The purpose of this research was to develop and test an instrument to measure school leaders' use of Twitter for professional development (PD) and learning. Findings from an exploratory factor analysis indicate that the resulting nine-item Twitter for PD Scale offers a valid and reliable instrument to measure school leaders' use of Twitter for PD…

The study examines factors that boost principals' sense of resilience in their first year, as well as those that undermine it. 61 interviews were conducted with 21 school principals from five different districts throughout their first year in the role. Analysis revealed five categories of resilience-undermining factors. (1) Work overload that…

School-based management (SBM) remains a "hot topic" in educational circles. This article explores the reality of SBM internationally. It focusses on the perceptions of selected Australian public secondary principals who reflect on the drivers and impediments affecting their capacity to lead school-based innovation. While broadly…

As instructional leadership involves attempts to understand and improve complex systems, this study explored principals' perceptions regarding possible contributions of systems thinking to instructional leadership. Based on a qualitative analysis, systems thinking was perceived by middle and high school principals to contribute to the following…

In Great Britain school management is often a team function requiring collaboration among colleagues. Management development has centered on training courses provided by specialized outside agencies, "club" style centers, and district or state training academies. (MD)

Districts planning to implement principal mentoring programs can increase their programs' chances of success by considering various issues, such as mentor selection, mentor/protege matches, essential hands-on experiences, and the value of reciprocation and time commitment. Successful mentoring depends on establishing trust, conveying expectations,…

Examines trends in curriculum planning and development in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Nations. Argues for cooperative curriculum planning and development with shared authority focusing on the global community. (12 references) (MLF)

The Fort McMurray Catholic School District in Alberta, Canada, developed an evaluation model to address shortcomings in typical plans, including failure to nurture competent teachers, assist beginning teachers, challenge accomplished educators, assess and improve school leadership skills, enhance staff ownership of the process, and counsel…

Provides a profile of American schools in foreign countries, with particular attention to their similarities and dissimilarities to stateside counterparts. Makes a case for unique opportunities for international understanding. (Author/WD)

Discusses three cultural categories studied by Margaret Mead: pre-figurative (slow-changing); cofigurative (moderately changing); and post-figurative (rapidly changing). Schools must help our young persons recognize different ways of life throughout the world. We can no longer assume that our own practices, beliefs, and standards are superior to…

Principals must ensure that school climate promotes acceptance of all races and cultures and discourages racial slurs, jokes, and other acts of bias and discrimination. An Ontario (Canada) school district has developed a comprehensive race relations policy governing six areas: incidents of expressed bias and discrimination, student assessment and…