Two authors with a total of 30 years in school administration offer some advice to new administrators. Included are the following: try to cultivate an atmosphere of trust; turn to your peers for support; and choose your fights carefully. (MLF)

Presents 12 managerial maxims to help the harried administrator balance institutional demands and human needs. The administrator should focus on the product (educating children), understand the limitations of meetings, and recognize the importance of vision, risk-taking, planning, motivation, image and personal appearance, competence, innovation,…

School executives can use a technique borrowed from business, "Strategic Planning," to introduce change and improvements into schools. (MLF)

Provides a seven-step process for creating a salary schedule that links administrator pay to the requirements and responsibilities of specific jobs. (Author/IRT)

Administrators can improve the test scores at their schools by working with teachers so that they understand the purpose of the testing and by developing a plan for communicating with parents and the community about the testing program. (MLF)

To obtain the best student accident insurance coverage for the least cost, programs offered by various companies should be compared on the bases of coverage limits for specific injuries, injuries not covered or only partially covered, whether students are overinsured or underinsured, and premium costs. (MLF)

Attentive listening helps meetings and relationships run sensibly and smoothly. Identifies 5 deceptive debating techniques and offers 10 rules on how to listen well, and why doing so pays off. (MLF)

Nine ways for school executives to provide essential support for their superintendent's concept of the management team are: (1) speaking positively about the superintendent when talking to teachers, parents, students, and members of the community; (2) keeping the superintendent informed of events, achievements, and problems; (3) seeking the…

To help school administrators evaluate microcomputer software, this summary of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory's "Evaluator's Guide" presents 25 evaluation criteria coordinated with a software evaluation form. The criteria focus on computer programs' content and instructional and technical quality. (Author/RW)

One measure of a school executive is the ability to put together a winning administrative team. Offers tips for building teamwork. (MLF)

For a pilot program to succeed, administrators should take the following steps: state the program objectives; keep lines of communication open with school staff; broaden available resources; be clear about expected time demands; see that staff members know the availability and how to handle funds; and take time to review, assess, reflect, and…

A list of important points and procedures for superintendents to observe when preparing for and testifying during teacher dismissal hearings. (MLF)

A new principal needs an entry plan in order to avoid a misstep in the administrative position. The entry plan includes details on interviews, visits, observations, and readings necessary. It lists activities that enable the principal to assess the school's basic strengths and weaknesses. (SI)

An eight-step plan to help new school executives identify the powerful people, groups, and issues in their communities. (MLF)

A superintendent of 12 years presents a guide for superintendent success in interpersonal skills. His precepts include: always demonstrate integrity; maintain a sense of humor; be prepared to lead; respond to the situation, not the person; give credit where it's due; and insist on an objective evaluation. (CJH)