Although research has established links between the principal's instructional leadership and student achievement, there is considerable concern in the literature concerning the capacity of principal preparation programs to prepare instructional leaders. This study interviewed educational leadership faculty as well as expert principals and teacher…

A study of the learning style preferences of preservice education majors at the University of Idaho showed differences between men and women on 8 of 16 variables, between preparing for elementary and secondary school careers on 7 variables, and between students in different subject matter majors on 10 variables. (PGD)

Teachers can increase students' learning time by following specific instructional methods that maintain interest and develop the experience of success. Selection of realistic learning goals is essential. (CJH)

Discusses essential learning techniques (homework, studying, and notetaking) that students need to facilitate their own learning and improve their academic performance. Teachers can help students develop these skills by defining specific skills, selecting a few examples to illustrate them, critiquing or correcting imperfect examples, providing…

Describes a project involving a group of 65 freshmen at a private girls' high school. After taking the Dunn, Dunn, and Price Learning Style Inventory, students were given their preferred learning-style profiles and instructions for adapting learning and study methods. Test scores improved substantially without implementing a comprehensive…

Describes eight characteristics of the Concord model of online course instruction: Asynchronous collaboration, limited enrollment, expert facilities, trust, clear schedules, excellent materials, good pedagogy, and quality assurance. Discusses cost and benefits of implementing the Concord model of online course instruction. (Contains 16…

To assist incoming freshmen, a Colorado Springs high school initiated learning resource labs staffed with academic coaches. Combining study hall, homeroom, and advisory group, the labs offer adult tutors, workshops on conflict resolution and study skills, career and technology exploration opportunities, a learning styles inventory, free reading…

Personalization is achieved when teachers and students have the time and the desire to develop a relationship. One Georgia high school lends itself to personalization by encouraging a mentoring relationship between teachers and students. Developing academic teaching teams and block schedules for all grades was the key to reducing teacher isolation…

To serve at-risk minority students better, secondary schools should exchange the usual six-period daily schedule for an intensive, single-subject format (similar to summer school) during the typical 36-week calendar. One immediate advantage of using intensive three-week sessions for each subject is increasing time spent on academics. (six…

Urban educators must highly value the diversity of language, culture, and cognitive styles their students bring to the classroom. Holistic, interactive instruction builds on youngsters' interpretations of various forms of intelligence, whether musical, linguistic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily kinesthetic, or spatial. Cooperative learning…

Discusses essential elements of effective distance education using the World Wide Web, foremost of which is good instructional design. (PKP)

Outlines leadership capabilities that effective principals can exert to improve the teaching of higher level thinking skills to students. An important initial step is to make the development of student thinking skills a building priority at the school. (MD)

Principals should delegate the responsibility for research-based curriculum and instructional improvement to career (effective) teachers. Guidelines for planning cooperative in-service education workshops are provided, along with advice concerning goals, target audience, agenda, incentives, estimated budget, and program evaluation approaches. (MLH)

After noting classroom techniques that made a difference in student learning, the authors focus on reducing the distractions of a school environment and providing principals a classroom observation instrument. They suggest a student observation form to be used by principals, analyzing six student behavior categories. (JW)

The convergence of an intense information society and economy; rapid technological changes; and embedding of lifelong, flexible, and cooperative learning approaches is creating unparalleled learning opportunities. Capitalizing on these opportunities requires transformation of principal leadership and classroom practices. Students must become Web…