Findings of a study that examined how effectively instructional leadership and instructional climate predict student learning outcomes are presented in this paper. Surveys to determine principals' self-perceptions and teachers' perceptions of instructional climate were completed by 72 principals and 1,523 teachers. Achievement results for 9,415…

The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) recently provided school improvement assistance to the Chicago Public Schools. As part of its work, the NWREL reviewed 39 national reform reports in order to summarize the research findings on effective principals and teachers, curriculum, equity, partnerships and responsibilities, parent…

Effective building leadership and time utilization are important to the success of implementing change. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe the experiences of an urban junior high school principal involved in a collaborative change effort. Specifically studied were the principal's actions, behavior, communication, and…

As educators continue to restructure schools to better meet the needs of society, the principal's effective leadership practices become paramount. This report of a descriptive study of principals in a large urban school district examines the differences in middle-school and high-school teachers' perceptions of the leadership practices of…

This book offers suggestions to primary schools about how they can improve their work in preparing children for a rapidly changing world. Chapter 1 sets the stage by considering various definitions of educational improvement, efficacy, and goals. Chapter 2 assesses research on school effectiveness and critically considers components of school…

Ordinary nonwork activities like fundraising, coaching, and community advocacy can serve as sources of learning for managers in such areas as interpersonal skills, handling multiple tasks, using relevant background information, and leadership practice. Private life encourages leadership development by offering managers experience developing their…

This report is the result of a 10-month study of 12 principals in the School District of Philadelphia. The research included in the report is part of a body of qualitative data collected about schools engaged in Philadelphia's Children Achieving reform agenda. The report explores the nature of emerging responsibilities, the ways in which…

This study examines the role of community college presidents as the two-year institution faces changing and expanding issues and challenges. The author argues that the community college president must be adept at assembling a leadership team if he/she is going to be an effective administrator. The study utilized a cross-sectional design and…

Intended for the beginning principal and the principal's mentor, this book explores the duties in the principal's first year on the job from the viewpoint of both the principal and the mentor. It emphasizes organization during the first-year principalship; tasks to be accomplished each month; leading versus managing and how both can benefit the…

Examined the relation of school leadership changes to school configuration (climate, structure, and student population characteristics), based on survey data from 122 elementary schools. Schools having changes in principals had greater use, more new and minority students, slightly lower scores on criterion-referenced tests, and less discipline.…

Examines how educators have overcome obstacles to school improvement and implemented recommendations in "Breaking Ranks" governing technology, personalization, and organization and time. Implementation often falters due to large enrollments, time factors, school goals, and traditional views of teacher roles, responsibilities, and…

The first and perhaps most important thing for a director to remember is that THINGS WILL HAPPEN! The mix of parents, teachers, children, regulations, building problems, and so on is so complex and filled with so many elements out of control that things happening--good and/or bad--is a given. In this article, the author shares some skills from…

This paper explores the patterns of interaction which enhance or inhibit administrators acceptance of their superintendent's agenda. The data were drawn from a case study of a superintendent involved in a change process, through observation and interviews with the superintendent, district administrators, and principals. Implications of the…

As part of a series of periodic assessments of campus climate, the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), in California, conducted a survey of classified staff in November 1995. Questionnaires were mailed to 280 staff members at San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College, soliciting their perceptions of…

This book defines the role and obligations of the library trustee in a wide range of situations and also discusses keys to successful communication between the trustee and library director, staff, and patron. Chapters are: (1) "The Trustee in Today's World" (F. William Summers); (2) "Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees"…