Planning can help college public relations officials make the most of their time and energy. One approach includes reviewing institutional mission and strategic plan; setting department goals; identifying and targeting audiences; establishing interdepartmental links; and setting out action, crisis, budget, and evaluation plans in writing. (MSE)

Prospective students and their parents need as much information as possible about a school's programs, staff, administration, and expectations. One Missouri middle school begins its orientation program with a school/PTA newsletter and a coffee for parents of fifth graders. Simultaneously, the middle school works with the local high school to…

New teachers often enter the profession expecting to accomplish what the veteran teacher has been doing for years, with equal success and equal lack of support. A survey of South Carolina school districts shows that curriculum, instruction, and classroom management techniques are omitted from many teacher induction programs. Ameliorative…

After years of watching administrators bully children, teachers, and parents into reform, a Fairbanks (Alaska) elementary principal decided to be a facilitator, not a dictator. Assuming a "servant leadership" role, this principal garnered community support for transforming an old, unwanted school into a new math-science learning center…

Many young adolescent students are frustrated, reluctant learners that seem resigned to helplessness and other self-defeating behaviors. Telling students to try harder is not particularly effective. This article offers a goal-setting strategy to help youngsters become failure-avoiding, instead of failure-accepting, students. Teachers help students…

This article reviews several research studies on the achievement of gifted females. Factors that appear to contribute to lower achievement in career and profession include lower aspirations, lack of mentors, pressure to put energy into family, and poor self-esteem. Stressed are the different timelines for achievement experienced by many females.…

Implemented pilot career planning workshop at one university. Workshop has been offered every year since 1982 in conjunction with first-year orientation. Research on 83 students (experimental, control, and comparison groups) was conducted to establish workshop effectiveness. Found that workshop was effective for improving student retention only…

Today, K-12 schools urgently need change. Business administrators and principals both work in key leadership positions and must respond to current demands for higher standards and efficient spending. Both must share a clear picture of district goals, assume an interdependent attitude, and apply polished interpersonal skills in their work…

The relation between achievement and self-regulated learning (SRL) was studied through the self-descriptions of 222 seventh graders, all high achievers. Students ranged widely in their use of SRL strategies, suggesting that SRL strategies are not necessary for high achievement. Mastery goal orientation and gender were significantly related to SRL.…

A study suggests that while the pool of top black achievers in college is small, there are some common factors in their experiences that, if replicated among larger numbers of students, might allow many more to succeed. These factors include better college preparation, greater access to educated and influential role models and social networks, and…

According to a former principal, the best strategies for improving schools are to delegate authority, enlist faculty in critical decisions, impose questions instead of solutions, and create an environment where teachers can continually grow and learn together. Principals must be focused on the future, but grounded in reality. (MLH)

A survey of 212 orientation and mobility instructors who were also teachers of children with visual impairments investigated their roles, satisfaction with their university training, and current jobs. The majority were satisfied with their training and jobs and spent most of their time as teachers of children with visual impairments. (Author/CR)

Discusses the increasing number of college students taking courses online via the Internet and describes student help pages from various colleges to determine their content. Examines equipment requirements, tutorials on computer procedures, technical support, and the need for effective orientation to this new type of course. (LRW)

Reviews the literature related to the specific needs of beginning science teachers. Features programs and practices designed to support beginning teachers. Contains 32 references. (WRM)

Discusses methods for training camp counselors in safety standards. Safety awareness and camp wellness should be introduced during staff interviews. During precamp training, staff should complete a test in OSHA requirements, followed by role playing to expand staff's knowledge in each OSHA safety and health area. First aid training, fire safety,…