Discusses the variety of language centers on college and university campuses, ranging from the rationale for the center to questions and objections about its existence on campus. Discusses relation of the center to the foreign language department, the parameters of the position of center director, the role of the less commonly taught languages,…

Singles out three interrelated areas in the exposition of faculty evaluation and assessment: (1) the nature of the procedure; (2) the rhythms of professional life; and (3) mutual rights and responsibilities, particularly in the process of posttenure review. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that robust foreign language departments, such as Spanish, must support other languages or end up as the only language offered on campus other than English. (Author/VWL)

Makes a case for studying the truly foreign languages--the less commonly taught languages. Discusses the needs and ramifications of supervising the teaching of less commonly taught languages, covering the nature of the curriculum, the state of the field, and available resources. (Author/VWL)

An informal survey of state superintendent associations and lawyers representing superintendents reveals little change in top executives' contracts over the past decade. Mandatory evaluations and renewable (non-"evergreen") contracts are becoming common; pay-for-performance measures are emerging, yet limited. Contractual and job-leaving…

An administrator trainer/former superintendent's experience suggests that corporate governance models don't fit the reality of school governance in many districts. Elected board members define their roles differently than their business counterparts and derive little or no monetary benefit from public service. The "new breed" resemble…

This article suggests that increasingly, college governing boards are using presidential evaluation techniques that compromise the incumbent president's ability to lead. If the board feels it has an objective evaluation method, it should not accept self-motivated faculty evaluations. Guidelines are offered for both formal and informal assessments.…

A social studies teacher observes that after 10 years, decision making will probably never be decentralized in Rochester (New York) schools. Contracts, precedents, school board policy, and state law place far too many restrictions on schools' creativity. Maybe hierarchical administrative decision making is best, so long as community members' input…

Argues that the Library Bill of Rights aims to codify First Amendment doctrine and the interests of librarians but falls short. Law allows distinctions between government and private action and reaffirms the discretion of decision makers. The Library Bill of Rights, as shown in discussion of several court decisions, is often far more rigid.…

A curriculum for teacher leadership is most potent at the inservice or professional development level. Good principal preparation programs can also be good teacher leadership programs if they capitalize on experience and adult learning principles. The University of Washington's Danforth educational leadership program has programmatic commonplaces…

A survey of K-8 school districts in northwest Nebraska examined whether part-time principals mandated by Nebraska legislation were improving the school's instructional setting, as perceived by the school board president. The 41 responses of school board presidents rated importance and existence of 9 factors of the principal's role. Includes…

Proposes a model for writing program administrators to use to assess the effectiveness of composition programs. Argues the need to consider local conditions, evaluate the internal coherence of programs, and consider the external relevance of programs. Describes how using this model led the Writing Center at Northern Arizona University to make…

Describes the authors' experience co-chairing a writing department. Identifies seven key areas where the sharing of writing program administrator duties has resulted in personal, departmental, or institutional benefits. Discusses workload and professional identity, the politics of writing programs, co-directing as post-bureaucratic practice, and…

Encourages child care professionals to encourage creativity in all aspects of their programs including: (1) passion in pursuit of ideas and in hiring staff; (2) nurturing relationships; (3) good role modeling; (4) making the space and time for goal development; (5) focus on values; (6) time for play; and (7) maintaining a balanced life. (SD)

Leadership skills are essential for today's medical school deans to meet today's complex institutional demands. In an environment that has traditionally valued autonomy, deans must be skilled at collaboration, have vision, and offer direction, while suppressing ego. A checklist of characteristics and responsibilities of deans is offered for new…