Two recent studies suggest that the role of the principal is indeed affected by collective bargaining, so that principals lose autonomy and take on new responsibilities. Four references are provided. (DCS)

After summarizing the relevant federal laws regarding the educational rights of handicapped students, the author reviews recent cases regarding such students' suspension and expulsion. From court decisions, conclusions are then drawn about the legally allowable disciplining of handicapped students. (JW)

Principals supporting effective programing for gifted students should exhibit competencies listed in this article when exercising planning and leadership, developing philosophy, determining goals and objectives, understanding gifted students' characteristics, identifying gifted students, financing and staffing the program, providing guidance and…

Describes the advantages of small, private middle schools in terms of academics, environment, citizenship, and teacher-student relationships. (WD)

Despite a lack of support for the teaching of writing as a process that requires much practice, administrators must support teachers in this proved method of teaching writing skills. (Author/JM)

Outlines the duties of English department heads and what their areas of expertise ought to be. (Author/JM)

To address deficiencies in basic skills, a Florida middle school is piloting a program that immerses 75 students in a mastery-learning curriculum centered around reading, writing, basic language arts, and functional math. The program covers science and social studies thematically and has a social/personal skill development unit. The principal's…

Summarizes findings from a 15-month study of 6 schools and principals changing to a decentralized school governance model. Highlights benefits such as administrator role redefinition, autonomy's effects on improving school culture and contributing to school reform success, increased commitment to decisions, increased staff cohesion and trust, and…

Simply involving teachers in decision making does not ensure a more effective school. As one San Diego high school's experience with strategic planning shows, teachers must have previous experiences that stress personal validation, build collegiality, and provide opportunities for inquiry and reflection. Principals must be able to gauge staff…

National standards for education are important elements in the excellence process, but standards imposed by a central authority simply do not work in the Information Era. It would be wise to increase teachers' decision-making role in establishing and implementing local level excellence standards and train teachers to employ the Japanese "kaizen"…

Principals set the tone and create visions for innovation and change. Mounting research about the brain tempered with cautions of over interpretations can aid the principals to provide leadership in implementing more brain compatible schools. Practical strategies encompass the emotional environment of the school, policies, and procedures that…

Public relations is a process that should produce relationships (not merely favorable public opinion) and should target a few opinion leaders and others who really care about individual schools. As chief public relations officers, principals need to understand the information diffusion process and use workable tactics to produce solid community…

A South Carolina high school band director describes his experience with the Springfield Simulation, a role-playing seminar/workshop where individuals are assigned roles and situations that will aid them in developing administrative skills. (TE)

A migrant education resource teacher from California describes the personal and professional benefits she obtained from her participation in the Springfield project, a role-playing seminar/workshop for administrators. (TE)

Can students' writing ability really be assessed by standardized, objective tests? This question is explored here along with a discussion of the alternatives and advice for principals to help their English and language arts teachers confront the issue. (Author/TE)