Formulates descriptive research findings into a utilitarian tool for principal leadership development programs. An instrument measuring attitude toward a (visionary) leadership ideal was developed, administered, and analyzed. Previous research findings were summarized. Results showed that the instrument would help assess individual acceptance of…

At the NASSP's Alaska Assessment Center for Principals, aspiring administrators and assistant principals consistently scored lowest in a key characteristic--the leader's strongly held values and ability to create a shared school vision. This article underlines the principal's role as author and choreographer of a shared school vision that must be…

Case studies of five Scottish companies found that four of their quality circles programs had ceased. Essential to the success of quality circles were changes in the systems of reward, communication, and decision making and the cooperation and support of middle managers, who may see quality circles as a threat and who control the resources they…

The national commission reports confirmed the importance of instructional leadership in educational reform. Although the principal's role was initially emphasized, research indicates that superintendents use their bureaucratic positions in the formal organization to improve instruction through staff selection, principal supervision, instructional…

Focus groups with British school and college headteachers (n=12) holding degrees in educational management identified important management competencies (ability to learn, to act decisively, to think globally). Managerial knowledge, skills, and higher order capacities need to be targeted specifically as each requires a difference development…

On a systemwide level, spin control means defining the issues and formulating an agenda for addressing them. On a personal level, school executives should develop a communications style that stresses honesty, updated information for everyone, wise choice of issues, appropriate responses to criticism, openness to expert advice, willingness to share…

To make best use of consultants, administrators must furnish purpose, goals, and sufficient information to do the job. Paving the way for consultation can spell the difference between nonthreatening, efficient counseling that produces workable solutions and a situation marked by a suspicious, uncooperative staff and expensive delays. (MLH)

According to a study of 20 outstanding principals, administrators valued as instructional leaders value their role as staff developers, view their key function as facilitator, and are driven by a clear vision for the school. These principals view themselves as role models for continual growth, are self-assured, and open to change. (eight…

Discusses the importance of positive interpersonal relationships in developing an effective leadership style. It provides recommendations for developing effective relations with subordinates, vendors and suppliers, and bosses. Advice for dealing with low self-esteem concludes the article. (GR)

Argues that leadership is not a single-direction process, but a dynamic interaction between leaders and their contexts. Employs multiple perspectives on university leadership, highlighting five contextual aspects: formal laws and statutes; economic resources, human competence and resources, the cultural sphere, and the sphere of power and…

A 1997 survey asked 449 school business officials to identify the most essential skills for effective performance. SBOs primarily see themselves as managers of fiscal resources and of programs associated with fiscal resources. An additional responsibility is managing programs not instructionally related. Respondents felt the best training they…

Interviews with 20 adult basic education program managers in Botswana identified the definition, goals, and principles of competent supervision. A relationship was apparent between the quality of the supervision of literacy programs and their outcomes. (SK)

Offers suggestions for using multimedia and technology to make successful presentations. Describes the contents of the multimedia administrator's toolbox, and the responsibilities of the multimedia administrator. Five figures are included. (six references) (LMI)

In a study to identify characteristics and behaviors of effective elementary school principals in Cyprus, 49 principals judged as excellent by the Education Ministry were interviewed. Effective principals are ambitious, honest, and self-confident; deeply committed to their profession; proud of their country's heritage and traditions; deep thinkers…

Successful principals are goal-oriented, get control of paperwork, lead by consensus but take charge when appropriate, develop people skills, recognize and utilize others' expertise, keep in touch with the kids, communicate clearly, have a concrete discipline plan, celebrate success, and maintain a sense of humor. (MLH)