Public education must arm students with the skills and ideals they need to survive in an increasingly complex future. A solid grounding in the basics is the cornerstone of this effort. (MD)

A school structure is proposed that includes automatic student promotion each school year and educates each student to his or her true potential. (MD)

The advantages and disadvantages of four curriculum monitoring systems are presented. (MD)

In an effort to prevent dropouts and improve student self-concept, a Wisconsin high school developed a program establishing caring relationships between faculty and students called "one-to-one." (MD)

A Michigan high school piloted a program to work on improving student attendance. It denies credit to students exceeding six absences in a class and includes a makeup provision. The absenteeism rate dropped from 12 percent to 3.5 percent. (MD)

Superintendents, principals, and teachers were surveyed to determine attitudes about principal evaluation. Findings include agreement that superintendents should be evaluators, that assistance in professional growth is the purpose, and overall agreement that evaluation of educational leaders should be done by educators. (MD)

Faculty feedback is an effective method for administrators to assess their performance and work toward leadership improvement. Guidelines for developing and using self-styled faculty feedback instruments are provided. (MD)

A Kansas school district administrative evaluation plan is outlined emphasizing continuity and compatibility of administrative positions. The plan has improved administrative intraschool relationships. (MD)

Effective principal training should reflect the relationship of theory, training, and practice. The Contingency Framework for Administrator Development (CFAD) model is presented as a training program that can integrate administrative task areas, processes, and characteristics through theory and application. (MD)

Principals should remember that the term "to minister" is embodied in administration. Principals "minister" by encouraging others, being diplomatic, helping when needed, and by being models that exhibit behavior promoting collaboration, rationality, and humane relationships. (MD)

The principal's job is to encourage and facilitate cooperation and problem solving. The team concept can be used to improve education by developing consistent processes that involve many people and ensure group development of solutions to problems. (MD)

Researchers studied 266 women in secondary school principalships to learn more about female principals. Some findings include overall level of job satisfaction is high, most are 40-60 years of age, many were vice-principals first, their school faculties have more women, and myths and discrimination about women still abound. (MD)

The author presents four reasons why principals should not belong to unions. He believes that competition among principals ultimately improves the educational process. (MD)

High youth unemployment is defined as a structural, not a cyclical, problem. National youth service, in which youth contribute their service to national needs, would help youth and the nation. The argument for such a service is presented as well as the relationship to military service. (MD)

Three methods of student enrollment forecasting and the reports of tests of their reliability are described. In forecasting enrollment, school officials should use a variety of methods. (MD)