The author judges merit pay an ineffective reward for teachers' hard work and success, citing two fundamental problems: first, the objectivity of the person determining merit is always suspect; second, contrary to its intention, merit pay "demotivates" teachers and causes morale problems. (MJL)

Principals are advised of sound communication practices for relieving teachers' anxiety about reassignment and motivating them toward achieving their new school's instructional goals. (MJL)

The Behavioral Morale Checklist (BMC) for assessing and improving teacher moral is described and reprinted. A criterion-referenced instrument, the BMC, defines morale in terms of behavior observable by administrators and includes recommended adjustments for principals to improve morale. (MJL)

Factors influencing the effectiveness of advising programs--including the appropriate purpose, goals, time, and tasks--are discussed. The relationship between advising and curriculum reform and students' freedom of choice, exercise of school ownership, and control of school experience is analyzed as the theoretical base of advising. (MJL)

One district's policies placing greater demands on seniors in terms of graduation requirements, attendance, grading, final exams, time in school, and required courses are recommended as a solution to student boredom; tactics considered counterproductive are listed. (MJL)

Developed to improve the self-concept and study skills of underachievers, this project brought together 20 ninth graders for 3 periods daily with 1 teacher for English, geography, and supplemental instruction. Results include improved self-confidence, a lower dropout rate, and better grades for 12 students. (MJL)

This review of the work of Maryland's Commission on Values Education excerpts recommended student character and citizenship objectives and personnel policies for administrators, including policies requiring principals' leadership in values education. (MJL)

After identifying shared characteristics that cause some Spanish-dominant students to be inappropriately labeled learning disabled, the author recommends strategies for addressing such students' educational needs. (MJL)

A classroom observation checklist for evaluating secondary schools reading instruction is presented. (MJL)

Liability in cases involving students injured off school property generally hinges on whether districts fail to exercise due care in supervising students while on school premises. Typical activities that may occasion liability for negligence and possible defenses are listed. (MJL)

The Community Learning Program in a Florissant, Missouri, high school provides hands-on career exploration experiences supervised by community sponsors. The program is described here and students' positive responses to an evaluation questionnaire are outlined. (MJL)

A practical strategy to help school administrators improve curricula is presented. (MJL)

Relevant literature is brought to bear on predictions of future societal conditions and educational needs. (MJL)

Both college- and noncollege-bound students have a right to develop the intellectual skills our society needs through the study of liberal arts in high school. (MJL)

Principals' use of the curriculum council to develop the professional management function and establish a position of educational leadership is recommended. Additional benefits would include improved communications with staff and increased professional collegiality. (MJL)