied with these courses than were those enrolled in literacy lab, vocational education, and keyboarding classes.…