The summative evaluation conference should focus on providing positive reinforcement for satisfactory or exemplary teaching performance, identifying behaviors that do not meet expectations, and describing how they can be improved. This article shows principals how to schedule and conduct such conferences, avoid judgmental approaches and common…

Discusses the educational reform movement's progress sine the 1983 landmark report "A Nation At Risk." Praises elementary school principals for concentrating on basic education while secondary schools were lowering graduation requirements. Urges sound leadership, student motivation, higher principal salaries, careful teacher evaluation, and strong…

Principals need to get away from traditional beliefs that equate math success solely with rote knowledge of math facts and the ability to calculate. Today, math instruction also is being directed to student understanding of essential concepts. Principals must learn what to look for when they visit math classrooms to make sure it is being taught…

Recounts an elementary school principal's interviews with 487 graduating sixth graders regarding their single, most vivid school experience and the qualities characterizing their best teacher and their favorite teacher (names not identified). The survey disclosed eight professional teaching qualities of "best" teachers (listed in inset). (MLH)

One way to exert leadership in orienting new teachers is to act confidently as master teacher. This can be accomplished by scheduling informal monthly orientation meetings centered on priority topics. Roundtable discussions of sensitive topics foster a different image of the principalship, increase administrator visibility, and facilitate both…

Teacher evaluations can prove very effective if sufficient observation time is allowed, classroom activities are noted objectively and thoroughly, both positive and negative findings are discussed fully with the teacher, and opportunities for improvement are provided. (PGD)

The incompetence of a few teachers can destroy the efforts of many excellent teachers. Principals need to know how to evaluate teachers effectively and act on their evaluations. The rationalizations typically used to justify failures to dismiss incompetent teachers will not stand up to scrutiny. (PGD)

Music teachers are often evaluated solely in terms of classroom management skills and assembly programs. This article suggests observable, measurable ways for principals to assess elementary music teaching--contingent on children's demonstrable enjoyment and understanding of music. Paul Lehman adds eight reasons for music education, including…

Lists and discusses 12 components of special education programs that principals and special education teachers can incorporate in new programs, can review in existing programs, and can use as a basis for developing goals for teacher evaluations. (PGD)