Discusses three cultural categories studied by Margaret Mead: pre-figurative (slow-changing); cofigurative (moderately changing); and post-figurative (rapidly changing). Schools must help our young persons recognize different ways of life throughout the world. We can no longer assume that our own practices, beliefs, and standards are superior to…

Describes three strategies for involving faculty members in setting school goals and implementing programs to reach these goals. Offers principals suggestions for developing building-level faculty committees through administrative advisory and instructional improvement councils. Such activities enhance instructional leadership. (MLH)

Presents a practical, research-based process to help principals assist teachers in developing questioning skills. Measurable elements of effective questioning include teaching style, levels and types of questions, wait time, modeling of mental processes for answering questions, and use of transfer. Includes 20 references. (MLH)

Describes a teacher induction program with four goals (1) to establish a support team; (2) to help new teachers develop skills and judgment; (3) to explore numerous teaching strategies; and (4) to provide inservice experiences for mentors. The program involves a personal development plan and special topic seminars. Includes 13 references. (MLH)

Principals are responsible for initiating career development with teachers at all age and experience levels. Although most teachers want to remain in the classroom, many desire new and expanded roles. Principals can assist new teachers' socialization process and help mature faculty avoid the "plateau" trap. Includes 14 references. (MLH)

During the past two decades, three schools of research have increased our understanding of how individuals interact with their environments, abstract relevant data, interrelate new experiences with existing knowledge, and apply accumulated information to new tasks. New developments in learning styles, brain behavior, and thinking skills research…

The National Association of Secondary School Principals' Comprehensive Assessment of School Environment (CASE) Model is an important first step toward making an information management system available to schools. It can provide principals with a tool analogous to the spreadsheet planning programs used by business executives. Includes four figures…

To obtain information for planning school goals and activities, Armwood Senior High School (Seffner, Florida) decided to interview graduating seniors concerning the curricular program. This article reviews survey questions and significant responses. (MLH)

To help school administrators plan for the future and maintain a course of educational advancement, this article explains the four elements of good leadership practice: courage, character, communication, and caring. (MLH)

To be more effective instructional leaders, principals must be granted four conditions: sufficient autonomy, responsibility for operating their buildings, authority commensurate with their responsibility, and central office and board support. This path will pay dividends in school climate, staff morale, student achievement, and community…

According to a recent study, state mandates for tougher academic standards do not necessarily lead to more and better course content. Although more lower- and middle-achieving students are enrolled in academic classes, these courses are at the basic, general, or remedial level and fail to meet reform commission goals. (MLH)

Leadership development is a learning process that extends over many years. A single, all-purpose instrument of leadership is effective communication. Despite growing dependency on leadership development programs, centers for advanced training, and graduate studies, the workplace remains the most effective arena for personal growth. (MLH)

Assessment center principles can be used not only to identify effective school administrators, but also to prepare potential administrators during graduate school programs. Five administrator preparation components could benefit from applying the assessment center method: curriculum, instruction, personnel, standards, and research. (MLH)

Explores institutional image as a key to providing a philosophy and a logical foundation for school improvement efforts. Identifies two image dimensions (cosmetic and pastoral) and classifies five school types (synergistic, candy store, disaffected, monastic, and survivor), and discusses implications for administrative action. Includes three…

While grade point averages and class rank are firmly entrenched in our educational system, they are not particularly reliable or valid indicators of student achievement. Introducing weighted grades creates additional problems. If schools were to eliminate this system, some motivation for grades and easy coursework would disappear. Includes four…