A survey of 172 college and university presidents representing diverse institutions investigated the administrators' perceived most important problems and accomplishments in that office. Inadequate funding was by far the highest ranked problem, and establishment of goals and institutional priorities was the most commonly cited accomplishment. (MSE)

The results of a questionnaire given to child care center directors, Head Start directors, and prekindergarten directors in public schools revealed that administrators do not view public relations, or "planned communications," as a high priority. (BB)

Changes in private and public sectors are redefining the university research administrator's role, shifting it from a management to a marketing perspective. Increasingly, administrators are accountable for responsible use of both research results and funds. This trend is providing new opportunities for professional growth. (Author/MSE)

For past three years, Tallahassee, Florida, elementary school has changed from good effective school to quality learning organization. Inspired by Deming's principles, the school's broad-based task force developed a culture suitable for continuous quality improvement. Newly established core values included the importance of individuals, teachers…

Examines the principal's role in school restructuring using essential school precepts. Based on qualitative data from a 2.5-year longitudinal study, results indicate that principals must assume a more inclusive, prominent role in restructuring efforts. The Coalition of Essential Schools' metaphor "student as worker, teacher as coach"…

College presidents who are successful at fund raising believe they are responsible for creating their institutions' fund-raising climate and that their enthusiasm for their institutions' mission and goals enhances giving. The president's effectiveness is an important factor in whether an institution prospers. Trustees should help through active…

College and university administrators can apply lessons learned from corporate management to expected financial pressures of the 1990s. Problems requiring strong leadership include unclear expectations of staff; weak measurement systems; accelerating change; and the strangling effects of excessive administrative processes. (DB)

The problems attending democratic freedom and responsibility have not been solved since De Toqueville's day; improving democracy is each generation's legacy. Site-based administration is education's response to business/industry "downsizing" and a shift from assembly-line manufacturing to caseload service. Strategies to help SBM…

Defining community politically (as a flexible arena for debating perspectives and achieving purpose) provides different ways to consider diversity. Diversity becomes not an anomaly but an integral part of the community process; conflict is legitimized as appropriate and inevitable in achieving school purposes. Administrators must mediate conflict,…

Some schools are replacing rule-bound discipline programs with instruction that helps students make ethical judgments and decisions. A recent review of 40 classroom-management studies finds teachers responsible for designing lessons that engage and motivate students, communicating procedural expectations, and using unobtrusive techniques to hold…

Establishment of a professional development school by Arizona State University and Tempe (Arizona) Elementary School District has provided opportunities for teachers to make curriculum decisions, shape school procedures and policies, engage in collaborative activities with school and university faculty, and develop greater autonomy. (IAH)

Draws on the results of two different studies to explore the changing nature of the principalship in Chicago public schools since the passage of the Chicago School Reform Act. It reveals changes not only in the characteristics of the principals hired since the act's passage but also changes in their roles. (GLR)

Discusses the emerging leadership qualities needed to establish and administer programs to recruit and prepare teachers of color. The discussion is derived from experience with the Pathways to Teaching Careers initiative funded by the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund. The importance of linking efforts by educational leaders is stressed. (SLD)

The restructuring process helps convert principals from instructional to transformational leaders who can identify and articulate a vision; foster acceptance of group goals; convey high performance expectations; provide appropriate models, intellectual stimulation, and individual support; and promote a strong school culture. Collaborative and…

Compares some Western and Russian school-management approaches. Drawing on Larry Cuban's work, reveals differences in language and terms used; shows deep cultural differences in how scholars study the field; explains difficulties in performing some transcultural reconceptualizations; and demonstrates how alien approaches can facilitate scholars'…