This questionnaire puts the principal's role in school improvement projects into a conceptual framework and measures six areas: organizational efficiency, social-informal "concern for people," concern for the educational activities in the classroom, nonintervention techniques, ability to plan and share visions, and ability to trust in…

The role of the principal as the key decision-maker, problem-solver, and agent of change at the school site is discussed in this paper. A review of the recent literature indicates the major ways in which this role may be enhanced to bring about school effectiveness. The first section discusses the skills necessary to be a principal in today's…

The Centre for Principal Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education is a new organization devoted to research and professional development. This paper describes the framework for the center's research program and reviews research reported since 1985 that is relevant to each of the components. The review serves two purposes: (1)…

This monograph focuses on beginning principals and the changes Oregon school districts are making in the induction process of new principals. Chapter 1 summarizes current research and theories that describe the socialization process of newcomers and the problems of becoming a school leader. Chapter 2 examines the current induction process. Chapter…

Presents results from a study of community college leadership, conducted to examine interactive leadership relationships between college presidents and the principal internal governance groups with which they work. Presents a model linking leadership style, group situation, and leadership effectiveness. Discusses implications for the future. (DMM)

A study was conducted to explore the ways effective elementary school principals use their listening skills in conversations with their teachers to better understand them, make decisions, and make sense of the day-to-day operations of their schools. Additionally, teachers' perceptions of their effective principals' listening skills were…

One key finding of the "Children Left Behind" series has been the critical role of school leadership in setting the tone for how the day-to-day discipline and management of misbehavior is conducted. Interview and survey data from the second and third briefing papers have demonstrated that: (1) principals are sharply divided in their …

This paper examines the current status of standards and assessment in California, focusing on the system's successes and failures, and on how professors of educational administration can be involved and of assistance to administrators and teachers in this endeavor. At this time, the California accountability system and other mandated factors have…

This paper presents ways to transform leadership by transforming leaders. It advocates an increased knowledge about self and a deeper connection with the purpose for living. It outlines the spiritual condition of school leaders and the importance of spiritual development. This increased spirituality is fostered by developing an awareness of…

This paper reports on a study that investigated the frequency with which principals practice behaviors believed to positively or negatively affect the supervisory climate that exists in a school. The secondary purpose of the research was to look at demographic factors, such as gender and grade level, that might influence a principal's supervisory…

This paper reviews and discusses the literature related to improving effective communication in educational settings. It compiles possible solutions to ineffective communications. To promote effective communication, administrators need to solicit opinions and be willing to listen to them. Most administrators tend to give direction instead of…

This booklet was written for central-office administrators, board members, parents, teachers, and others who seek outstanding principals. It was also written for principals who want to improve their skills so they may serve their constituents, especially students, at the highest level. The booklet is the third installment in a trilogy of…

This guidebook examines cultural differences in communication. It discusses strategies that managers can employ to become aware of cultural differences, to recognize when cultural differences pose a leadership challenge, and to adapt their communication style to enhance effectiveness. The booklet recommends that managers examine their own cultural…

Investigates the relationship between school principals' professional isolation and their performance at work. Suburban Quebec principals were administered French versions of the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Self-Appraisal Instrument for Community College Administrators. Principals' professional isolation was negatively and significantly…

Summarizes a survey of Ohio superintendents' and other administrative supervisors' perceptions of the career-threatening problems experienced by principals. Respondents were asked to rate the deficiency effect of 23 administrative competencies later grouped into 7 clusters. Principals perceived as at risk most frequently experience problems with…