School turnaround initiatives have prioritized the school principal as the change lever. Little overall consideration about the critical role district leadership plays. In this study, we analyze the turnaround launch and, improvement plans of school district leaders participating in a university, turnaround program. We find that district leaders…

As instructional leadership involves attempts to understand and improve complex systems, this study explored principals' perceptions regarding possible contributions of systems thinking to instructional leadership. Based on a qualitative analysis, systems thinking was perceived by middle and high school principals to contribute to the following…

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…

Change mythology vs. change reality introduces this summary of program descriptions by several principals and a frank discussion of what's ahead for their schools. (Editor/RB)

The authors discuss the pitfalls of humanities programs and suggest preventative actions that a principal should take when planning and implementing a humanities curriculum. (Editor/AS)

The role of the principal is a complex one, tied to shifts in the school population and changing public demands. This article takes a look at the future of the principalship. (Author)

Principals cannot be experts in all content fields but should understand, as curriculum generalists, how the curriculum is organized and how learning activities and materials are related to instructional outcomes. Secondary principals can facilitate curriculum enactment by effectively managing school governance and by making sound decisions…

The principal's most powerful tool is the ability to integrate the total response of the school toward improvement. A principal that understands this works toward staff synergy and finds a model for this in the concept of "curricular unity." Includes a table and list of references. (MD)

As instructional leaders, principals can ensure that international education is a strong curriculum component by keeping current on world affairs, involving staff members in curriculum development, and surveying all the international resources in the surrounding community. (MLH)

Implementation of professional knowledge in school settings is process involving deep, substantive philosophical considerations. Philosophical leanings are central in shaping school's mission and overall program direction. Summarizes results of study examining Texas secondary school principals' philosophical leanings in areas of curricular…

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)

A description of the organizational structure of a system for districtwide organization of staff and a process for curriculum development, coordination, and evaluation. (Author/MLF)

The principal of an Indiana high school relates how he involved staff in the development of a writing program (Project Write) through the use of "skills models." Includes references. (MD)

Presents a detailed conceptual model for developing a thinking skills currriculum. Discusses whether it should be done through separate courses or integrated into subject matter courses. Includes four figures (MD)

Presents a list of 20 principles to follow when developing curriculum improvement programs. Includes a list of references. (MD)