The need to improve the quality of principal evaluation systems is long overdue. Although states and districts generally require principal evaluations, research and experience tell that many state and district evaluations do not reflect current standards and practices for principals, and that evaluation is not systematically administered. When…

Jargon associated with mentoring can be confusing. Is a new leader involved in induction, being mentored, or experiencing coaching? Induction is meant to familiarize a new employee with the details and scope of job responsibilities, while mentoring and coaching are directed at skill development. Elementary and secondary principals rate mentoring…

Much has been written during the past decade about the changing role of the principal and the shift in emphasis from manager to instructional leader. Anyone in education, and especially principals themselves, could develop a mental list of responsibilities that fit within each of these realms. But research makes it clear that both those aspects of…

New principals are enthusiastic about fulfilling the role of educational leader. They envision themselves visiting classrooms frequently and becoming integrally involved in curriculum and instruction. But it is not long before reality sets in. Principals learn very early that there is a constant struggle between the demands of the office and the…

This fall in schools across the nation, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will experience educational opportunities that, until recently, were denied to them. Because the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensure that students with ASD are included in the student body, principals must make…

After more than 20 years of vague reference to the principal as instructional leader, progress is finally being made, and the specificity and results are truly awesome. In 1989, William Smith and Richard Andrews wrote a monograph titled "Instructional Leadership: How Principals Make a Difference." In their study of 1,200 school…

The author reports on a survey of how 22 positive behaviors of principals toward teachers were ranked by each group. Teachers gave highest marks to principals who respected and valued them as professionals, while principals believed that encouraging teachers to improve was their most valuable contribution. (Contains 3 online resources.)

Describes "Top 10" mistakes principals make and how to avoid them. Begins with number 10: Not notifying your immediate supervisor. Ends with number 1: Lacking balance in your life. (PKP)

Offers newly hired principals three recommendations for job survival: Fit in with the superintendent, carefully consider if and when change should be made, and know when it's time to move on. (PKP)

Describes why principals fail based on survey of 95 Tennessee superintendents and district supervisors. Respondents were asked to rate the impact of 23 selected competencies on principals' job performance. Offers several suggestions for principals and their supervisors to reduce failure. (PKP)

Offers suggestions for balancing the serious and not-so-serious side of the principalship. On the serious side, suggests that the principal be a team leader, hire wisely, share your vision, give yourself time to learn, communicate with parents, keep in touch with students, partner with a principal, know your standards, enlist the community, and…

Elementary principals can definitely make a difference in children's lives, according to a recent Project Success survey. Interviewees reinforced the characteristics of successful principals identified in NAESP's "Principals for 21st Century Schools." They are modest, visionary, dedicated, hard-working advocates for children who are not…

Describes how principals can balance their dual roles of managers and instructional leaders. Includes literature-derived qualities of leadership, time-management techniques, collaborative leadership, and strategies for effective management. (12 references) (PKP)

A new elementary principal had four tough challenges: following an effective, highly respected predecessor; handling daily complaints, catastrophes, and distractions; combining vision with competence and consistency; and developing resiliency at handling negative criticism. A collaborative, improvement-oriented leadership style helped him and his…

Aspiring principals often have only a vague understanding of what the principalship entails--the loneliness, conflicts, dull routines, paperwork, and struggles to solve complex problems with limited resources. A recent study of southern principals showed that the induction practices (summer induction conferences and mentoring/internship programs)…