This paper presents findings of a study that explored the perceptions held by aspiring teachers regarding the role, function, and responsibilities of school principals. Data were collected through interviews with four students enrolled in preservice teacher education programs leading to elementary teacher certification at a large state university.…

This qualitative study examined the perceptions that university library faculty members hold regarding the role of the department head in promoting faculty growth and development. Four faculty members at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln were interviewed. Axial coding of the individuals' perceptions revealed six categories of perceived roles for…

This booklet explains the actions that college or university administrators should take if their institution is subject to an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for possible health or safety violations. After providing a fictional case study and an explanation of the OSHA inspection process, the booklet reviews…

This document presents information on the Blue Springs School District's Student Assistance Program (SAP) designed to address the social and family issues that affect students' academic performance. The Blue Springs SAP began in fall 1986, evolved rapidly, and in 1992 was in 18 building sites. In 1994 the program developed links with the Blue…

Over the last 2 decades, education in Ontario, Canada, has undergone several changes, including an increased emphasis on process skills and the learning process itself. This paper presents findings of a study that examined the role of the secondary school department head in the change process, particularly in curriculum implementation, staff…

This paper examines perceptions of regular and special educators concerning the frequency and importance of collaborative practices in inclusive schools. Eighty schools in four rural counties of southern Ohio were ranked according to students' grade point average. A questionnaire was distributed to regular and special educators serving on…

This publication describes a new knowledge and skill base for use in a principal preparation program. These essential skills and knowledge encompass 21 "domains," which were defined in "Principals for Our Changing Schools: Preparation and Certification" (1990). The 21 domains, organized under 4 broad themes, blend the…

Practices to maintain and enhance board-member relationships are described in this handbook. Following the preface, chapter 1 presents a historical overview to describe the problems involved in defining the proper roles for school boards and superintendents. Chapter 2 identifies current board/administrator roles and what they should be for the…

Findings of a study that examined the nature of transformational leadership in 10 Canadian secondary schools are presented in this paper. Interviews were conducted with all of the principals and vice-principals and a sample of department heads in 10 secondary schools identified as successful in implementing change. This paper presents findings…

Findings of a study that examined the school administrator's role in the induction and support of beginning teachers are presented in this paper. Conducted in a school district in southwestern Ontario, Canada, data were derived from interviews with 4 principals who volunteered to develop school-based induction programs in their schools and from…

In this speech the black president of an urban community college discusses how his experiences as an African American has affected his performance as the leader of his school. He suggests that people from the ghettos tend more naturally to develop genuine understanding of fairness, that African Americans bring a vision of leadership that stresses…

This guidebook presents four decision frames--political, human resource, structural, and symbolic--that can be used by administrators to understand troublesome situations, anticipate trouble before it arises, and develop more comprehensive and effective strategies for leadership. The book is presented in the form of an ongoing dialogue between a…

This paper summarizes research on the instructional role of the principal and its implications for at-risk students, with a focus on principal-teacher interaction. Principals who demonstrate effective instructional leadership and help at-risk students are able to meet students' and teachers' basic/instructional, academic/professional, and…

Classroom observation and evaluation of teachers by supervisors or principals is a delicate process. Most teachers would welcome feedback from their supervisors about improving teaching, but they rarely receive it. Many times the role of the principal is unclear in the observation process. Standardized observation formats sometimes fail to…

This handbook provides innovative ideas for enhancing a learning community for students and faculty and offers administrators a blueprint for surviving into the next decade. The book argues that we are witnessing the final phase of "smokestack education," an outmoded approach to schooling that was designed to fuel an industrial society's need for…