Describes how focus-group research can guide administrator communications with parents about state and federal standards-based reform legislation. (PKP)

School attorney suggests strategies related to personnel selection and dismissal that superintendents can employ to reduce the risk of special-education litigation. (PKP)

Compared how principals in predominantly African American, urban middle schools with high and low suspension rates differed in addressing disciplinary challenges. Data from observations, interviews, and document analysis indicated several factors contributing to lower suspension rates, including high parental involvement, structured environment,…

College deans, formerly responsible mainly for academic issues and liaison between faculty and administration, are increasingly charged with cultivating potential donors, particularly at state institutions in states where public funding has remained flat and institutions are engaged in multi-year capital campaigns. Deans are well positioned to…

The three final candidates to replace Spelman College (Georgia) president Johnetta B. Cole are testimony to the status the institution has attained through recent leadership. The candidates, all high-achieving women, include a former Secretary of Energy, acting U.S. Surgeon General, and a University of California, Los Angeles vice chancellor. (MSE)

Training needed to implement technological and organizational change in small- and medium-sized enterprises is restrained by lack of systematic organization, negative effects of organizational and personnel structures, and different interpretations of managerial tasks. Article suggests that managers should strive to create the necessary…

Presents survey data from departmental heads in one "old" or chartered university and one "new" or statutory university. Compares the heads' roles in the two types of university and compares the results with those of a previous study in l995-96. Although the role has become more similar, differences remain, most notably…

Advice about the role of the superintendent in the grievance and arbitration process: Be sure you are not violating the teachers' contract; check past practice; examine the basis of your decision; work closely with the school board's attorney; and plan for future related questions. (MLF)

Provides results of a survey given to 150 educators across 5 school Direct Instruction implementations. Proposes that this survey is an initial step in the direction of determining teacher preferences with regard to levels of support and coaching provided in school. Finds teachers identified the team-teach method of coaching as the most effective.…

Reports on survey of 566 mostly secondary school principals and assistant principals to determine their professional development needs to improve the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Finds that while most principals understand the basic elements of IDEA, many had little or no knowledge of the legislation.…

Describes international student service units in higher education, including their primary functions, staff roles and responsibilities, major functional challenges, professional challenges and support systems, professional literature, and tips for those interested in the field. Also describes the author's personal career path in international…

Describes the role of the student life/activities specialty in higher education student affairs, including mission, functions, organization and staffing, major challenges and issues, and career pathways for student life administrators. Also describes the author's personal career path in student life administration. (EV)

Describes use of Environmental Protection Agency's Tools for Schools tool kit to improve indoor air quality aimed specifically at eliminating asthma triggers such as dust mites and mold. Includes several examples of school district efforts to reduce or eliminate student health problems associated with poor indoor air quality. (PKP)

Describes an international study of the principal's role in developing and supporting school library programs that was conducted in Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Japan, Scotland, and South Korea. Discusses three survey instruments that were used to provide information for principals and teacher-librarians that would inform their efforts to…

Three alumni travel directors offer advice on taking control when tour crises arise. The cases cited involved irresponsible tour agents, problem travelers, and on-location disasters. Both precautions and creative solutions are emphasized. (MSE)