A firm grounding in change theory can provide educational leaders with an opportunity to orchestrate meaningful organizational improvements. This article provides an opportunity for practicing leaders to review four major theories of organizational change--continuous improvement, two approaches to organizational learning, and appreciative inquiry.…

The Millennials, born from 1980 to 2000, have begun entering the profession, and many will not stay longer than 5 years. They have a unique set of talents, skills, and work ethic, unlike those from previous generations. They are extremely eager to be successful. If strong supportive programs of mentoring, induction, career ladders, and ongoing…

A membership organization, the Harvard Principals' Center is showing that school administrators will voluntarily engage in activities promoting their growth as leaders in school improvement. The center provides an external support system in which principals are able to play a major role in their own development. (MD)

According to a recent Washington State survey, middle school educators need more than general training in teaching and administration to meet young adolescent students' needs. Respondents desired more knowledge about young adolescents' emotional, social, and intellectual development, and appropriate teaching and discipline techniques. Includes…

A principal who took time out to teach one class found the insights he gained to be immeasurable. (IRT)

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)

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)

Schools cannot produce students as continuous learners and effective collaborators without teachers who possess those same characteristics. Learning organizations thrive on attention to staff orientation, curricular and/or interdisciplinary teams, peer observation, study groups, action research, school improvement task forces, professional…

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

Administrators involved in school improvement programs are finding that supervision is the essence of instructional leadership. Effective supervisor leadership requires constant searching for ways to integrate several core elements of school improvement--classroom instruction, curriculum development, classroom management, and staff development.…

Describes a plan of action developed at an Illinois high school that involved staff in communicating needed improvement in curricular programs. (MD)

Discusses the negative and positive aspects of teacher autonomy in relation to curriculum development and control. Outlines a process for solving the problem that includes conducting staff development through dialog, delineating mastery curriculum, mapping ideal curriculum, and developing curriculum-based tests. Includes references and a figure.…

A principal of a Texas junior high school theorizes about the role of principal as instructional leader. He offers suggestions for developing instructional leadership in the areas of organizational goals and objectives, personnel, staff evaluation, and curriculum planning. Includes a reference list. (MD)

This author discusses the need for employer-based career education, barriers to its widespread implementation, and how to overcome those barriers with changes in staffing and fund allocation. If career education is one of your top priorities, you'll find this indispensable reading. (Editor)

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