Describes a program that consists of a three-part cycle of activities, all of which involved the department chairmen working jointly with the principal on actual preobservation conferences as well as with actual classroom observations. (Author/MLF)

Presents a proposal for effective teacher supervision and evaluation that puts the responsibility for supervision on someone close to the teachers, while the responsibility for evaluation remains the principal's. Includes diagrams outlining supervision and evaluation procedures. (MD)

In New York City, the assistant principal for supervision is responsible for staff development and improvement of student outcomes in specific subject areas. High schools have four to eight such positions. These administrators teach one to three classes daily, depending on department size. They train teachers, develop curricula and testing…

Outlines Connecticut State Department of Education's generic criteria (adapted to art teaching) for effective classroom management, instruction, and assessment. The only certain way for principals to select effective art teachers is to learn enough about art and art education to feel comfortable when reviewing applications and interviewing…

The Mentor School System (Ohio) recreated the role of department coordinator in all its secondary schools to develop a cadre of instructional leaders to break down the barriers between administrators and the classroom. (MD)

Examines challenges that high school department chairpersons faced while changing to a 4 x 4 block schedule. Finds that chairpersons experienced multiple learning curves and increased tensions between departmental and teaching responsibilities, problems exacerbated by reduced release time. Recommends aligning job descriptions with procedures,…

Discusses two propositions and two policies governing site-based management and the curriculum specialist role. The principal's role is changing from building manager to instructional leader. The role of department head or curriculum specialist is not clearly defined in the literature. However, the central office expert will no longer dispense…

High school students continue to struggle in algebra, especially in large inner-city schools with underprivileged students. Students are not the only ones skirmishing with algebra. Teachers and school leaders are just as frustrated as they search for answers to complex teaching and learning problems. Two high school principals report the results…

Drawing on literature concerning department chairs' role as either administrators (line personnel) or teachers (staff personnel), this essay concludes that both roles are important and that well-developed human relations skills and managerial skills are equally necessary. (MJL)

Student journalism is struggling to survive due to demanding high school graduation requirements, stricter college admission standards, and skeptical state departments of education. For student journalism to survive and prosper, education agencies, college officials, and journalism teachers must cooperate and receive strong support from the…

In response to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments (1997), the Virginia Department of Education implemented a statewide mediation system that includes eight mediators to resolve parent-school conflicts involving special-education issues. An impartial third party helps disputants reach agreement in a nonthreatening atmosphere.…

A Nebraska high school implemented interdisciplinary teaming several years ago as a direct result of its strategic planning effort. It eventually rejected the intensified block schedule, which manipulated time without changing teacher roles, and adopted a flexible block schedule. Departments were replaced by interdisciplinary teams of teachers and…

When Thornton (Colorado) High School organized for site-based management, the structuring committee understood the importance of providing a professional-development fund for staff members. The school decided to restructure with one central umbrella committee for site-based governance and several subcommittees reporting to the main committee. (MLH)

Examines why an innovative math curriculum promoted by the math department chair was ultimately rejected by teachers. By the second year, faculty ill will, mistrust, and resentment had begun to undermine the math department's ability to function. Wider participation in the adoption effort was needed. (Contains 16 references.) (MLH)

Survey results from 50 state education agencies and the District of Columbia about secondary school reform show 88 percent have developed an improvement effort. Text and four tables present responses to the following topics: major impetus for the reform effort, funding for support, graduation requirements, testing programs, teacher certification…