Regarding Japanese students' high achievement levels, there are two important defining characteristics: high standards in all aspects of life and effort in problem solving. The idea of natural ability or talent is not very important. Ironically, Japanese colleges and universities are inadequate, despite rigorous qualifying examinations. (MLH)

The American Association of School Administrators is concerned that past federal professional development activities have centered on colleges and universities rather than on school districts where teaching and learning occur. When reexamining the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress should fund only local initiatives aimed at quality change and…

School leaders in four communities describe some approaches they are using to reduce school district spending or generate new revenues. Suggestions include finding alternative revenue sources; pursuing "pro bono" or in-kind services; adopting zero-base, programmatic budgeting; reducing support and custodial staff ratios; and applying technological…

To find out about learning styles programs and instruments, educators can contact the Arizona State University's Educational Information System, perform an ERIC search, or request information from educational associations, organizations, and experts. This article advises on choosing learning style models, designing supportive environments,…

Many states are focusing all their educational reform energy on standards and assessments. Close examination of some implicit assumptions of standards-based reform leads us back to other trees in the woods. This article examines several assumptions about student priorities, motivating factors, accountability factors, higher demands, rewards,…

As one Maryland district's experience shows, a district-operated food-and-nutrition service is capable of meeting student demands while maintaining a fiscally, administratively, and nutritionally sound program. Districts should first evaluate their food programs as to student satisfaction, financial health, performance and cost/savings incentives,…

Asked to identify one book that profoundly influenced their thinking, eight well-read superintendents recommended titles stressing learning and leadership themes. The list includes James Comer's "Waiting for a Miracle," Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," John Dewey's "Experience and Education," Antoine de…

Effective leadership programs have a clearly defined belief structure and a teaching team that provides direction for both the students and the program. Leadership can be learned, but it is a process, not a position. Like dart throwing, leadership skills can be taught if individuals are coached, have a chance to practice various skills, get…

Two former superintendents reveal what questions to expect when facing a school board in the course of a job search. Questions on board interference, instructional role, and budget development are a good bet. Candidates should shake hands firmly, dress conservatively, be forthright, and watch their demeanor. (MLH)

The cost of school administration and its effect on available instructional resources has been a highly debated topic since then-Secretary of Education William Bennett popularized the "blob" designation 10 years ago. A recent Educational Research Service study challenges six misperceptions about school administration's cost, size, and…

According to the chairman emeritus for McDonnell Douglas, a free republic is the most powerful form of government and also the most fragile, because it depends on a virtuous people. Virtue calls for balancing our own needs with those of society. The Character Education Partnership has drawn up and published 11 principles of effective character…

School officials are spending more time on their schools' playing fields to evaluate, assess, and implement measures to protect students and their districts from serious and growing concerns involving risk management in interscholastic athletics. Adequate insurance coverage, better screening, and athletic trainers are helpful safety measures.…

A decentralized teacher-coaching model has been adopted by several Los Angeles-area school districts through an initiative called Design for Excellence Linking Teaching and Achievement (DELTA). DELTA encourages coaches and beginning teachers to develop a personalized support plan, and stresses one-on-one relationships and support, not evaluation.…

Clear and concise communication in school systems is one of the weakest links in many administrative practices. Ron Edmonds, a professor at Harvard University and Michigan State University, found that good educator-to-parent communication goes a long way in improving student achievement. (MLF)

Describes the Missouri Sunshine Law; discusses a Missouri appellate court decision indicating that the sunshine law may prohibit the electronic exchange (voice or email) of information concerning public matters among a quorum of school board members. (PKP)