School closure is a journey of uncertainty and loss that inspires strong emotions and opposition. Many factors contribute to school closure. Demographics of neighborhoods change; young families might settle in the suburbs to buy newer, bigger homes, causing enrollment in city-center schools to decline. In addition, some school districts have…

Homework is often a hot-button issue for schools. Even with a school homework policy, the homework practices of teachers vary in quality, with some teachers applying best practice standards, while others assign homework too difficult for some students, or collect homework without providing feedback to students. In addition, families in which…

When principals travel down the road of change, they often find potholes of resistance, many resulting from misconceptions about the process. In this article, the author debunks five myths about change: (1) Change is always the answer; (2) The destination is more important than the journey; (3) Change depends on the principal's leadership; (4)…

Many teachers believe that their administrators have lost touch with life in the classroom, and the resulting gap is a serious concern. Closing a perception gap between principals and teachers is critical if they are to work together for their mutual benefit and that of the children they serve. The authors of this article asked a group of veteran,…

Briefly describes the perfect principal's leadership, consciousness of human relations, charisma, visibility, high standards, positive attitude, openness, organization, consistency, and involvement in professional activities. (PGD)

Explains why teachers resist change; describes what principals can do to make teachers more willing to change. Provides 10 tips from teachers on how to implement successful change. (PKP)

Positive attitudes produce positive results. Offers practical suggestions for principals to develop a more positive atmosphere among faculty and staff. (MLF)

Describes a gradual, three-month process for getting teachers interested in using a microcomputer, including placing the microcomputer first in the principal's office and then in the teachers' lounge; providing resources and inservice sessions with a consultant; encouraging teacher use at home and in class; and buying new software. (RW)

An Iowa project working with elementary students' attitudes toward people with disabilities could be effectively revamped as a teacher inservice program involving discrimination activities, group discussions, films, orientation and observation videos, an overview of Public Law 94-142, and information about support service agencies. Includes 11…

Describes a Wellesley (Massachusetts) study concerning why parents are moving their children from public to private schools. The reasons--school closings, discipline problems, unresponsive schools, and lack of teacher and administrator concern for the individual child--point to the importance of the principal. (Author/JM)