Effective principals agree on what should be occurring in the classrooms in their schools, according to investigators who queried principals in 202 schools identified as "effective." The most important characteristic of teachers, they responded, is to be task-oriented. (CJH)

Presents results from a North Carolina survey on how principals view themselves and other principals. The survey addressed four questions: (1) the individual's actual leadership role, (2) the leadership role they would like to have, (3) the leadership roles assumed by three principals they know best, and (4) the leadership role played by most…

Examines the extent and nature of America's need to know whether the nation's educational outlook is improving, considers the contributions of the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the National Assessment of Educational Progress to the information effort, and proposes a more effective testing system to be administered by the Census Bureau. (PGD)

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)

In a recent survey, 53% of responding middle and elementary school counselors reported testifying in a formal hearing involving students. Child custody cases most frequently required counselor involvement, followed by sexual and child abuse cases. Counselors most frequently utilized school attorneys, personal attorneys, professional counseling…

A study of 20 Vermont secondary principals and ex-principals examined what induced some to stay and many others to leave the profession. There are four significant issues: role definition; shifting power and authority; work relationships; and respect, recognition, and rewards. Survivors manage to maintain perspective, detach themselves, and escape…

The inadequacies of the report by the Commission of Inquiry into High School Journalism are reported here, and some sources of help for those concerned with secondary school journalism are cited. (Editor)

A survey of Connecticut high school teachers and their supervisors (principals, department heads) reveals different perceptions of the value of teacher observation reports. (Author/DS)

Presents the results of a national survey conducted in 1983 that investigated teachers', administrators', and parents' preferred strategies for educating gifted secondary school students; reviews related program evaluation data, particularly as regards accelerated courses and independent study programs. (MCG)

Presents findings from a national survey measuring the public's response to academic reform in secondary schools. Results show the public supports improvement of academic standards but also wants the existing structure and organization of schools to be maintained. Includes four tables. (MD)

A survey of 479 graduating seniors from three different high schools reveals the majority of the students were not adequately trained in study skills. Includes a copy of the survey questionnaire. (MD)

Author reviews Student Use of Unscheduled Time,'' by Walter J. Foley, Gordon C. Harr, and Larry Smiley (Iowa Educational Information Center), and Comparing Block Scheduling and Traditional Scheduling on Student Achievement and Attitudes,'' by Adrian P. Van Mondrans, James L. Schott, and Denny G. French (paper presented at the convention of the…

A survey of 59 principals on counselor selection used a forced-choice questionnaire, pairing each item with every other item, to test 16 criteria in four categories: work experience, recommendations, academic indicators, and behavioral/personal characteristics. Within-system teaching experience and communication ability in the personal interview…

A survey of 461 Mississippi employers revealed that they were particularly interested in good work attitudes among potential employees, along with oral and written communications and problem-solving skills. The employers also indicated that high schools should place more emphasis on developing these attitudes and skills. (PGD)

A 1995 study explored how high school students from four ethnic groups who have experienced disciplinary problems explain the causes, consequences, and potential resolutions of conflicts with their teachers. The answer to reducing behavior problems in ethnically diverse classrooms may be culturally responsive discipline undergirded by competence,…