Describes the benefit of parent volunteer programs in schools, including maximizing teacher effectiveness and broadening parents' knowledge and appreciation of the educational process. Provides parent and teacher testimony and helpful hints for starting a successful volunteer program. The key is the principal's involvement. (MLH)

Using an English teacher as an example, this article shows that a good public relations program can be built without formally trained PR professionals. The principal can conduct an effective program by initiating friendly relationships with local reporters, facilitating two-way communication, and being honest when asked tough questions. (MLH)

Although Roosevelt High School (Maryland) boasted an excellent science program and award-winning teachers, colleges in neighboring states were relatively ignorant about the school. In 1985 Roosevelt High's principal, with help from a special committee, developed a distinctive brochure to advertise the school's uniqueness. (MLH)

Describes an alumni foundation formed at a Tulsa, Oklahoma, high school. Since 1972, the group has tried to promote the school by building pride in students and teachers, furnishing needed equipment, beautifying the campus, sponsoring "outside" educators, and rebuilding alumni loyalty. The key to success was good communication with the principal.…

The principal of Concord High School (New Hampshire) recounts the 1985-86 school year's four crises--the visits of teacher-astronaut Christa McAuliffe and Secretary of Education William Bennett, the shooting of a former student, and the Challenger space shuttle explosion. The greatest challenge was resuming the normal schedule and fielding media…

Principals, as democratic leaders, must know how to deal effectively with the public. This article outlines an eight-step plan for achieving public relations goals (or engineering consent), including determining goals, researching the public involved, modifying goals, planning strategy, establishing the organization, identifying themes and…

Analyzes the political implications of two reports on educational reform: "Tomorrow's Teachers" and the Carnegie Task Force's "A Nation Prepared: Teachers for the 21st Century." Proposed changes involving career ladders, a national standards board, and abolition of undergraduate teacher education will produce power struggles over evaluation…

In a well-organized school system, the statement of philosophy directly determines the choice of educational goals that, in turn, influence instructional objectives and the methods and materials adopted. Schools lacking sound philosophy statements have no guidelines for curriculum decisions and little resistance to passing fads. Several…

Using several charts, this article compares strengths and weaknesses of Japanese junior high schools and American middle schools. Each system could learn something from the other. As an adaptive, reactive culture, Japan might benefit from a more flexible, diversified school atmosphere, while an individualistic, pluralistic United States might gain…

Discusses survey results polling American, Australian, and Japanese teachers' views about educational concepts. Differing cultural backgrounds probably account for varied responses concerning teacher roles, competition, teaching of moral principles, and administrator leadership roles. Effective school management requires knowledge of various…

Considers the neglected majority of non-college-bound students who are frequently shunted into general education tracks or "career education" dumping grounds. Advances a broadly based "tech-prep" associate degree program starting junior year that prepares students for technical careers and emphasizes critical thinking skills and lifelong learning.…

Transcript analysis can provide principals with extensive data to aid them in school improvement efforts. This article describes a study of 191 transcripts from five Central Illinois high schools. Variations in academic and nonacademic course-taking patterns emerged that had important implications for school administrators. (MLH)

Discusses business-school partnerships designed to confront the declining number of high school graduates, the ever-worsening dropout problem, and projected shortages of technically skilled workers. Describes regional and national collaborative programs sponsored by Digital, Hewlett-Packard, Lockheed, and Atlantic-Richfield. Includes six…

One approach to rebuilding public confidence in schools is to establish a visiting program for parents and patrons. This article describes a one-day "accreditation visit" program in Colorado that asks parents to observe classes, assess school climate, and make suggestions for school improvement. (MLH)

To address staffing problems caused by tougher graduation requirements, Winfield High School (Kansas) recommends a rotating seven-period schedule to complement the normal six-period day. The schedule requires the same teaching load and choice of electives, reduces the pupil-teacher ratio, and increases facilities use and student contact. (MLH)