According to the U.S. Department of Education (2003), in 2002-03, the number of students with disabilities between the ages of 6 and 21 who were served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was 5,946,202. About 80% of students with disabilities were educated in general education and resource room settings. In contrast, only…

Because of the dramatic changes in the education climate of school districts, the so-called schoolmaster, like the dinosaur, has vanished and the plenipotentiary school administrator, who the public now perceives as the school's chief executive officer (CEO), has emerged. A school administrator is not merely an education leader. Rather, like a…

Over the past several years, high school graduation rates in the United States have come under intense public scrutiny fueled by a renewed interest in high school reform as well as higher public school accountability requirements. At this time, two issues dominate the debate over high school graduation rates: First, there is a need for a common…

This handbook is designed to help school leaders use research on best literacy practices to create a well-defined intervention plan that not only will improve the literacy of all students but also the long-range academic success of students by enhancing their chances for postsecondary education and future employability. The handbook presents…

This report outlines a comprehensive series of recommendations for federal policies and programs related to high schools to improve the quality of high school education and academic achievement for all students. It is based on National Association of Secondary School Principals' (NASSP's) publication entitled "Breaking Ranks II: Strategies for…

A series of articles written by well-known educators in the field of career education appears in this special issue of the National Association of Secondary School Principals Bulletin. These articles take a close look at the meaning, development, and current status of career education today. They are: Career Education: A Report, by Sidney P.…

With the advent of the Internet and computer technology, today's students enjoy access to every part of the globe. Communications that once took weeks are now instantaneous. This is a far different world from the one most school administrators grew up in and, in most cases, it is an area where the knowledge of students far exceeds that of…

Gloria, a first-year principal at Sunflower High School, sighed as she stared at her computer screen. She had been asked to write letters of reference for three teachers who were leaving her school. The first resigned among rumors of misconduct with a student--but before an investigation began. The second was asked to resign after a school…

Exclusive vending contracts with food and beverage companies can produce much-needed revenue for school districts. However, these pouring and vending contracts as well as other forms of exclusive vendor contracts are often the subject of contentious public debate and legal challenges. Even the language used to refer to such agreements varies:…

Complaints, hearings, legal opinions, and lawsuits on issues surrounding the training and supervision of paraprofessionals are increasing. Concern over the lack of preparation of paraprofessionals and the sporadic nature of the training that is available to them (Morgan, Hofmeister, & Ashbaker, 1995; Pickett, 1996) have led to the development…

This report describes three common options for designing a vocational curriculum for special-needs students and then cites operating vocational programs that use each of the options. Mainstream vocational programs, which are modified to suit special needs, as well as self-contained classes and cooperative work-experience classes, are covered. Also…

Outdoor education represents a practical and sound approach in the achievement of accepted educationa l objectives through the utilization of current resources available to the learning process, and not the addition of another discipline to the curriculum. One of the most sensational and successful programs of outdoor education has been the…

Since outdoor education programs cut across many curricular areas, the administrators of these programs encounter problems different from those found in specific subject matter areas. As aids in overcoming these problems, suggestions are given for program procedures; procurement of facilities, equipment, and supplies; and leadership training.…