To be effective instructional leaders, principals and assistant principals need to know what's new in secondary school curricula. Education associations representing 14 subject areas outline the current focus, likely trends through 1990, and new practices in their respective disciplines. (MLH)

Outlines a career ladder program developed in the Provo (Utah) School District to identify and train teacher leaders. (MD)

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,…

Describes a concept called the "professional circle" which is modeled after the quality circle management technique. It works as a support group and helps teachers feel less isolated. (MD)

Describes a study of the National Association of School Principals Assessment Centers and their impact on career opportunities for women. The study found that the centers have had a major influence on the women interviewed. (MD)

The Adopt-a-School program, a successful pairing of businesses with Anaheim Union High School District's 20 schools, has benefited California students through increased work exposure and career guidance. Communities have profited as well, by gaining access to a skilled work force. (CJH)

Educational leadership, curriculum development, and staff development are critical areas that need improvement for long-term educational gains. (MD)

Suggestions are made for implementing programs that enhance students' self-concept and self-esteem. Eight program activities illustrate examples of what principals can do for students in these areas. (MLF)

Curriculum developers should consider middle level learners' needs for intellectual growth and individual attention and their needs to understand themselves and know others. (MLF)

To help avoid past mistakes in attempts at curriculum and instructional improvement, this article offers five guidelines for secondary school curriculum change and innovation. (DCS)

Outlines an innovative district-wide staff development program that improved morale, lessened the teacher burnout rate, and saved the district money. (MD)

Presents and explains how to use a checklist for helping principals determine the presence of effective elements in their schools' staff development programs. The checklist process involves testing such program factors as school commitment levels, needs assessment components, program development activities, program implementation and evaluation,…

Provides a checklist to help principals assess whether thinking skills are being taught in their schools and suggests what needs to be done to improve such teaching. (DCS)

Presents detailed components of a six-hour inservice workshop to familiarize teachers with microcomputers. (MD)

Describes in sequence the key considerations involved in planning an effective program for communications among a school's staff members. Covers program goals, communications needs analysis, responsibility, credibility, communications rights of employees, necessary attitudes, planning steps, appropriate channels and network patterns,…