Partnerships between educational researchers and school-based administrators and educators is imperative to successfully identifying evidence-based practices to improve pedagogy, curriculum, and student outcomes. In this paper, we recognize how being approached by educational researchers can be overwhelming for administrators and educators. We…

Our study aims to discover the degree of efficacy of the principal's performance in relation to the learning objectives, curriculum, and results, and explore the relationship among the perceptions of the inspectors, teachers, and management teams about the principal's efficacy in promoting students' learning. The Vanderbilt Assessment of…

The authors describe how teams of faculty and district leadership development directors used an appreciative organizing in education (AOE) framework using appreciative inquiry (AI) scholarship to promote a more sustainable architecture for the preparation and development of leaders. The AOE framework is introduced and a description is provided of…

Professional learning communities (PLCs) are being recognized as effective in improving teacher collaboration and student achievement. Trust is critical in effectively implementing the PLC model, and the school principal is best positioned to influence school trust levels. Using five facets of trust, this research sought to clarify the impact of…

Many educational models emphasize that best instructional practices are effective when working collaboratively with stakeholders. Professional learning communities focus on learning, collaborative endeavors, and shared accountability. The purpose of this article is to introduce an effectual framework for developing school counselor instructional…

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) have become increasingly popular in schools. PLCs are groups of teachers, administrators, parents, and students who collaborate to improve their practices and focus on results (DuFour, 2004). Grade-level and department teachers participate in regularly scheduled collaborative team meetings; however, many…

This multiple-site case study examined distributed leadership practices of three middle school principals, using observations, interviews, and document analysis. Findings disclosed that the principals built on the interdisciplinary teaming structure to develop empowering organizational structures that promoted democratic governance. Employing…

For more than 20 years, the efficacy of using the wraparound approach to support high-risk youth has been examined in educational and community settings. Few studies show the value of wraparound service from either a school- or community-based agency as a dropout prevention strategy. Findings from a federal research grant project suggest that many…

A description of the management team approach to administering a school in Unionville, Pennsylvania. (Author)

Reviews past and present views of the working relationship between a school's nurse and athletic trainer and discusses the author's own study which revealed that, compared to trainers, school nurses possess insufficient knowledge to assume adequate injury management. Offers a sample job description for a head athletic trainer. (WD)

Instead of confining interschool competition to athletic teams, schools should consider highlighting their students' academic prowess with academic contests. A number of national programs are reviewed, including the Academic Olympiad sponsored by Utah State University and involving seven cooperating school districts in northern Utah. (MLH)

Suicide, currently the second major cause of death among youth, is increasing. Dealing with the aftermath of student suicide requires unusual interventions called "postventions." Important functions include preventing cluster suicides, reducing student isolation, and aiding survivors in the grieving process. Planning involves four steps:…

Outlines four principles that are crucial to the success of an educational athletic program and gives suggestions for their implementation. The principles are (1) maximum participation; (2) participative decision making, teamwork, and sportsmanship; (3) progress in physical fitness and skills; and (4) evaluation of the coach. (WD)

To eliminate duplication and underutilization of student services, a South Carolina high school formed a student services committee composed of all service providers (principal, assistant principals, guidance counselors, psychologists, at-risk coordinator, computer specialist, and nurse). The group focused on needs assessment and team-building,…

Recent research shows that the department-head position represents an underutilized source of instructional leadership in secondary schools. To increase department-head participation, principals are advised to heed school tradition, follow employment policy guidelines, determine boundaries, consult involved staff, prepare job descriptions, provide…