Strategies-based instruction aims to help learners become more responsible for learning and using the target language. In an SBI classroom, teachers describe and model potentially useful strategies; elicit additional examples from students; lead group discussions about strategies; encourage student experimentation; and integrate approaches into…

Observing administrators should watch and listen to both teachers and students, noting use of the target language by both groups, prevalence of student-centered activities, instructional strategies that encourage language learning and accommodate varied learning styles, well-integrated lesson plans, and presence of a comfortable classroom climate.…

Hiring increasing numbers of paraeducators can provide additional learning support and a linguistic/cultural link to the community. However, such personnel may have frenetic schedules, responsibilities divided among several schools, and inadequate supervision and communication links. Recommendations for principals, teachers, and bilingual…

When assessing teacher candidates, there are eight computer-literacy areas to consider: word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentation programs, online service access, e-mail, trouble-shooting common computer problems, and computer software usage and evaluation. Finalists should be able to demonstrate these competencies. (MLH)

The current standards movement cannot succeed unless a school's culture is committed to helping all students achieve excellence. Principals must build a schoolwide culture of quality focused on learning projects. Teachers should design projects backwards, using standards and assessment rubrics based on actual student products and performances.…

A former National Teacher of the Year discusses leadership's joys and difficulties. Teacher leaders must speak up about conditions limiting their effectiveness and policies restraining their positive momentum. This means engaging in continuous professional development and comporting themselves as professional educators who know what is best for…

Principals play a key role in developing teacher leadership. To identify, develop, and support teacher leaders in their schools, principals should define teacher leadership, be comfortable with teacher leaders, encourage teachers to become leaders, help teachers develop leadership skills, and provide positive and limited constructive feedback.…

Computerized discipline referral data are a valuable resource in identifying at-risk students and staff development needs. Graphing referral data according to grade level, types of problem behavior, gender, or other features can facilitate decisions about applicable types of prevention programs and schoolwide strategies. (Contains 44 references.)…

The "ideal" principal is facing a world of decentralized school structures, increasing and changing environmental boundaries and roles, less homogeneous schools, closer contact with stakeholders, and a market-driven view of education. Principals should view themselves as environmental negotiators, not merely school-system managers.…

A survey of 1,801 public- and private-school principals in Indiana revealed disparities among rankings of perceived job priorities and actual priorities. Only three items were rated comparably: school climate, curriculum expansion, and improved staff morale. Improving time management is an important factor. (MLH)

Principal preparation programs are now incorporating several components: entrance requirements aligned with principalship demands; cohort models; clear performance-based standards; opportunities for individualization; development and assessment of skills; an emphasis on reflective practice; and continuous program review, with input from current…

Expectations from the standards movement, reform, and technological advances pose challenges for administrators. This article advocates principal preparation and cultivation through mentoring and coaching. It clarifies differences between mentoring and coaching; uses in succession planning, new principalships, and job changes; and benefits to both…

Effective principals must deal with challenges (such as local, national, and international school comparisons) arising from global changes in economics, politics, and demography. Comparative NASSP-sponsored international programs in Russia, China, Ireland, and other countries provide advantages for practicing principals and insights for aspiring…

Exploratory programs provide stimulating and enriching experiences that help young adolescents realize their strengths and weaknesses before deciding about future educational directions. A survey of teachers and principals at two Southeastern middle schools underscored exploratory programs' articulatory nature. Implementation problems and…

Administrators should regard each student threat as legitimate, but need flexibility in how they respond. Getting the facts and following due process are essential. School policy should require that students be referred to law-enforcement officials and specify communication, crisis-management, identification, and preventive/proactive procedures.…