Given the increased attention on school-based programs to decrease obesity and emphasize fitness among children, there is an alarming lack of attention on health and wellness of school administrators. This study investigated the work-life balance, health, and nutrition status of secondary administrators in one Midwest state using an online survey.…

The purpose for this study was to ascertain the perceptions principals of public secondary schools in Minnesota have in relation to the evaluation of their job performance. Responding principals reported that past evaluations have been fair and consistent but have questioned their value with regard to professional growth. When asked if student…

Special education litigation remains a volatile area with significant practice implications. A review of the 2010 case law in the "Special Educator" identified discipline (manifestation determination, seclusion and restraints, harassment), evaluation/RTI, and postsecondary transition as specific areas of concern. School administrators should keep…

The roles and responsibilities of principals are increasingly focused on instructional leadership. In many states, changes in the preparation and credentialing of future principals have been based on recognized leadership standards. Requirements for practicing principals to complete professional development aligned with such standards have also…

The purpose of this national survey is to determine secondary school principals' knowledge of the rights of students and teachers, how often principals are legally threatened and sued, how they adjust their behaviors in response, and how they obtain and disseminate legal information. Survey results show that a majority of principals are uninformed…

Effective schools research gave birth to a new role for principals: instructional leader. Recent studies have suggested the relationship between strong school instructional leadership and higher student achievement. Skeptics question whether the principal's job is realistic and reasonable, with its emphasis on instructional leadership, multiple…

The demands placed on principals in the era of No Child Left Behind are rapidly increasing. In light of these challenges, balancing diverse roles and additional responsibilities can be arduous for even the finest school leaders. The use of portfolio-based teacher appraisals has emerged as an intriguing option to make the time required for teacher…

This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of content analysis to examine principal evaluation instruments, and state and professional standards for principals in school districts located in a Mid-Atlantic state in the United States. The purposes of this study were to (a) determine the degrees of emphasis that are placed on…

This article reports how secondary principals perceive the status of the accountability movement and their professional job responsibilities in the context of accountability. The data were collected from a nationally representative sample of secondary principals during the Schools and Staffing Survey 1999-2000. Respondents reported that there were…

This study examined the conditions and concerns of principals in Virginia to see what their experiences and perceptions are of the growing shortage in the principalship. Findings suggest that principals do not feel that they have sufficient authority and resources to get the job done and that they are working long hours to fill the gap. More than…

Examines concept and philosophy of andragogy (art and science of teaching adults) and ways that adults' self-image, experiences, and readiness to learn differentiate adult education from pedagogy. By creating an environment for adult learning and engaging school staff in mutual planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of professional…

Reports on a collaborative project on school violence and safety conducted for a partnership that serves 13 school districts in two New York counties. Focus groups collected information on the schools from school stakeholders. Recommendations for more effective channels of communication with the entire educational community are included. Provides…

Describes a professional development system focusing on seven specific instructional strategies that was developed and implemented at an inner-city high school in San Diego, California. Reports improvement in student achievement. (PKP)

Observing administrators should watch and listen to both teachers and students, noting use of the target language by both groups, prevalence of student-centered activities, instructional strategies that encourage language learning and accommodate varied learning styles, well-integrated lesson plans, and presence of a comfortable classroom climate.…

Discusses three timely Individuals with Disability Act issues confronting school personnel: implications of complex health services related to the Supreme Court "Garret F" ruling; use of functional assessment as mandated by IDEA 1997 discipline amendments; and handling of Section 504 issues related to Asperger Syndrome. (Contains 16 references.)…