Like many other people, teachers resist change out of habit, fear, and a sense that change is futile. Principals can enhance change by timing innovations appropriately, involving all those affected by the change, convincing those involved that the change is "theirs," and demonstrating serious commitment through adequate support. (PGD)

Reviews the social and educational problems caused by drug abuse. Poses policy questions that must be asked when developing school drug use policies and cites examples of the successful implementation of drug policies in two schools. Identifies critical aspects of the drug prevention curriculum. Urges cooperation between schools and local…

Ten behaviors that can signal that principals are experiencing harmful levels of stress are discussed and possible solutions identified. The behaviors include prioritizing responsibilities inappropriately, responding negatively to work situations, becoming detached, and using time ineffectively. (PGD)

Two cases illustrate the recent trend toward testing school employees for drugs and suggest the emerging legal limits on such testing. Four questions are answered concerning court interpretations of statutory and constitutional issues related to drug testing for both personnel and students. (PGD)

The 7 O'Clock Scholars Program for gifted and talented students at Pontiac (Michigan) Central Senior High School brings speakers from a nearby university to speak to interested high school students during 50-minute sessions before regular classes begin. (PGD)

Videotapes can provide useful records for insurance purposes when schools suffer fire or other calamitous damage. This article describes the production, editing, and storage of videotaped records of the contents of school rooms that contain specialized equipment or materials. (PGD)

The high schools in Framingham, Massachusetts, use the Framingham Interagency Rehabilitation Model as an alternative to taking students accused of first-time offenses against major school discipline regulations to court. The process involves a quasijudicial hearing, court followup of student progress, and cooperation among several school and…

Principals can take many steps to improve students' self-esteem. A recent case study of four schools disclosed that self-esteem among students can be increased by improving communication with students and faculty, encouraging student participation in music and drama, emphasizing positive relationships between athletic coaches and players, and…

Educators are in an excellent position to identify seriously troubled young people. Major causes of adolescent problems are discussed, including drugs, parental failure, and biochemical disturbances. Educators can best intervene by becoming aware of support services within their own school and community. (TE)

Alcohol and drug abuse are a threat to our nation's adolescents. Principals can help combat substance abuse by establishing a positive school climate and by developing a counseling program for students with a substance abuse problem. (Author/TE)

Values education is a controversial topic in many schools today. A study designed to determine the effect of values-oriented courses on student attitudes revealed that students' values showed no significant change as a consequence of the course, and that adolescents' values largely reflect those of their parents. (TE)

Every student at one high school in Illinois is considered to be a winner. A program is described that motivates teachers to motivate students to achieve. The program features support and communication from administration and department heads through an ongoing schoolwide publicity campaign emphasizing motivational themes. (TE)

Argues that current grading practices in some schools lack consistency in several critical areas, including criteria for failure, absolute or relative standards, and motivation of slower students. Policies are suggested that will help educators develop fairer and more humane marking systems. (TE)

Increased pressure is facing many administrators today for teachers to assign more homework to students. Recent research is reviewed that correlates homework positively with student achievement, and the need for a homework policy in school districts is emphasized. (TE)

The link that homework provides between school and community can become more productive if teachers and administrators ensure that the school homework is clear, meaningful, varied, and regularly assigned. (Author/TE)