To explore the informal socialization of beginning elementary school principals, questionnaires were sent to a population of 107 Catholic school principals in their first, second, or third year of elementary school principalship in Ohio. Usable responses from 81 (76 percent) identified the significant others and the stages of 25 selected…

The third of six volumes in the "Elementary Principal Series," this booklet is intended for beginning elementary principals desiring to develop an effective communications plan for reaching their various publics. The principal plays a key role in controlling both the quantity and quality of school communications. Although principals may…

The second of six volumes in the "Elementary Principal Series," this booklet presents a framework to help beginning principals learn about their schools and the communities they serve. Principals should begin by reviewing key school documents, meeting with office staff, touring the physical plant, and getting to know the teaching staff…

Discusses a rationale for and a guide to organizing a written policy and procedure guide for operating a college newspaper. (AEA)

Successful superintendents recognize that taking charge is not a one-time event, but a two- or three-year process. Inspired by John J. Gabarro's May 1985 "Harvard Business Review" article, this article identifies five passages (taking hold, immersion, reshaping, consolidation, and refinement) that new superintendents must navigate…

The first of six volumes in the "Elementary Principal Series," this booklet identifies three major components of the building administrator's role (as chief administrator, operations manager, and instructional leader) and concentrates on instructional leadership as the key to educational excellence. Research shows that principals spend…

Court-ordered desegregation of a midwestern junior high school was quickly achieved because of staff commitment to the plan, which included a uniform discipline code and staff resolution of ongoing problems. (CJH)

Making sure positive information about the schools is promoted within the community is the job of news liaison persons in each school in a successful network that gets balanced news coverage for schools in Virginia. (MD)

Discusses the need for reference desk orientation for newly hired or reassigned librarians and presents an outline of a suggested orientation program. Orientation conducted by a supervisor is discussed, practical and philosophical aspects of reference service are addressed, and written materials that support the training are recommended. (nine…

This report proposes a program for orientation and training for public services staff at the Temple University Libraries. In the first section, orientation and training needs are assessed. Goals and an overview of the program are outlined in the next section. The third section describes the five program elements and objectives: (1) an individual…

The state of Illinois is encouraging schools to better inspect and evaluate the causes of their pest infestation problems through use of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This guide reviews the philosophy and organization of an IPM program for structural pests in schools,…

The Indicators of Quality Schools instrument is designed to be used in school self-studies to identify priority areas for improvement or closer study. Uses for the instrument are outlined in this user's guide. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the staff is oriented to evaluating school practices. The instrument may be completed by small groups…

Practical suggestions for telephone procedures and courtesy and for helping staff to provide prompt, accurate information to callers are offered in this pamphlet. The suggestions, developed by classified staff of Jefferson Community College (Kentucky) through a small-group process, are divided into four categories: (1) general responsibilities for…

A videotape that describes what earthquakes are, and examines the disaster planning schools can develop during the first few minutes following an earthquake to assure students and staff survive. The kinds of destruction likely to happen during a damaging earthquake are highlighted. The videotape stresses the need for children and staff to know…

Undergraduate academic advising at University of Pittsburgh's College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) occurs at two levels: freshmen-sophomore and junior-senior. The advising center assigns freshmen and sophomores advisors who are graduate students. In addition to discussing courses and plans, students fill out registration forms each term with their…