Summarizes study that interviewed 25 rural teachers identified as having strong "principal potential." Only five teachers expressed interest in becoming principals. The seven "maybe's" felt principalship would have to change significantly before they would consider it. Many viewed the principalship as too distant from the…

In a recent study, teachers linked use of praise to principals' goals of promoting and reinforcing instructional performance. Teachers viewed praise as a positive, effective influence strategy that helped boost their confidence and pride and enhance feelings of satisfaction and belonging. Only work-related praise was viewed as influential.…

The assistant principalship holds a critical position in education organizations because it is an entry-level position for administrative careers. Assistant principals maintain the norms and rules of school culture and handle the conflicts arising among teachers, students, and the community. Principals who work as administrative teams with their…

Examines the relationship between management and leadership for school administrators in the United States and in Singapore. In both places, administrators were asked to write accounts of challenging leadership incidents. Analyses of cognitive patterns indicate that national boundaries make a difference, and the patterns for managerial and…

Future teacher/musicians at one midwestern university desire that principals possess understanding, avoid stereotyped notions about musicians' temperament, demonstrate respect for music programs and music teachers, obtain financial support, have a positive attitude, and be accessible. In turn, principals must select music teachers capable of…

Examines how principals manage in situations that defy conventional administrative authority and methods. Fully 80% of the 30 Pennsylvania high school principals interviewed admitted using at least 1 micropolitical strategy, such as exchange theory, divide and conquer, information control, cooptation, displacement, and discretionary behavior. Most…

Reviews the August 1991 special issue of "Educational Administration Quarterly" on "Nontraditional Theory and Research." Feminist poststructural theories had been used to guide the analysis of educational change in the fictional Johnsonville School District. This article finds that only three of the eight articles moved beyond…

The National Policy Board for Educational Administration, an umbrella organization of 10 national groups, is focusing on preparation and certification programs for the principalship. Describes the board's activities and cites arguments for professional certification by an independent national board. (15 references) (MLF)

Discusses the role of the library director as entrepreneur, defined as one who shifts economic resources from areas of lower productivity to areas of greater yield. The importance of this role during a time of austerity is highlighted, and six examples of directors acting as entrepreneurs are presented. (Contains 12 references.) (KRN)

Based on interviews and observations of effective executives, this article presents numerous strategies for tackling school management efficiently. Suggestions are given for apportioning limited time, examining school problems and opportunities, pursuing administrative development, and benefiting from failures. Includes nine references. (MLH)

Describes a case study of an insurance company manager with a superior track record. Successful management behaviors include helping trainees succeed, relying on loyalty, building trust, manifesting an extroverted personality and good sense of humor, applying business knowledge, creating incentives to sell, and maintaining excellent relationships…

Argues that administrative effectiveness requires delegation; that delegation is a learned skill; and that low self-esteem and weak delegation skills are closely related. Summarizes literature offering warnings and tips about delegation. (DMM)

Facilitating communication and cooperation between principals and teachers, between principals and administrators, and among principals themselves can be accomplished by using a peer support system based on clustering. Fort Bend (Texas) Independent School District has benefited by creating 5 clusters of 8 to 10 elementary and secondary principals…

Describes three goals that a project manager must meet to achieve a successful project: manage the workflow in order to complete the project; manage the expectations of the client; and maintain a standard of excellence. Discusses how to use the "Project Plan,""Meeting Report," and "Status Report" as tools for…

A "binocular" perspective on leadership combines the analytical, transactional leadership present in organizations and the more personal, transformational leadership needed in communities. School systems are both hierarchical bureaucracies and moral communities, requiring leaders who simultaneously attend to both realities in a balanced…