This study focuses on the profile of principals who seem to be able to shape the school culture to best encourage teaching and learning. Data from a representative sample of primary schools (N = 46) were collected through questionnaires for principals and for teachers (N = 700) and semi-structured interviews with the principals. Functioning,…

This Research Report summarizes various strategies that have been found to help struggling students succeed without having to repeat a grade. They include aligning instruction with standards, providing "early warning" assessments, multiage grouping, accelerated learning, increased professional development for teachers working with low-performing…

The current report explores what is available to superintendents after they assume their positions: what the landscape of sustained executive training and support options available for sitting school system leaders looks like. It describes about two dozen programs offered around the country-who offers them, how they are organized and funded, what…

Staff development programs and activities are common methods of stimulating change in the behavior of educators. These programs may be designed for a number of purposes, including (1) problem-solving within the local school or district; (2) remediation to develop work-related skills; (3) motivation to change and improve staff; and (4) development…

Isolation, overwork, and political tensions are cited as contributors to burnout. Although recent studies report that a large majority of administrators are reasonably satisfied in their current positions, many are facing greater stress and heavier workloads. Expectations, time and financial constraints, and personnel matters pressure…

This paper briefly discusses trends since the mid-1960's and the situation as of 1981 with regard to faculty status for academic librarians, particularly in California. Issues mentioned include working the academic as opposed to the calendar year, promotion, job qualifications, tenure, sabbatical leaves, research requirements, writing for…

The work-based learning model of human resource development has captured a great deal of attention and has gained increasing importance in higher education in recent years. Work-based learning is a powerful phenomenon that attempts to help policy-makers, managers and curriculum developers improve the quality of the decision and organizational…

The School Improvement Specialist Project prepared seven modules. School improvement specialists, as defined by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory at Edvantia, are change agents who work with schools to help them improve in the following areas so as to increase student achievement. These modules are intended to provide training materials for…

A mentoring program provides a nonthreatening environment in which pharmacy students, teachers, and other professionals can risk exploring application of textbook concepts while receiving guidance and encouragement. Such relationships stimulate active learning for mentor and protege. Mentoring relationships cannot be forced, but an environment for…

Discusses the concept of reflective practice developed by Donald Schon in 1983. Presents the questions explored in the five articles contained in this issue. Introduces each article and discusses the topics and recommendations provided by each article. (JS)

Schools across the country are investing millions of dollars every year in technology, and statistics show that technology in schools has grown at an exponential rate (Dirksen and Tharp 2000; Heath et al. 2000). But are schools getting the most from their technology investment? In this article, the author cites research literature to support his…

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Student Affairs profession at private colleges in the state of Iowa. One hundred fifty-nine Chief Student Affairs Officers at 22 private colleges responded to a questionnaire that asked about the following items: how they spent their days (i.e., percent of time spent on student contact, administrative…

Descriptions of microcomputer software packages currently available in Australia emphasize those used by special and school libraries. Software for library management functions, text retrieval, and database management systems are included, and geographical distribution is examined. The need for professional development courses in software…

The School Improvement Specialist Project prepared seven modules. School improvement specialists, as defined by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory at Edvantia, are change agents who work with schools to help them improve in the following areas so as to increase student achievement. These modules are intended to provide training materials for…

Literacy instruction does not end with reading success in early grades. As students move to middle and high school, new challenges emerge that can affect literacy achievement. Even for students who achieve early reading and writing success, the literacy demands of middle and high school can pose substantial challenges. Older students must be able…