Recent research has suggested that the principal's role in the effectiveness of schools is far more important than had been believed earlier. What the principal's role typically is, what it ideally should be, and how it can be changed are the topics of this report. The first two chapters survey (1) the research on characteristics of principals of…

This paper examines the politics of public school closings and suggests strategies for effective management of school closings by administrators. Issues which are covered include: (1) the effects of public school closings on students, teachers, parents, and the community; (2) the trend of declining enrollment; (3) management approaches to closings…

This document, produced through an ESEA Title III grant, contains seven position papers on education evaluation from the standpoints of psychology, sociology, political science, business management, school administration, and computer science. The first paper summarizes the history of educational program evaluation and reviews current theories and…

Five papers are presented from a workshop for school business officials. One analyzes the limitations and potential misuses of planning, programming, budgeting systems (PPBS) in education. The second surveys current activity in educational program budgeting with a look to the future. These two presentations are followed by a panel discussion. The…

Suggests specific ways of bringing the academic study of religion into a secular curriculum. Presents general guidelines and procedures for administrators, in working with school boards, to design and implement the teaching of religion. Argues that state boards of education are instrumental in making the academic study of religion a vital part of…

Examines the challenges of providing educational leadership in rapidly changing rural school settings. Describes a leadership development model that stresses learning in action, examines the role and responsibilities of school boards related to educational leadership, and suggests that the Individual Education Plan process can be a model for…

A model for improving school and classroom effectiveness must pay attention to: (1) leadership; (2) school climate; (3) supervision; (4) teacher behaviors; (5) student behaviors; and (6) student achievement. Chapter 1 of this book on effective schools and classrooms introduces these important issues and describes a model incorporating these…

Four school boards in Ontario, Canada, were selected for intensive case studies to examine the models, policies, procedures, and practices used to stimulate, support, coordinate, and assess the effectiveness of curriculum changes within their jurisdictions. The data collection consisted of (1) documents such as organizational charts,…

THE SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTED A COMMITTEE ON RACE AND EDUCATION TO DETERMINE IF PORTLAND SCHOOLS DEPRIVED THE CHILDREN OF ONE RACE THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AFFORDED TO THOSE OF OTHER RACES, WHAT MIGHT BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN CULTURALLY DEPRIVED AREAS OF THE CITY, AND WHAT MIGHT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM DO THROUGH ITS…

In the first section of this report, a description is given of the total system, including the following elements: Assumptions, curriculum, instructional procedures, instructional program-communications, evaluation procedures, personnel management, financial management, and parental and community involvement. Following this system description is…

This report synthesizes the findings of four studies that focused on school districts as the center of focus for school-improvement efforts. The studies did not examine school systems that had been high performing for a long time; rather, they took their data from districts serving high percentages of students who typically struggle but were…

This document presents a set of principles for effective professional development and a series of practical suggestions to help schools and school districts implement these principles. The document also profiles several Indiana schools and programs that exemplify the type of school-based approach to professional development that is so promising.…

This paper is organized as a dialogue between two female administrators, the superintendent of program and the superintendent of operations, from the Wellington County Board of Education in southwestern Ontario, Canada. After describing Wellington County and the organizational structure of the school board, the superintendents describe the nature…

This guide to the physical education curriculum was developed for use in junior high schools in Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida. A listing of the goals of the program is followed by a presentation of county policies and recommendations concerning promotion, the adapative physical education program, student evaluation, participation, uniforms,…

Focusing on the 1980 strike of public secondary school teachers in Sudbury, Ontario, this study examined attitudes of those involved; ascertained feelings toward the school system that may have emerged since the strike; and examined events, influences, and developments leading to the strike and prolonging the strike. The field study represented…