Technological literacy is a multidimensional term embracing the need to use technology, the need to understand issues raised by technology, and the appreciation for technology's significance. Technology education is a laboratory-based discipline in which students gain conceptual knowledge while participating in hands-on activities. Principals have…

During employment interviews, the principal's two major roles are encouraging effective communication and measuring the data collected. Communication requires a relaxed atmosphere, focus on the interview purpose, and active listening by both parties. To measure response adequacy, the interviewer must decide whether the question was truly answered…

The principal's role must change to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Administrative thinking must shift from efficiency to effectiveness. This article presents an Iceberg Model to enable the administrator to become an instructional leader by building a knowledge base, developing a philosophy and vision, and modifying observable behavior.…

Evaluators using a naturalistic orientation observe a teacher's performance within the context of other lessons and interactions, view teacher observation and evaluation as processes rather than outcomes, and see events from the teacher's perspective. Principals can increase objectivity by recognizing the effects of their attitudes and experiences…

In this interview, Arthur E. Wise, teacher reform advocate, discusses the status of educational reform, the impact of the national goals, and the principal's role in implementing change. School-based management complicates the principal's role, as principals must become expert team-builders and facilitators. The national education goals are…

According to a former principal, the best strategies for improving schools are to delegate authority, enlist faculty in critical decisions, impose questions instead of solutions, and create an environment where teachers can continually grow and learn together. Principals must be focused on the future, but grounded in reality. (MLH)

Instead of relegating their assistant principal to discipline and attendance, the Frankfurt (West Germany) American High School restructured the AP role to focus on instructional leadership, employee supervision, collegiality, training, and positive student interactions. Conflict resolution, lunchtime intramurals, town hall meetings, and a…

Neglected in educational literature, assistant principals can nonetheless help principals by acting as vision codesigners, teacher coaches and evaluators, master schedule designers, program developers, instructional managers, and communicators. Shared instructional leadership allows for greater job control, flexibility, initiative, collegial…

Principals' efforts to ensure that students develop a positive attitude toward their school may be organized into four areas: developing a school climate conducive to learning; providing for students' individual success; facilitating positive communication; and having a multifaceted approach to discipline. (Author/MLF)

There is a positive relationship between teaching effectiveness and the teacher's perceptions of himself and his abilities. The educational leader should try to enhance the teacher's self-image in order to improve instructional quality. (Author)

Analyzes the organizational values and other elements that make up institutional cultures, and discusses how these cultures shape the behavior of people in the institutions. Provides administrators with practical strategies for creating effective school cultures within their own institutions. Stresses the importance of positive traditions and…

The public's attitude toward public schools is the topic of this interview with George Gallup, in which he discusses the impact of the mass media and recent national education reports, the need for schools to improve their public relations efforts, and the role of the principal in this. (DCS)

Middle-level teachers can avoid passive seatwork and encourage students to think using a "guided thinking" approach, designed to help adolescents develop more sophisticated thinking and reasoning skills. Essential elements of guided thinking are described, along with an implementation strategy and the principal's role in fostering…

Provides a model that explains persistent obstacles to clear communication--notably culture, tradition, conditioning, distractions, and feedback--and suggests means of overcoming them. (JW)

Principals can improve the academic climate of their schools by setting educational objectives and eliminating extracurricular programs hindering their realization. Recommendations include scheduling extracurricular activities outside the school day, minimizing noninstructional uses of class time, and restructuring administration to allow…