Schools' characteristics obstruct reform because teacher and student norms and values are at variance with one another. Because most reforms gobble teacher time, reduce teacher autonomy, and disturb current routines, they frequently fail. Chances for success will improve when context or reforms directly addressing organizational features are…

The superintendents and school board members participating in this study were randomly selected from New York State school districts. Respondents' perceptions of the purposes, strengths, and weaknesses of formal superintendent evaluations and the importance attached to various superintendent functions were similar. However, few superintendents…

The reform of educational administration preparation programs is hampered by systemic factors supporting a traditional liberal arts model, whereas reform advocates argue for substantive changes in content, process, and outcomes. A new model stressing leadership practice has five overriding themes: increasing cultural diversity, desire for…

Summarizes a study comparing male and female educational administration professors' perceptions about how they obtained their positions and factors regarded as critical to the job search. Professors' perceptions were highly similar, but noteworthy gender-based differences emerged regarding the relative importance of interviews, perceived…

Effective, long-term dropout prevention will not occur without broad-based, indepth, and ongoing staff development that changes educators' behavior toward at-risk students. Staff development planners should recognize that students respond not to programs but to individualized, personally delivered solutions and assistance promoting youngsters'…

Describes an effort to incorporate personal values awareness into a university preparation program aimed at future school administrators. This model allows future leaders opportunities to identify the values governing their actions, clarify their philosophical leadership foundations, reflect on current educational practices, and determine…

To revitalize schools, educators must break away from old habits and learn to think within a paradigm that is more optimistic about human potential. Without a new guiding vision, restructuring will not succeed. Educational restructuring is a fundamental change of assumptions about what schools are, how they are organized, and how they operate. (20…

The assistant principalship is poorly defined and structured, does not provide personal fulfillment for its occupants, and does not function effectively as a preparation grounds for future principals. The position should be used as a career position exclusively, until it can be permanently eliminated through restructuring. (59 references) (MLH)

The education and legal literatures disclose significant disincentives for compliance with mandatory child abuse reporting laws. Although evidence indicates that school personnel understand their legal obligations and recognize signals of child abuse, they consistently underreport abuse occurring in home settings and are seldom held accountable.…

School principals are in a difficult environment filled with stress and plagued by weak support. Most principals are unprepared for site-based decision making. University professors must take the initiative to use the emerging knowledge base and develop professional studies degree and staff development programs to prepare principals. (24…

Internship field experiences and programs bridge the gap between classroom preparation and professional practice in the preparation of educational administrators. Proposes a model program that recognizes the uniqueness of each intern; provides time for reflection; and has established procedures to evaluate interns and their experiences. (28…

Analysis of data from 827 professional educators, using the Career Awareness Index and the Instrument Summary Assessment Program, indicates that "burnout" may be an inappropriate descriptor of low to moderate levels of self-efficacy and personal productivity. Professional development activities should be specifically designed to match individual…

Based on the thesis that individual learning and growth are based on actual life experiences, proposes a model in preparation programs for school administrators. Discusses how the inclusion of personal experience helps to bridge a critical gap between professors of school administration and practicing administrators. (13 references) (MLF)

Administrator competency testing is required in 15 states. Competency testing has traditionally been plagued by ambiguous objectives, questionable validity, an adverse effect on minority group members, and high costs. Offers recommendations for policymakers and for preparation programs. (41 references) (MLF)

Although educators have received the brunt of accountability criticisms (based on increasing property taxes amid decreasing student achievement scores), the responsibility for educational success or failure depends on community involvement, political and administrative leadership, university-based standards, teacher competency, and student…