Programs for gifted students are in great demand in secondary schools. An administrator can easily supervise the development of such a program by starting small, using existing resources, avoiding "ousidersism" and perfectionism, developing a working definition of giftedness, developing a sensible identification procedure, and publicizing the…

Alternative high schools have an important place in our educational system, since exellence in education must mean more than improving the abilities of those who are succeeding in our present school environment. A list of suggestions (nine "dos" and four "don'ts") are offered for consideration before establishing such a school. (MCG)

Immediate steps must be taken to construct a plan to help middle school students make the transition to the high school. A Program Evaluation and Review Technique model for helping to construct such an articulation plan is provided in this article, and program sequence and timeline charts are included. (DCS)

Discusses development of the six components of any sound performance appraisal program: (1) explicit job descriptions, (2) definitions of key areas of responsibility, (3) criteria for performance appraisal, (4) methods for data collection and analysis, (5) written procedures, and (6) legal review of all procedures. (PGD)

The counselor works in a difficult position, and school guidance programs are in jeopardy today. To develop meaningful programs, administrators must hire counselors who will meet the needs of the school and participate in the evaluation of program outcomes. (MD)

Traditional school administrative policy often establishes the structure and organization of the school first; from this structure, the program and curriculum then follow. By contrast, a case study is offered of an educational change as support for the reverse sequence, whereby the school program can be the determiner of school organization. (CJH)

Outlines the benefits of community service programs in the schools. Provides a seven-step plan for developing such programs.(MD)

Middle level program planning involves three phases over three years: developing a written school philosophy, designing the curricular program, and implementing the plan to meet objectives. (Author/DCS)

Developing, launching, and maintaining an assessment center plan requires continuous attention to three essential ingredients: communication, education, and politics. The four key considerations in developing a master plan are costs, scheduling, sources of funding, and terms of the agreement required by NASSP. A sample agreement is provided. (TE)

Designed for high school teachers and administrators, this compilation of two journal articles, a bibliography, and a course list describes how one school took two days between semesters, abandoned regular schedules, and offered special minicourses suited to the talents of the staff and community. Minicourses are seen as a way to broaden horizons,…

Thirteen ideas for marketing and implementing the assessment center concept are presented. These call for a primary focus on individuals and on excellence, preparation and organization, assessor training, assessor newsletters, accessible locations, a statewide advisory board, an action plan, confidentiality, both causal and formal meetings,…

This planning and development guide suggests that careful, comprehensive, long range planning combined with gradual program implementation and effective administrative leadership can create responsive middle school programs. Sample sequential objective charts and activity lists are included. (DCS)

The personal development needs of preadolescents make extended guidance programs for middle school students crucially important. This article describes steps for teacher advisory program development--including a sample curriculum outline and learning activity--and summarizes the program role of the principal, counselor, and teacher. (DCS)

Middle level education needs personnel specifically educated for and committed to working with the middle level age group and program, and this requires the development of sound middle level teacher certification requirements and programs. (Author/DCS)