Written for and by principals, the guide provides a framework for developing school policies which encourage partnership with the parents of handicapped children. The first two sections focus on the principal's role in family impact analysis and characteristics of families with handicapped children as they relate to the school. The next section…

Desirable elements of middle school organization are explained here and skills essential for the middle school principal are discussed. The suggested training program includes a supervised internship based on performance objectives, use of simulation techniques, and plans for continued inservice. (Editor)

Outlines the steps a "lighthouse" principal took in turning an ineffective school characterized by low morale, poor achievement, and high absentee rates into an effective school with high morale and improved student achievement during a six-month period. (MD)

The uses of corporal punishment with mildly handicapped students (learning disabled, behaviorally disordered, and mentally retarded students) in integrated public school settings were investigated. It was found that corporal punishment with mildly handicapped students occurs in virtually every region of the country, in communities of every size,…

Describes a midwestern high school's serious student publications program. Over the past 20 years, students here have published major stories on incest, homosexuality, teen pregnancy, cheating, divorce, fatal illness, and other topics without prepublication scrutiny by the principal. Recommendations are provided to ensure fair coverage, relevant…

A 1994 survey of 55 middle and 32 high school principals in central Missouri revealed that peer sexual harassment is a common occurrence and that 67% of schools had no relevant policy. Administrators should draft a clear policy with help from students and parents, publicize the policy, and investigate all student complaints. (MLH)

Creating a safe, secure learning environment has long been a high priority for high-school principals. Today's principals battle numerous federal and state laws, mandated zero-tolerance policies, and police involvement that remove them as key decision-makers. Security measures must be comprehensive, cooperative, and consistent. (MLH)

Discusses how numerous legal sources (Constitutional, federal, state, local, and common law) affect everyday public school operations. Fields 10 questions regarding written and legally sound rules, common rules for district schools, board approval of club bylaws and activities, "in loco parentis," legal image, employee assignments,…

As principals become more accountable for student achievement, evaluation policies and procedures should be carefully crafted. Evaluation should focus on school improvement, be performance-based and aligned with job junctions, define performance expectations, promote buy-in and collaboration among administrators, promote growth and improved…

Focus-group interviews of New York City middle-school students about their perceptions of the effectiveness of the school-uniform policy. Finds that students' perceptions of the effects of school-uniform policy on school culture varied considerably with those intended by the principal. (Contains 40 references.) (PKP)

This case study explores the politics and ethics surrounding a likely breach of school policy and possible breach of law. Students will be asked to identify key legal, ethical, and political issues in a unique scenario involving complex community issues, a split board, and unknown levels of support from superiors. At stake are employment status of…

Although the literature points to principals' central role in enhancing school effectiveness, the demonstration of a causal relationship between their instructional leadership and student achievement is difficult. Researchers have suggested that instructional leadership can influence teaching and classroom practices through the establishment of…

Administrators need to know what control they have over student-produced publications. The first step administrators should take is to be well versed in the First Amendment and in court rulings involving the scope of student rights and school authority in regard to the student press. Step two is to make rules within the law. In general, school…

A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE STATUS AND POSITION OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALSHIP WAS PRESENTED. QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT TO 3,506 PRINCIPALS. BASED UPON 1,146 RESPONSES THE DATA WERE ANALYZED AND PRESENTED IN THESE CATEGORIES--(1) ORGANIZATION OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, (2) PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRINCIPAL, (3)…

Case study of a new principal who turns around an elementary school with a misbehaving student body and and apathetic staff by setting, publicizing, and consistently enforcing clear rules; documenting infractions; involving parents; encouraging student responsibility; and requiring lesson plans. (DCS)