The attitude and modeling behavior of the entire middle school staff is the most important factor in providing an effective school learning environment. Discusses program ingredients necessary to help staff members furnish authentic middle level education. Includes 15 references. (Author/MD)

Discusses development of the six components of any sound performance appraisal program: (1) explicit job descriptions, (2) definitions of key areas of responsibility, (3) criteria for performance appraisal, (4) methods for data collection and analysis, (5) written procedures, and (6) legal review of all procedures. (PGD)

Career education, the author believes, is a method of teaching skills to students, rather than an extra'' subject. Creative teachers, stimulated to interest and involvement in career education, can provide exciting, meaningful preparation for the adult world of work. (Editor)

Physical measures such as weapons checks and metal detectors are inadequate to forestall school violence. The key to managing crises is a trained, broad-based crisis-intervention team and a crisis-management plan. Team responsibilities include developing an intervention plan, coordinating with community services, educating and training staff, and…

After two semesters of using the four-block schedule, a Wisconsin high school experienced academic growth, improved grades and discipline, reduced stress, and a more personalized school environment. Interested schools should gain support, create a site-level decision-making model, demonstrate the need for change, clearly define restructuring…

In 1990, Florida State University joined the National Alliance--a Danforth/NASSP-sponsored group of four universities who initially would receive performance-based leadership training for revamping their administrator training programs. So far, Florida State has completed a five-year participation plan, reconceptualized three advanced degree…

Compares definitions and core elements of learning organizations promulgated by Peter Senge, Victoria Marsick and Karen Watkins, Nancy Dixon, Michael Marquardt, Mike Pedler, and others. Discusses leadership implications and the need for employees to create a new learning infrastructure incorporating new leaders, critical thinking, and envisioning.…

All in-school suspension (ISS) models can be classified into punitive, problem-solving, academic, and individual models. The individual model is most reasonable, since it assumes that reasons for misbehavior vary from student to student. ISS programs can help modify student misbehavior, protect the overall learning environment by isolating…

After establishing the importance of music among mankind, the author lists and describes several features he believes should identify secondary school music programs. (Editor)

Although the author offers no handy formula to determine program effectiveness, she does present an extensive list of statements that can help the school administrator plan program improvement with his music teachers. (Editor)

The counselor works in a difficult position, and school guidance programs are in jeopardy today. To develop meaningful programs, administrators must hire counselors who will meet the needs of the school and participate in the evaluation of program outcomes. (MD)

For school administrators, the key to avoiding a court contest over student rights is attitude change, says the author. The principal must be firm, yet sensitive to societal changes that impinge on the school. He suggests positive action in the form of developing a student rights code. (Editor)

A practical explication of learning packets, this article gives a useful example of format and a guide for evaluation. (Editor)

A principal of an alternative school lists and elaborates on imperatives for developing an alternative school program. (Editor)