Governing boards in search of a college president often look for the wrong kinds of qualifications, such as an earned doctorate, scholarship, and significant administrative experience in higher education. Presidents should be hired for their mental capacities, stamina, and the desire for spiritual rewards. (MSE)

A case study delineating the instructional leadership role undertaken by a principal of an urban elementary school considers the administrator's social and academic goals for her students, social climate and instructional organization of the school, the principal's contribution to their creation and maintenance, and direct and indirect…

Describes the improved learning environment at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in South Carolina and gives credit to Principal Melvin Smoak. Discusses such topics as discipline policy, teacher evaluation, and remedial programs. States that, although more students are acquiring basic skills, the school has no resources to challenge the brightest…

Describes a survey that examined office automation use by managers and the impact on managerial roles. The factors discussed include the impact on decision making, changes in work activities, sources of support, training, and different uses between managerial ranks. Recommendations are offered for improving use of office automation. (13…

Reflects on several issues confronting an English department chair, including part-time faculty, adequate writing programs, curriculum reform, and resource allocation. (MM)

The two studies reported in this paper inquired into the factors that influence the activities of principals in Ontario while implementing a special education policy. Data were gathered from interviews with 23 principals and a questionnaire distributed to 114 principals, respectively. Findings tend to favor autonomous, "empowered"…

The Clinical Supervision Program for Evaluation, implemented by the Department of Special Education in Quincy (Massachusetts) Public Schools, uses a management-by-objectives approach to measure teaching performance. Discussed are its historical development, philosophy, and procedural sequence. The roles of supervisors and examples of staff member…

Leaders today must be deeply knowledgeable about the past, widely informed about the present, and willing to substitute the common good for their own. Leaders can profit from the example of the framers of the U.S. Constitution in their disciplined, informed, and sophisticated appreciation of their culture and civilization. (Author)

Leaders must take advantage of opportunities for change, know when to act and when not to act, have faith in their own judgment, take risks, and enjoy building their institutions. A strong institution ultimately measures a college president's leadership. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the issues of promotion, tenure, and merit salary increases. Concludes that the strength of institutions rests with their diversity, and that administrators must recognize differences in evaluating their colleagues. (MS)

Discusses the problem of prejudice toward the children of school administrators. (SRT)

Ten vital attributes of an effective director based on observation and "expert" business management advice are presented as an annotated checklist. Items include discussion and quotable quotes. (BB)

Schoolwide independent reading can have a positive effect on students' reading habits, and principals can be major supporters of successful reading programs. Principals can: (1) provide worthwhile staff development; (2) suggest using independent reading to promote creative reading; (3) be ambitious about promoting independent reading; yet (4) be…

Demonstrates that school board members should periodically review their student transportation system to ensure safety, good drivers, and community support of schools. Describes how administrators gain operational understanding through field review and reporting their findings. Discusses data interpretation and application. Planning for community…

A two-year study of the characteristics of effective college presidents resulted in a profile that shows significant differences between effective and representative administrative styles. (MSE)