Although no school leader likes media coverage of sensitive issues, handling them forthrightly and candidly benefits everyone. The three major facets of an effective media campaign include realistic expectations of the media, personalizing media relations, and controlling both access and message. (MLH)

Four top corporate executives were invited to help school executives formulate the shape of future school/business partnerships and to name the single most meaningful educational change needed. Most emphasized business's supportive role in shaking up a failing system, turning around the nation's worst schools, and developing a competent labor…

When two former principals in central office positions set out to improve administrative communications, their goal was to achieve the quality of exchanges often occurring in the faculty room. With the superintendent's support, they successfully approached district principals with the idea of scheduled, informal, open agenda meetings between them…

Presents five compelling reasons to make school-parent relations a priority of each district's professional development program: challenges to school structures and funding; public reactions and marketing factors; lack of preservice training in parental involvement; changes in demographics, family structure, and day care; and the potential impact…

Proposals for helping districts with severe financial problems range from various forms of privatization to administrative decentralization and boards of local control. An alternative approach to state takeovers employs a state government corporation (similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority) free of political influence, along with site-based…

Noting the dim employment prospects for youth and the economic plight of young American families, a recent Grant Foundation report calls for more experience-based schooling. Also recommended is better funding for existing Head Start, Chapter 1, and federal job training programs and for new legislation--the Fair Chance/Youth Opportunities Act. (MLH)

The destruction caused by substance abuse extends to all of Philadelphia's nearly 200,000 students. The greatest damage is incurred through using legal addictive drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. This article describes Philadelphia's collaboration with police, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. Attorney's office to combat this problem. (MLH)

A review of 200 documents describing site-based management in the United States, Canada, and Australia shows that this management style does not achieve its stated objectives to change school policy, broaden decision-making, and improve instruction or student achievement. Program viability, site conditions, and assessment issues are discussed. A…

Before designing and implementing an evaluation program for principals, districts must determine purpose. Districts that weave both purposes (accountability and professional improvement) into a comprehensive evaluation program reap important benefits. Three basic phases are involved--planning, collecting information, and using information. (MLH)

Valued, experienced teachers can give superior classroom performances with help from a dedicated principal and a performance management plan that involves (1) pinpointing the teaching skill needing improvement; (2) supportive confrontation; (3) mutual discussion of alternative solutions; (4) definition of responsibilities; (5) followup and…

A superintendent search consultant advises would-be superintendents to avoid resume overkill, succinctly summarize relevant education and experience, provide transcripts and copies of best reference letters, and update references. Candidates are also advised to be frank about personal "skeletons," prepare adequately for interviews, dress…

Search consultants' acceptance of women as school leaders does not go far enough. There is too much focus on individual women's competence and choices as determinants of success. The American ideology of individualism conceals the systemic barriers that women face when attempting to achieve powerful and coveted positions. Boards should choose…

How administrators communicate with stakeholders about alternative student-assessment methods can make or break their reform efforts. This article highlights innovative communication strategies used in Kentucky, San Diego, and other urban districts affiliated with the National Alliance for Restructuring Education. Sidebars offer strategies for…

Parents of gifted children may be convinced to support inclusive programs. In one Washington district, well-educated parents given sixth-grade test data supported an enriched, inclusive program once they realized that some of their kids would not qualify as gifted. Districts can allow parents to attend professional development programs alongside…

Evaluation of gifted programs can help educators plan appropriate curriculum, enhance implementation, and judge program impact. Evaluating planning provides useful information for establishing need, justifying certain curricular approaches, and documenting the integration of services with the school program. Cost-effectiveness and program-impact…