Principals aim to hire outstanding teachers. But how do they do this? How do they reduce the large number of applicants to a workable number? What process do principals use to hire and to what extent does variation exist among hiring practices? This article investigates the current hiring practices of K-12 principals. Principals were examined on…

In fall 2006, the deputy superintendent of Howard County Schools in Maryland asked a small leadership team to rethink leadership support for central office leaders and to come up with an aligned three-point plan that would meet their unique needs. The leadership support system needed to take into account: (1) Leadership standards and indicators of…

This article reports a study designed to identify the factors that both hiring bodies and applicants believe are most important when making decisions about principal selection, appointment and acceptance. Based on a quantitative study involving the four main groups of players in the principal selection process, we confirmed a four-factor…

While the interview remains the most relevant process by which information about an applicant can be obtained, the effective school administrator must recognize that the interview process is much more than exploring an applicant's qualifications, skills, and experiences. The interview must also be utilized as a means of leading. In other words,…

Collective bargaining agreements, by their nature, impact upon the delivery of educational services to California's students. Collective bargaining agreements deal with hours of employment, evaluation of personnel, transfer of employees, leaves of absence and class size. These contract provisions directly impact a district's ability to provide…

The relationship between employee turnover and performance was measured for 144 leavers and 144 stayers across 32 positions in a large institution for mentally retarded people. Performance ratings for leavers were significantly lower than for stayers suggesting that the organization is not ejecting its best workers. (Author/DB)

Discusses corrective action and employee discipline in library management, covering: (1) factors affecting the library manager's right to discipline; (2) employee orientation and training; (3) employee performance measurement; (4) corrective strategies; (5) termination as an option; (6) the importance of fairness; and (7) positive results of…

Discusses aspects of a good system for library employee performance appraisal, stressing the importance of treating workers as adults and making the appraisal process a two-way exchange. The role of the line supervisor and how to deal with poor performance are also addressed. (MES)

Discusses four themes related to resolving difficulties in library personnel evaluation: (1) the importance of clearly defining performance evaluation and its goals; (2) negotiation theory for dealing with negative results of personnel evaluation; (3) development of a perspective on conflict management; and (4) assertiveness as a foundation for…

Research indicates that a sound performance appraisal process for school administrators contains key mechanisms that manifest themselves through dimensions of effective planning, assessment, and evaluation; effective use of resources; and communicating clear expectations. This article documents the development of a contemporary model of…

What administrators know and understand matters when it comes to organizing a school for teaching and learning. When principals and assistant principals discourage the use of practices unfamiliar to them or do not support best practices, they can actually hamper student achievement and professional growth. This is especially true when it comes to…

Well-trained off-site trip leaders can turn a trip into a positive educational lesson. American Camping Association standards are referenced, and some personality traits are suggested as criteria for determining the suitability of staff to act responsibly "in loco director." Discusses factors that determine counselor-to-camper ratios,…

The causes for executive dismissal are discussed, including the special problems involved in the development of effective administration in the educational field. The importance of ethics and honesty in professional organizations is emphasized. (MD)

Managers within the computing services environment face interesting management challenges, including technological change. A manager is required to exercise judgment to ensure that people understand organizational performance standards. Correct evaluation is the most crucial part of personnel management. (Author/MLW)

This book offers administrators a reliable guide to creating a document that evidences performance. The book tells what the administrative portfolio is and how it can be created and used. Part 1 contains 12 chapters on creating and using the administrative portfolio: (1) "Changing Roles and Expectations of Academic Administrators"; (2) "The…