In recent years, informal walk-throughs have become an expected part of the principal's routine. These visits sometimes bring about the uncomfortable realization that some classes in the school are a monotonous, lackluster test of endurance, rather than the rich, inviting academic experience that could have lasting impact on learning. Rather than…

Information about how school principals operate pertains mainly to the actions of principals. However, the kinds of knowledge that the principalship demands have not been isolated as clearly, more often than not being conflated with actions. As principals' duties become more complex, it becomes more important to ground specific practices in robust…

Have you ever sat through an observation and wondered what in the world you could do to improve the instruction taking place? I have. Sometimes it's because the teacher is so polished that I have difficulty identifying any shortcomings. But sometimes it's because there are so many things wrong with the lesson that I have no idea where I should…

Optometry educators can be assisted in making complex concepts understandable to students by using rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, analogies, parables, and allegories. As an example, the difficulties in communicating everyday but complex clinical concepts regarding inflammatory disorders are discussed and use of rhetorical devices…

Student assessment has long been a major component of the tasks that teachers perform. As such, it is important that school leaders consider teachers' assessment strategies as part of the normal supervisory process. In a political climate ruled by the No Child Left Behind Act, one important consideration is how well teachers' assessments prepare…

The traditional system of letter grades discourages college-bound students from taking difficult courses. Many colleges look closely at an applicant's grade point average (GPA). When a student's GPA is computed, a grade from an easy course carries as much weight as a grade from a difficult course. Since a student can achieve a higher grade with…

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a complex form completed annually by millions of postsecondary students applying for federal financial aid. Errors frequently require resubmission. It is suggested that cognitive psychology principles that help describe how people understand text and complete forms be applied to a redesigned…

A new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) program, Compliance 2000, assists taxpayers wanting to comply with tax laws but finding it difficult because of legal complexity or administrative burden. Kent State University (Ohio) has used the program to resolve a compliance problem with nonresident alien students and scholars. IRS contact information is…

Provides step-by-step procedures for developing an index which uses the Gunning Fog technique to evaluate the level of reading difficulty of textbooks. Cites examples, illustrations, and several warnings in the discussion. (RT)

Factor analysis of a survey of 2,072 students in 176 courses in 4 departments of an Israeli community college revealed similarities in student satisfaction among departments with the teacher and interpersonal relationships between students the major contributing factors. Results suggested that an evaluation tool appropriate for many courses or…