Too often the only contact the assistant principal has with students is in his role as disciplinarian. If the total school atmosphere can be improved, the author asserts, not only will fewer disciplinary problems occur but the assistant principalship will become more positive. (Editor)

Notes as students become more diverse, establishing a comfortable, challenging classroom in which every student feels valued becomes more difficult. Maintains teachers may be able to minimize problems and maximize learning by shifting to a more parental perspective and making the classroom an "academic home." As students share in…

Based on 12 years of involvement with advisory programs in various formats, this article underscores their benefits--including positive school climate, student proficiency at solving peer conflicts, and enhanced student self-esteem. Advisory programs, which serve a prereferral function, should be coordinated by the school counselor and scheduled…

Describes how two Orlando, Florida, high schools enhanced student success by implementing community-generated restructuring plans. Block scheduling helped improve attendance and grade point averages. Also, a survey of teachers and students disclosed school climate gains in the areas of safety, success, involvement, commitment, interpersonal…

Principals in restructuring schools are working in an increasingly turbulent policy environment that adds expectations but deletes little from their traditional roles. Two tasks form the basis of newly defined power relationships--delegating responsibilities and developing collaborative decision-making processes. Leading from the center means…

Because of their educational training, visibility, and leadership positions, school counselors and administrators must work as a team to promote cultural diversity for students, teachers, parents, and community members. Schools may choose to investigate racial-identity development through a model delineating conformity, dissonance, resistance and…

Legislators, school boards, and district administrators proposing more changes affecting schools and the principal's role should realize that many principals have little capacity to assume additional duties. Time constraints and external priorities are converting principals from instructional leaders to managers, while increasing their role's…

To understand the dynamics of moving from fragmented work units to an integrated whole, a recent study examined the work cultures of 28 schools involved in major change efforts. This paper presents findings from three participating high schools that represent different phases (fragmentation, differentiation, and integration) of the development…

Nativity Prep, a small, inner-city Roman Catholic middle school seeks to provide an environment that helps students excel in their studies and their personal development. The school has few discipline problems due to its small size; its strict, highly structured academic climate; its underpaid and devoted faculty; and its practice of praying…

This study examined the conditions and concerns of principals in Virginia to see what their experiences and perceptions are of the growing shortage in the principalship. Findings suggest that principals do not feel that they have sufficient authority and resources to get the job done and that they are working long hours to fill the gap. More than…

Young people must become actively involved in identifying and developing alternative energy sources. Suggestions are offered for projects, activities, and further reading. (Author/MLF)

The philosophy of education is presented in seven areas as an everyday guide to action and decision-making. (Author/MLF)

This program to improve the school climate focuses on an assessment of the problems in the school environment, a training program for teachers and administrators, and an effort to inform teachers, parents, officials, and the public on the assessment results, the training, and the outcome of the program. (Author/IRT)

One approach to rebuilding public confidence in schools is to establish a visiting program for parents and patrons. This article describes a one-day "accreditation visit" program in Colorado that asks parents to observe classes, assess school climate, and make suggestions for school improvement. (MLH)

Reviews the social and educational problems caused by drug abuse. Poses policy questions that must be asked when developing school drug use policies and cites examples of the successful implementation of drug policies in two schools. Identifies critical aspects of the drug prevention curriculum. Urges cooperation between schools and local…