Provides an explanation of the notion of fit and the role it can play in the assessment of principals; examines a theoretical basis for the notion of fit; uses cases of principals who experienced problems to illustrate the multidimensional nature of fit; discusses fit and literature on role theory. (GLR)

Discusses marketing problems and opportunities associated with satisfying demand, product-consumer match, support services, personnel, and personal involvement. Identifies overall marketing and business/financial goals and related objectives. Covers action plans, performance evaluations, curriculum design, advisory committee participation and…

Investigates the role of social studies department heads and principals in five schools involved in a project studying higher-order thinking skills. Identifies similarities and differences between department heads and administrators. Develops indicators of the success of the five schools in promoting higher-order thinking in social studies…

Coordination of schools and child protective services (CPSs) concerning child abuse reporting was studied via a survey of 267 public school principals. National data reveal that school staff generally comply with reporting laws. However, CPS policies limiting reports and focusing resources on the most serious cases counteract school district…

Although the plight of cities seems nearly hopeless, three new-style big city mayors have emerged to try ideas deserving study by other cities. Edward Rendell of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), John Norquist of Milwaukee (Wisconsin), and Stephen Goldsmith of Indianapolis (Indiana) are demonstrating that U.S. cities can be made to work. (SLD)

Four prerequisites for college and university departmental change and renewal have been suggested: dedication to teamwork; collective dialog and inquiry about effective teaching; commitment to quality control and rewarding collective goals; and leadership of a purposeful chair. These are discussed in relation to conditions mitigating against…

Examines the ways that academic department chairs cope with the demanding and often contradictory roles they must assume. Discusses the challenge of allocating resources among faculty members and simultaneously maintaining collegiality. Presents data culled from interviews with 23 current and former department chairs. (MJP)

Explores the interpersonal dynamics of a graduate-student teaching-assistant supervisor, a department chair, a cooperating teacher, and a student teacher in a traditional university teacher-education program. Data from interviews, observations, conferences, and discussions indicated that the supervisor felt unsupported and disenfranchised,…

Seven women college chancellors and presidents describe their most significant leadership challenges. Topics discussed include risk-taking, communicating shared values and vision rather than individual power, double standards, women's long-range perspective, coping with large-scale change, discrepancies between the expectations of men and women…

Considers characteristics of successful school library media programs based on information from surveys of schools that participated in the national Library Power initiative. Discusses the importance of shared vision, professional development, planning opportunities, leadership from the principal, support staff, complementary school reforms, and…

The Language Academy initiative enabled the San Francisco Unified School District to transform remedial, compliance-based programs for English language learners into standards-based language-learning programs for all students. Administrators relied on stakeholder involvement, coherent policy, and quality program design to achieve their goal of…

Presents an interview with Kati Haycock, Director of the Education Trust, discussing: challenges to developing high quality staff development in schools serving low-income, minority students; teacher turnover; rural poverty; content-oriented staff development; learning from colleagues; making time for staff learning; willingness to change and…

Describes a dedicated principal who restored order and doubled enrollment at one troubled Washington, DC, elementary school. His efforts involved instilling a sense of stern discipline and an ethic of striving for excellence. He creates partnerships with local businesses and organizations, involves parents, requires uniforms, knows every child,…

In Austin, Texas, an urban district where more than half the students come from low-income families, the annual dropout rate has gone down, and the scores on statewide standardized tests have gone up. A key element in the turnaround is state-mandated, site-based management, a system that decentralizes decision making and involves strong leadership…

Student activities personnel are offered advice on balancing personal and professional demands, improving physical fitness, improving nutrition, minimizing stress, and managing time better. The importance of office communication and cooperation with coworkers in assuring personal well-being is emphasized. (MSE)