We present outcomes from a study testing the effect of professional development (PD) focused on integrating restorative practices (RP) into multitiered student support systems on how high school staff, students, and parents perceive their school's discipline practices. A total of 16 high schools enrolled in the 2-year study during which…

MTSS promises a school-wide early warning system, high-quality instruction, and evidence-based interventions. However, research has focused mainly on the elementary level. This study examined the beliefs and perceptions of over 300 administrators and teachers currently implementing MTSS in secondary schools using survey research. Results showed…

We conducted focus groups with high school staff, students, parents, and administrators to gain information about how to design professional development training supporting high school staff in implementing restorative practices within a multitiered support system. Results indicated that all stakeholders valued trust and relationship building and…

This qualitative, narrative study explored experiences of six successful African American male high school students. Findings suggested that barriers prior to high school were negative elements in the home and community. To be successful in high school, they overcame barriers of absent fathers, disruptive homes, negative community, and peers, and…

The research question was "What dress norms and related rationales are found in teacher dress policies?" Data were 102 school employee handbooks. Eighty-two handbooks (80.4%) provided one or more rationale, most frequently being "To project a positive image in the community" (n = 56). Dress norms, categorized as broad and itemized, were determined…

For more than 20 years, the efficacy of using the wraparound approach to support high-risk youth has been examined in educational and community settings. Few studies show the value of wraparound service from either a school- or community-based agency as a dropout prevention strategy. Findings from a federal research grant project suggest that many…

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) included substantive changes in the area of disciplining students with disabilities. Historically, discipline has been a divisive issue within the field of special education. Many administrators and teachers believe differential treatment has been afforded to this population, fostering…

Discusses the threat posed to administrators by noncertified collective bargaining. Suggests that the noncertified employees feel a strong bond with the trade unionists from the private sector and little sense of kinship with school administrators. Cites several reasons why the unions are working to change the laws governing noncertified workers.…

Urges consideration of the local labor market's impact on staff supply and demand when revising salary schedules. Explains how to select job classifications for comparison, identify relevant labor markets, analyze job content, collect data on current practices in the market, analyze the data, and develop and prioritize recommendations for…

To prepare school professional personnel to design and/or function within a system for systematic planning requires preparation programs that will provide them with more sophisticated planning skills that are typically found in current educational programs. (Author/MLF)

Argues that the media specialist should be an integral part of the school's administrative team. (JG)

Rating errors in personnel evaluation are universal but may be minimized if administrators are aware of them. Research identifies seven types of error: unwarranted strictness, unwarranted leniency, central tendency, halo effect, recency, contrast, and attribution. Countermeasures include developing clear term definitions, using multiple raters,…

To generate support and improve efficiency of school support staff, weekly workshops in one Florida school district addressed previously assessed needs among the staff. (JW)

Lists the essential criteria for justifiable dismissals of employees, the sources of evidence to support dismissals and the minimum standards for such evidence, the points by which to judge employees, and the questions certain to be asked by an arbitrator or judge. (JW)

A former superintendent and principal believes community relations is an extremely important responsibility of today's school administrators. A model is presented for a good community relations program. (Author/MLF)