The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Assessment Center Project expects to have 53 comprehensive centers in operation by June 1986. Behavior modeling is the training strategy for professional development, and research has confirmed that the process can help predict who will be a successful administrator. (MLF)

The allocation and use of time are considered important in the context of learning because time can be manipulated, measured, and applied to the design of instructional programs. After a clarification of terminology, an overview of current research on time is offered and policy recommendations discussed. (MJL)

An Alaska school district administrator explains the reasons for maintaining a public relations program and outlines important areas to consider in communicating with schools in remote villages. (MD)

IMPACT II is an intercity teacher-to-teacher system whereby teachers who have developed exemplary programs can receive grants and join a network that enables them to disseminate their programs to other interested teachers. (MLF)

Reviews the historical background of teacher tenure and discusses, using state court decisions, the bases for teacher dismissal, including insubordination, moral misconduct, disability, job elimination, and incompetence. Notes seven types of incompetence warranting dismissal, involving discipline, scholastic ability, pupil performance, and other…

Explains legal principles of defamation suits and how, in cases involving school personnel, determination of injury depends on whether an employee is a "public official" or a "private person." Defenses available to a school employee are discussed. (MLF)

Vandalism prevention methods cited by school administrators and a city park director include a silent audio surveillance system; school visits at unscheduled times by a principal dwelling nearby; and prompt repair of broken equipment. Available from the American Association of School Administrators, 1801 North Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209.…

Reviews recent educational research that establishes the relationship between effective schools and student performance. School policies can lead to higher educational achievement, regardless of family background. (Author/WD)

Reviews major changes for school districts under the reauthorized 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments. The new amendments allow disabled children to be disciplined more effectively, require individual education plans to include a student-evaluation component, limit district responsibility for attorney fees, encourage…

Intelligence in everyday life requires a broader range of abilities than those measured by conventional tests of academic achievement. Creative and practical skills can be more important than analytic skills. The Sternberg Triarchic Abilities Test, which measures all three abilities, helps teachers obtain more complete picture of child's…

Beset with rising costs and inequity problems, Greensboro City, High Point City, and Guilford County districts merged to become North Carolina's third largest district, with 59,000 students. Although the superintendent had to downsize staff, eliminate special-interest programs, and refashion summer school, the merger yielded wider community…

The entrepreneur behind the Edison Project and Channel One shares his observations about the unfairness of public school critics, the "tyranny" of operational demands, and the promise of national school companies for underemployed teachers and research and development ventures. Praising public schools for being receptive to new concepts,…

Suggests that protecting children is humanity's moral litmus test and the overarching moral challenge in our world and nation, where millions of children's lives are ravaged by adult wars, neglect, abuse, and racial, ethnic, religious, and class divisions. Notes that what school leaders accomplish now (investing in child health, early childhood…

Suggests three monumental social changes in U.S. history have moved us closer to a viable democracy: the Bill of Rights, the abolition of slavery, and woman's suffrage. Notes children face many types of poverty; a children's rights amendment would focus child advocacy efforts. Discusses the precedent of the Equal Rights Amendment, which failed by…

Building, maintaining, and strengthening the board/superintendent relationship requires clear mutual expectations, consistent communication, and trust. Improvement-minded superintendents should develop six good habits: removing surprises from meetings, following up on routine assignments, developing and following guidelines for contacting board…