To meet the constantly changing needs of schools and diverse learners, educators must frequently monitor student learning, revise curricula, and improve instruction. Consequently, it is critical that careful analyses of student performance data are ongoing components of curriculum decision-making processes. The primary purpose of this study is to…

This statewide study examined the relationships between principal managerial, instructional, and transformational leadership and student achievement in public high schools. Differences in student achievement were found when schools were grouped according to principal leadership factors. Principal leadership behaviors promoting instructional and…

This article's thesis is that the principal, as instructional leader, should be responsible for the educative effectiveness of the "third curriculum", defined here as the student activities program. (Editor)

Believing that there is substantial need to reappraise much of what's being done under the guise of innovation, the author hopes to stimulate administrators and teachers to evaluate programs in terms of actual contributions made to the teaching-learning experience. (Editor)

Transcript analysis can provide principals with extensive data to aid them in school improvement efforts. This article describes a study of 191 transcripts from five Central Illinois high schools. Variations in academic and nonacademic course-taking patterns emerged that had important implications for school administrators. (MLH)

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)

One high school's implementation of policies that alleviated the "symptoms" of chronic smoking and some use of drugs and alcohol on school property, chronic truancy from selected classes, and chronic schedule changes is summarized, and efforts toward a lasting resolution of underlying problems in the areas of curriculum and instruction are…

Introducing computers into schools to improve instruction can be more effectively done if there is a procedure to follow. Presents a five-step process for development of such a procedure: (1) planning committee, (2) program goals, (3) student objectives, (4) implementation plan, and (5) program evaluation. (MD)

Teachers need training and support to revise their instructional practices to address the Information Society's needs. Districts must commit substantial resources to help teachers gain necessary skills and understanding. Considerable expertise is needed to establish an appropriate technological infrastructure and use it effectively. Traditional…

Principals should delegate the responsibility for research-based curriculum and instructional improvement to career (effective) teachers. Guidelines for planning cooperative in-service education workshops are provided, along with advice concerning goals, target audience, agenda, incentives, estimated budget, and program evaluation approaches. (MLH)

Twenty-first century principals will play a vital role in curriculum and staff development. Principals must be prepared to revitalize teachers' energies by mastering and using powerful, research-based strategies, including establishing a common vision, focusing on instructional improvement and accountability, creating a collegial, participatory…

Recommended strategies for improving the education of economically disadvantaged students include dispelling teacher misconception, hiring teachers from disadvantaged backgrounds, using noncredentialed staff from the community, emphasizing mastery learning and holistic teaching, and revising the curriculum to incorporate heterogeneously grouped…

To meet recently promulgated standards, teachers are challenged to teach more rigorous, extensive subject-area content, develop varied instructional strategies, and reach a wider range of students. Teachers should be guided by a high-quality curriculum characterized by academic rigor, equity, and developmental responsiveness. (MLH)

Today is an opportune time for school administrators to exercise leadership in curriculum development for school achievement. Effective schools research has found a school's culture and its strategies and tactics to be foundational to an excellent school. These are explored in this article. (DCS)