Education researchers have continually noted the importance of the principal in affecting student achievement and school success. Despite this importance, school districts seldom use reliable methods to select principals. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the selection processes used to select principals in California. Results indicate…

This study investigated the relationship between the Transformed School Counseling (TSC) initiative counselor educator programs, the perceptions of school principals hiring TSC-prepared school counselors, and factors affecting principal's hiring practices. Results indicated that principal's value TSC candidates because they: (a) have effective…

School turnaround initiatives have prioritized the school principal as the change lever. Little overall consideration about the critical role district leadership plays. In this study, we analyze the turnaround launch and, improvement plans of school district leaders participating in a university, turnaround program. We find that district leaders…

This study was designed to analyze the hiring criteria of principals in Iowa to determine whether districts were seeking the characteristics of second-order change in their principals. Using content analysis, hiring criteria provided by districts were coded to identify those that described second-order change responsibilities per Mid-continent…

Today's effective school counselors are integral in education reform, school leadership, and student achievement. It is typically the responsibility of building principals to hire effective school counselors. This article builds on previous literature and provides principals with questions to ask and information to gather that may be helpful in…

Because the demand for excellence in public education is ever present, this article explores the development of a professional enhancement program designed to select and develop a qualified, competent faculty and staff. The basis for the program is a strong educational philosophy, which leads to a vision of what schools can be. It stresses the…

Personnel references, comprising a major component in the employee screening and selection process, are viewed from three perspectives: types of information contributed, use of such information in decision-making, and legal implications of contributing the information. Advice is provided for reducing the probability of a successful suit. Includes…

A procedure for preliminary screening of teaching position applicants is presented. (DS)

In the "emergence approach" to interviewing, the interviewer tries to understand how candidates solve problems, relate to others, are motivated, and apply their aptitudes and skills. This paper offers specific suggestions on what to do and what not to do in the interviewing process. (Author/LD)

The author presents a questionnaire designed to assist principals in selecting committee chairpersons who will function as effective change leaders. (DS)

A principal of a Texas junior high school theorizes about the role of principal as instructional leader. He offers suggestions for developing instructional leadership in the areas of organizational goals and objectives, personnel, staff evaluation, and curriculum planning. Includes a reference list. (MD)

Described in this article are the unique staffing needs of alternative schools and the use of job candidates' personal choice in selecting staff members. (Editor)

Although principals occasionally interview prospective school-counseling' candidates, few really understand the guidance-and-counseling role or realize how the school counselor can contribute to student achievement, school improvement, and a positive school climate. This article offers sample incorrect and preferred answers to questions principals…

Argues that because there is no overall teacher shortage, but rather specific subject area shortages and adverse selection and allocation problems, the No Child Left Behind Act's requirements that all teachers be "highly qualified" is important and attainable. To improve teacher quality, teacher certification should be modernized and…