This work's 124 sample letters and accompanying CD-ROM provide templates for important letters busy principals often do not have time to prepare. Chapter 1, "Thank-You Letters," includes 14 letters for staff, students, parents, guest and conference speakers, and donations. Chapter 2, "Appreciation Letters," contains seven…

This book examines transformational leadership and explores why such leadership can enhance the work of secondary-school leaders. It focuses on school leadership exercised in restructuring contexts. The text is divided into three parts: (1) the context for changing leadership; (2) transformational school leadership; and (3) beyond transformational…

This book examines what it means to be a leader. It is intended not only for education leaders but also for anyone who feels compelled to provide effective leadership. The content is based on the author's more than 30 years of experience as a professional educator. Each chapter illustrates a component of leadership through a series of questions,…

This paper examines the role of individuals in positions of responsibility (POR) during the implementation of two different curriculum innovations: curriculum integration and performance-based assessment. In addition to addressing the lack of knowledge of department heads' role in implementing innovations, the report explores the effectiveness of…

This self-review tool for center directors consists of a seven-part survey which analyzes the program, work environment, budget and finance, public relations and community outreach, family relations, planning and administration, and professionalism. The survey was developed to assist onsite directors in their professional growth via personal and…

Provides guidelines for effective communication between a child's physician and his or her child care providers. (BB)

Summarizes unstructured interviews with Alberta (Canada) administrators, teachers, and parents about their perceptions of effectiveness in elementary schools and principals. Describes school effectiveness criteria: specific goals, good staff attitudes and school climate, appropriate organizational structure, good communication among staff,…

The performance of 16 Ohio county commissioners in an assessment center simulation was rated by themselves and 6 center evaluators. Real-life performance was rated by the commissioners and 15 county extension chairs. Commissioners' performance in the simulation was rated well above average by evaluators, and chairs rated real-life performance even…

The female principal and male assistant principal of a small rural elementary school completed the Hall-Tonna Inventory of Values resulting in each individual's value clusters, leadership characteristics, and ethical profile. The two administrators' leadership characteristics, goal values, and means values were often in conflict. Both would…

Presents an action-research approach to investigating the diverse goals and dilemmas characterizing staff appraisal activity. Describes an intervention to counter ineffective, defensive reasoning and teach two (New Zealand) principals how to think and act productively to manage dilemmas. Discusses challenges of the complex theoretical and…

A brief history of East Ridge Middle School in Connecticut illustrates the strong economic and demographic pressures that can work against a middle school. The principal plays a crucial role in preserving both the structure and the programs of an effective middle school. Points out strategies to protect and develop middle schools in tough economic…

Principals can become more effective supervisors of early childhood programs by understanding how these programs differ from those for upper elementary grades. There are at least seven critical differences involving classroom environment, teacher-student interactions, curriculum, integrated learning, class scheduling, playful learning, and…

Describes a study conducted at 2 community colleges to determine the contribution of the board-administrator relationship to effective management in 12 selected areas (i.e., goal-setting, planning, policy, financial management, professional development, communications, evaluation, state relations, fund raising, property transactions, discipline,…

Responses by Indiana school business officials to a questionnaire (177 for a 88.5% return rate) identified 4 areas of a successful training program: (1) develop communication and human interaction skills; (2) establish mentor and internship programs; (3) continue periodic workshops; and (4) increase computer and technology literacy. (MLF)

To gain others' consistent and active cooperation, administrators should convince faculty and staff that a task should be done. An administrator who uses persuasion communicates a degree of respect that strengthens the supervisor-subordinate relationship. Compliance-gaining strategies may be classified according to expectancies and consequences,…