A survey of department chairs at colleges and universities investigated the administrators' perceptions of the importance of 26 administrative duties. Results reveal patterns in perceived importance of functions and perceptions of effectiveness in achieving them. Factors of hiring, discipline, gender, or orientation (manager, leader, developer,…

This reprinted 1971 article reports on analysis of a 1968 survey of 221 research administrators in terms of organizational affiliation, duties and responsibilities, titles, and educational background. The paper argues that administration is like the doughnut hole, but research is the doughnut, and points out that research as an activity needs to…

The primary headteacher's role has undergone significant changes since Britain's Education Reform Act (1988). This article explores headteachers' perceptions of change resulting from their career paths, imposed legislation, and relations with key stakeholders. Many changes are contradictory and generate paradoxes. Heads manage, but are more than…

The decentralization policy of Tomorrow's Schools entrusted individual schools with their own operational funds, and responsibility for property and personnel decisions and for staff development. As a result, the role of the primary principal became wider, calling on new knowledge and skills. Principals were also given a greater workload and a…

Using the results of 50 returned surveys, the study examined the beliefs of elementary and secondary school teachers concerning what they think the principal does in special education, with particular emphasis on the mandates of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act). Among findings were the following: nearly half stated that…

A study tested the effectiveness of six 2-hour seminars in changing the behavior of elementary school principals in faculty meetings. Eighteen elementary principals from six metropolitan Detroit school districts participated in the study. The subject matter of the seminars included the selection of topics for a staff meeting, demonstration of…

To obtain a realistic understanding of the supervisory role perception of the elementary principal, a 10-item questionnaire was sent to 400 elementary principals and teachers throughout Texas. They rank ordered both real and ideal role dimensions and agreed that the role is not what it should be. Principals now serve as disciplinarians but do not…

A parent recognizes principals as the educational leaders in their communities and urges them to be aware of the importance of parents in making schools effective learning places. (Author/MLF)

Results of a survey of statewide boards for four-year colleges show that the typical new member is appointed, gets little indoctrination, has previous experience on boards, sees finance as the main issue, and gives two to four days a month on board work. (Editor/LBH)

State directors of two-year college education were asked to rate the importance and time spent on 67 specific managerial activities and to identify the activities to which they should and would like to allocate more time. Long-range planning and staff development were of greatest interest to respondents, whereas negotiation was of least interest.…

Examines the effects of role conflicts and role ambiguities on university department chairpersons who belong to the University Council for Educational Administration. Concludes role ambiguity, especially in the areas of student affairs, departmental governance, faculty affairs, external communications, and professional development, increases job…

Describes a mini-course called "Women in Managerial Roles," developed as an innovative experiential methodology to help women bridge the reality gap between classroom and corporation in two ways: bring an entire class of women students inside the corporation, and create structured interactions between the students and women corporate executives…

Defines the role of a department head and suggests some ways to help schools use department chairmen more effectively. (MLF)

Principals occupy apex positions, and like all high level executives, they are subject to fierce pressures and stresses. Discusses the nature of the role situation and presents a strategy that may help principals cope with the rising demands of the job. (Editor/RK)