Argues that the role of the assistant principal may be dysfunctional as a training ground for secondary school principals because, as presently defined, it permits assistants to learn virtually nothing about management and improving instruction. Presents an outcome-based model for preparing the assistant for a principalship. (KH)

The author discusses equal access to schooling, inequities in educational legislation, the responsibility of educators and their relationship with the community, the effective schools movement, and the question of governance. (CT)

Concludes that those who view the sixteenth annual Gallup Poll of public attitudes toward public schools as indicating a general willingness to finance school improvements may be right, but that if public's attention is not quickly called to the fact that more dollars are needed to improve schools, the urgency generated by the poll may be lost.…

A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a federally funded series of career education workshops for school-based teams of principals, counselors, and teachers. In this study, the authors hypothesize that both school effectiveness and effective implementation of innovations such as career education within the school have some common…

A school effectiveness process developed by the Connecticut State Department of Education advocates a voluntary, school-based approach that helps the faculty to examine itself in relationship to seven effectiveness characteristics and to develop and implement an action plan that addresses instruction, curriculum, organizational dynamics, and…

Research emphasizes the connection between effective schools and the degree and quality of principals' leadership. Ethnographic studies show that effective principals create organizational unity, exercise judgment with discretion and personal accountability, exploit confusion to their own advantage, and balance stability and innovation. Management…

Eulogizes Ronald Edmonds as a champion of the rights of minority children. Summarizes Edmonds' theory about what makes for effective schooling, and highlights his accomplishments in the New York City public schools. (ML)

Policymakers need to formulate policies that are responsive to the reforms called for in recent reports but must decide for their own school districts what changes would be sensible and what procedures will best bring them about. (MLF)

The author's personal experiences illustrate her comments on five factors that affect whether learning environments are positive or not. These factors involve student relationships with staff members, the clarity of disciplinary processes, justifications for rules, the presence of practices encouraging dishonesty, and respect for confidentiality…

The role and responsibilities of the English headmaster are examined and compared to those of the American principal. Suggestions are offered for improving schools by giving principals more responsiblilty and leadership ability. (DF)

Evaluation of the school-based, collaborative inservice program implemented by 10 elementary schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky, indicates that ideal conditions are not essential to school improvement. Based on the effective schools research model, the project also provided evidence that local schools will adopt successful programs after pilot…

This article presents 10 newly defined competencies in which principals must be trained if they are to manage productive schools. The competencies are in the areas of schoolwide goal setting, work group performance, individual staff performance, staff development, clinical supervision, work group development, quality control, instructional…

Private and public secondary schools were studied to compare differences in student results on the American College Test. Students in accredited and nonaccredited schools, and city and county schools were compared. The performance of students in schools that utilize different organizational patterns was assessed. Results are discussed. (DF)

This report presents information from the Sixth Annual Survey of State Higher Education Officers, and once again provides information on performance funding, budgeting, and reporting in all 50 states. Survey results show the triumph of performance reporting and the trials of performance budgeting and funding. The bad budgets for higher education…

Summarizes findings from the annual survey of Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) graduates regarding their development of the general education skills and affective attributes outlined in the college mission (e.g., interpersonal growth, appreciation for diversity, etc.). The survey includes measures of mission effectiveness based on…