Explains benefits and drawbacks of having more than one family member in superintendent positions. Married couples sharing the same profession can identify with each others' problems, but should avoid unnecessary competition or advice giving. Showing support is appreciated. Second-generation superintendents may be a growing phenomenon. (MLH)

Provides four suggestions to follow when purchasing from web-based companies: Put in place a strong RFP process; conduct due diligence of the finalists; use contractual terms to mitigate risk; and clearly set project expectations and timeliness. (PKP)

Chanted by educators, business people, parents and politicians of every stripe, the notion of raising the bar of acceptable performance has universal appeal. In education, raising the bar is about much more than raising students' test scores. In this article the author discusses how raising the bar is much more than making schoolwork more…

The American Association of School Administrators believes that professional compensation programs for teachers should incorporate three goals: (1) entry level salaries should be sufficiently high to attract the top one-fourth of those choosing vocations requiring at least a bachelor's degree; (2) the plan must be sufficiently competitive to hold…

The causes for executive dismissal are discussed, including the special problems involved in the development of effective administration in the educational field. The importance of ethics and honesty in professional organizations is emphasized. (MD)

Describes a Texas educational program that uses interactive instructional television to teach fully accredited high school classes, staff development workshops, and preservice and inservice education classes. (MD)

Describes a range of vocational education programs varying in scope, teaching methods, and educational philosophy that are developing throughout the country as a result of community and industry needs. (MD)

That women represent only 13 percent of school administrators is noted, and a survey of experts on women educators' career advancement is summarized. Women seeking administrative positions are advised to examine and readjust their leadership styles, become qualified, pursue administrative experience, publicize career goals to influential persons,…

Governors and other politicians are beginning to broach the issue of vouchers again. If so, the issue could generate heated debate rivaling that caused by merit pay. (Author)

Administrators are advised that the key to making decisions while preserving peace of mind is to give themselves enough options to avoid feeling trapped. Six different decision-making strategies are described. (Author/MLF)

Discusses questions a superintendent should review with the school board and school attorney to define the attorney's role and ensure maximum understanding. Superintendents should consider whether they are comfortable asking for timely assistance, which school leaders are authorized to contact the school attorney, and how legal advice is…

Responding to numerous lawsuits, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights recently promulgated nationwide guidelines entitled "Sexual Harassment of Students by School Employees, Other Students or Third Parties." This document suggests that school districts establish a student code of conduct prohibiting sexual…

New Title I legislation--the Improving America's Schools Act--mandates that students with disabilities be included in district and statewide assessments beginning in 2001, or immediately, if such assessments already exist. Administrators should include handicapped students in assessments, when in doubt; provide needed accommodations; and report…

The Education Writers Association recently adopted a resolution urging school districts and states to release information on which groups of students are tested and which are excluded when reporting standardized test results. Three authorities on student assessment agree that full disclosure prevents score inflation and holds states and districts…

Discusses ways to reinvigorate public education to enhance democratic values and civic virtues. Argues that school choice (charter schools, home schooling, and vouchers) fragments the current system of education. Calls for public schools and social institutions to work together to prepare children for school and make schools ready for children.…