Responses from 134 superintendents, 134 principals, 134 vocational teachers, and 153 vocational directors (78%) revealed the perception that directors were primarily involved in administration, instruction, promotion, and personnel. Teachers, superintendents, and principals would like them to be substantially more involved in promotion and…

A study examined the content of 85 scholarly works by social work program administrators to assess their contributions to development of social work knowledge. Findings indicate the topic of social work education emerged predominantly in both publications and conference or workshop presentations of these undergraduate educators. (Author/MSE)

Presents a matrix-continuum of systemic change defining six developmental stages (old system maintenance, awareness, exploration, transition, emerging new infrastructure, and predominating new system) and six key change elements (vision, public and political support, networking, teaching and learning changes, administrative roles and…

Offers a teacher evaluation model designed to help principals understand their role as instructional supervisor. The model can also help teachers understand the nature of the evaluation being accomplished, facilitate the delegation of formative evaluation to others, and reconcile two seemingly irreconcilable processes. (12 references) (MLH)

Following the lead of Xerox and Ford, U.S. industry is embracing benchmarking as fundamental to quality improvement efforts. Schools can adopt this practice by comparing themselves to the best schools. The first steps are selecting specific improvement areas and identifying model schools for comparison. Visionary leadership is essential. (MLH)

The working relationship between the college president and personnel director requires constant attention and monitoring to be successful. The president must be able to rely on the personnel director for attention to both mechanical details and human issues to create the proper learning and teaching environment on campus. (MSE)

The developing field of institutional advancement is introduced and defined, the role of the administrator is discussed, and research needs and obstacles are examined. Focus is on the role and projects of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. (MSE)

A variety of administrative issues can arise when multi-investigator, interdisciplinary research increases on campus. As research facilitators, university research administrators are in a position to help their institution with necessary management adjustments. Interdisciplinary research brings special opportunities and challenges to the campus…

Discusses two propositions and two policies governing site-based management and the curriculum specialist role. The principal's role is changing from building manager to instructional leader. The role of department head or curriculum specialist is not clearly defined in the literature. However, the central office expert will no longer dispense…

Summarizes a study attempting to explain how an East Texas junior high principal influenced cultural values. The case study provides a time- and context-bound glimpse into the school's evolutionary acculturation process. Findings suggest no definitive ways to manage school culture but show the importance of using symbolic resources (newspapers,…

Principals in restructuring schools are working in an increasingly turbulent policy environment that adds expectations but deletes little from their traditional roles. Two tasks form the basis of newly defined power relationships--delegating responsibilities and developing collaborative decision-making processes. Leading from the center means…

Compared to other subject areas, the arts seem more difficult to classify and evaluate. However, the arts' methods and content place them at the forefront of evaluation techniques that are beginning to permeate academic subject areas. Effective evaluation of arts programs depends not on principals' artistic expertise but on their ability to manage…

Discusses a study which sought to discover the traits and characteristics of exemplary school administrators, especially principals. Identifies the 11 qualities and characteristics necessary for principals to become effective leaders, as most often mentioned by the leaders themselves. (HB)

Recently, the National Center for Educational Leadership surveyed 35 Kentucky superintendents about changing roles since passage of the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act. Results showed that superintendents were learning to lead from the background, enhancing all stakeholders' participation, and working hard to manage reform requirements. Many…

The school business official will be involved in many referenda over the course of a career. School budgets, capital projects, equipment acquisitions, school bus purchases, and emergency construction projects are among the most common situations requiring a referendum. A time frame is needed, and most states have guidelines spelling out procedures…