Describes some advantages of the early adoption of wireless, laptop, and personal digital assistant (PDA) technology. Provides examples of early adoption experiences in several school districts. Advantages include increased computer access, timesavings, and expanded curricular offerings. Also highlights potential cost savings involving, for…

Superintendent describes team approach to school construction or renovation. (PKP)

Personal account of her first-year experience as superintendent of the Pulaski Central Schools in upstate New York. (PKP)

Describes a superintendent's plan of entry into a new school district. Includes six-step guide for entry plan survey. (PKP)

The Central Bucks (Pennsylvania) Educational Foundation is one of approximately 1,500 public education foundations established by cities, towns, and school districts across the nation. About 65 urban districts have foundations belonging to the Public Education Fund Network. Annual budgets range from $3 thousand to $2 million. Benefits and startup…

Because the first educational reform waves were centered at state and school levels, superintendents have been left out of the picture. Excluding the superintendency from overall improvement designs or demeaning its contribution could unravel many change efforts. Superintendents must commit to a well-crafted educational agenda and redefine their…

To commemorate the American Association of School Administrators' 125th anniversary, this article presents significant dates in the organization's history, since its founding in 1865, along with some critical events in education. (MLH)

"The School Administrator" interviewed three experts concerning the status of the critical thinking movement. Robert Schwartz advocates student learning in a problem-solving context. E.D. Hirsch sees no conflict between critical thinking and cultural literacy concepts. Matthew Lipman promotes critical thinking by encouraging children to…

Gang activities are often part of a complex web of drugs, abuse, and high regard for violent and criminal behavior. This article discusses the spread of street gangs and describes innovative intervention and prevention programs, such as Chicago's counseling/support project using ex-gang members. Experts' tips are also provided. (MLH)

Based on the experience of the Los Angeles Unified School District (California), this article presents areas for school districts to scrutinize when planning for emergencies. These include written plans, duplicate home telephone listings, communications plans, staff identification cards, utility shutoff information, and food and shelter…

Presents varied responses to Ramsay Selden's proposed student assessment reporting model in the same "School Administrator" issue. Opinions of the four educators surveyed range from outright rejection of score adjustment to statements stressing the importance of context and subgroup profiles. (MLH)

Because proposals differ, educators and administrators must study the rationale of research findings on, and requirements of, particular school choice programs. Well-designed choice plans are not panaceas, but can help produce significant, widespread improvement, as seen in East Harlem, New York; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Minneapolis-St. Paul,…

Describes various school choice options and explains how each relates to school improvement. Variations include interdistrict choice, postsecondary options, second-chance programs, teacher-initiated or chartered schools, controlled choice (to aid desegregation efforts), and magnet schools offering choice within a traditional district assignment…

As the nation's educators and policymakers confront high dropout rates and low academic achievement, school officials are increasingly considering cash awards, guaranteed scholarship funds, and valuable prizes as motivators. Some states tie drivers' licenses to school attendance or passing grades; others fine parents for their youngsters' poor…

Disagreement rages over wide SAT test score disparities among various student subgroups. Critics find the SAT inherently biased toward White males and a poor predictor of college performance. Others attribute score differences to differences in preparation. The College Board advises taking more vigorous courses, reading extensively, and taking…