Despite passage of affirmative-action legislation in the United States, the percentage of women school superintendents has increased at a very slow pace. This paper identifies the major challenges faced by four female entry-level superintendents and the strategies they used to deal with them. Data were collected during a group interview with the…

The Administrator Development Academy (ADA) is a 6-week preparation program for aspiring school administrators, developed by the Department of Educational Administration at a large state university in a midwestern city. Since 1983, the program's approach has shifted from one based on traditional discussions and lectures to one centered on the…

This paper explores the leadership strategies of four exemplary high school department chairs. It develops a model based on social-exchange theory to show how chairs, as middle managers, must satisfy the expectations of both teachers and administrators. Data were derived from a case study of department chairs identified as exemplary in four…

Excerpts from interviews with four women mentors in academe illustrate a common, problematic syndrome which involves resistance to assuming the position of master. Each of the women expressed a profound discomfort with the idea of being considered an "expert" and each resisted the role in her own way. Sarah had adopted a stance of…

Five perspectives are offered on the possible relationships between second language (L2) teachers and researchers. Discussion begins with an overview of traditions and transitions in the approaches, values, and concerns of L2 teachers and researchers. This is followed by discussion and illustration of four of the five relationships, including: (1)…

Narratives are the preferred model for conserving and communicating practical craft knowledge. The undercurrent of narratives was examined in three sites where practical craft knowledge was communicated: (1) a kitchen in a fishing community; (2) high school classrooms; and (3) a staffroom where teachers tell novices and researchers stories in…

Findings of a case study that examined the evolution of a mentoring relationship in an elementary school are presented in this paper. The collaboration to implement a school improvement project developed between a new female elementary school principal and a male external change agent/school researcher. Data were derived through participant…

Housed at Henderson State University, the Arkansas Network of Humanities Academic Alliances is a statewide network of school and college teachers in humanities disciplines who meet regularly to promote ongoing professional development and work toward common goals. The network seeks to strengthen humanities teaching at all educational levels,…

Teacher education faculty have recently recognized the need for interdisciplinary preservice training that incorporates collaborative approaches, but such training is usually unworkable within the traditional university department structure. Research supports the contention that a team makes more accurate decisions than do individuals acting…

This paper examines the change process that occurred in four elementary schools that implemented a participatory mode of school organization, the Accelerated Schools model. Methodology included document analysis and a total of 35 interviews with teachers, administrators, social workers, and parents. Findings indicate that: (1) the principal's…

This case study presents findings from a year-long ethnographic study of the female principal of a secondary school in an innercity setting. It concludes one of seven studies conducted in elementary and intermediate schools in urban, suburban, and rural settings to investigate the instructional management role of principals. Data collection…

Outcomes and applications of Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) study groups composed of teachers and administrators to investigate a single educational issue and develop a product of use to practitioners are described in this report. Contents include an introduction of the study group as a professional development tool, a discussion of the…

To facilitate the least restrictive education of handicapped children required by Public Law 94-142, special educators are encouraged to cooperate with regular classroom teachers in meeting the needs of handicapped children. An outline of eight suggestions for developing communication skills and effective consultation techniques focuses on being…

A program for improving relationships between professors of education and secondary school teachers was outlined. (RK)

Recent policy on teacher appraisal in Botswana emphasises that the process should be professional, non-threatening and constructive. The extent to which the teachers themselves experience their appraisal as meaningful was investigated. The findings indicated that teachers had varying experiences and mixed feelings about the appraisal process. It…