The roles and responsibilities of principals are increasingly focused on instructional leadership. In many states, changes in the preparation and credentialing of future principals have been based on recognized leadership standards. Requirements for practicing principals to complete professional development aligned with such standards have also…

Principals should delegate leadership authority to professional school counselors to ensure high-quality guidance programs. Principal leadership tasks include organizing for program delivery, advocating for school guidance programs and staff members, defining school counselors' jobs within the guidance program, encouraging continuous professional…

The demands placed on principals in the era of No Child Left Behind are rapidly increasing. In light of these challenges, balancing diverse roles and additional responsibilities can be arduous for even the finest school leaders. The use of portfolio-based teacher appraisals has emerged as an intriguing option to make the time required for teacher…

A principal and a university professor maintain that their year's experience team teaching a high school class was an excellent means of professional renewal. (Author/JM)

Examines concept and philosophy of andragogy (art and science of teaching adults) and ways that adults' self-image, experiences, and readiness to learn differentiate adult education from pedagogy. By creating an environment for adult learning and engaging school staff in mutual planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of professional…

Lack of knowledge and interest in grading translates into a serious information breakdown in education. Reforming classroom assessment and grading practices will require educators' commitment to professional development, classroom-relevant training programs, help from professional organizations and testing experts, a coordinated vision,…

This study investigated practicing and aspiring school administrators' perceived level of proficiency related to the Technology Standards for School Administrators adopted by the International Society for Technology in Education. Based on the mentor-mentee relationship, the study found there were no significant differences between mentors and…

If school leaders are to resolve the unique administrative problems that educational reforms, greater parental involvement, new legislation, and a continuously changing society will generate, existing professional development experiences must be improved substantially. School councils will expect administrators to assess complex situations,…

A former National Teacher of the Year discusses leadership's joys and difficulties. Teacher leaders must speak up about conditions limiting their effectiveness and policies restraining their positive momentum. This means engaging in continuous professional development and comporting themselves as professional educators who know what is best for…

All leaders must develop a basic understanding of personnel motivation, recognizing its complexity and theoretical foundations. Today's administrators can foster effective communication and good human relations, recognize good teaching, define educational goals clearly, and involve teachers in planning. Includes nine references. (MLH)

To prepare their students for successful futures, teachers must be willing to learn continuously, expand their own abilities, and assume ever greater leadership roles. Principals must create an environment that supports teacher collaboration, facilitates professional development, and recognizes the concept of teacher leadership. (MLH)

High school students continue to struggle in algebra, especially in large inner-city schools with underprivileged students. Students are not the only ones skirmishing with algebra. Teachers and school leaders are just as frustrated as they search for answers to complex teaching and learning problems. Two high school principals report the results…

When teachers become technologically literate, students are the beneficiaries. Principals can ensure that appropriate supports are present and the school climate encourages teachers' professional development efforts. One such program is Computer Assisted Teacher Talk, a summer-institute program that helps teachers learn to use computers to foster…

Character education builds community by establishing a set of core values that match a school's ideals. Character-education proponents should inspire teachers to discuss ethics in their daily activities and model transformational/transactional leadership styles. Leaders must know their environment, formalize an infrastructure, involve others, and…

A South Carolina high school band director describes his experience with the Springfield Simulation, a role-playing seminar/workshop where individuals are assigned roles and situations that will aid them in developing administrative skills. (TE)