Presents reasons why parent involvement is of vital concern to school administrators. Provides an overview of this special issue which focuses on the role of the administrator in promoting educationally helpful forms of parent involvement. (Author/LHW)

Like many other people, teachers resist change out of habit, fear, and a sense that change is futile. Principals can enhance change by timing innovations appropriately, involving all those affected by the change, convincing those involved that the change is "theirs," and demonstrating serious commitment through adequate support. (PGD)

Establishing advisory boards composed of corporate executives is recommended as a means of bringing new ideas and direction to liberal arts colleges. Suggestions for maximizing the value of the relationship between executives and the college are outlined. (MSE)

The effective principal balances personal job expectations against those of the district and the school community when choosing an administrative style and deciding how much change can be tolerated. A personal log or calendar can help substantiate leadership or managerial preferences and determine future priorities. Two references are included.…

Attempts to understand the administrative careers of 16 women principals of Victoria, Australia, through questionnaires and interviews. Data were used to construct five "ideal types" of principals and analyze problems faced in their school careers. Also presents evidence showing women principals as more effective than men principals. (71…

Reports findings of a survey of Illinois school superintendents which focused on which management practices they recommend in response to enrollment decline. Discusses the 32 most highly recommended practices. (KH)

Praises United States Secretary of Education William J. Bennett's 1986 elementary education report for presenting worthwhile observations on values, parents' responsibility, and teachers' professional roles. Criticizes Bennett's omission of implementation strategies, especially concerning the federal government's role in assisting minority and…

Administrators' concerns with special education assessment are addressed from a historical perspective as well as from current practice. Critical issues highlight controversy in special education placement, operational definitions of handicapping conditions, and program evaluation. Future projections are offered, including attention to early…

Reviews the literature on assistant principals. Concludes that from a sociological perspective, the existing knowledge base has contributed little to an understanding of the social character of the school setting, the internal and external careers of administrators, and problems associated with training and developing professional administrators.…

Presents a strategy for reconceptualizing the role of the high school assistant principal in order to: (1) make the job more professionally satisfying; (2) better prepare assistants for subsequent responsibilities as principals; and (3) develop a capacity for problem-solving activities, pursued cooperatively by teachers and administrators, to…

Assistant principals primarily police and control and prepare for a future principalship. Yet schools could benefit if the job also include instructional leadership, close teamwork with teachers and colleagues, and integration of community groups and parents into the school. Such changes would require shifts in the sociopolitical agenda for…

Discusses strategies that can be used to prevent the five most common behavioral problems in secondary schools: (1) failure to complete assigned work, (2) tardiness, (3) inattentiveness, (4) littering, and (5) failure to bring materials to class. (FL)

Discussed are four rules that will help band directors become better managers. The rules are: there is a place for everything; write it down; don't rely upon your memory; list daily activities in order of priority; and inform others in the same manner in which you would like to be informed. (RM)

Discusses methods that can be used to nurture faculty growth from the beginning and thus prevent a later loss of productivity. (PD)

Recent national assessments of education have been primarily negative. The positive approach of "In Search of Excellence" might be a better guide for reform. Principals could follow the example of successful businesses by supporting informal experimentation, seeking feedback from students and parents, and recognizing teachers' successes…