Practical behaviors are suggested, which are part of an effective style for a building principal. Emphasis is on leadership, time management, and positive communication with students and staff. (SJL)

At midcareer, educators may face problems of stress, physical condition, and frustration. Some California school districts are helping their staff members through this period with programs for professional growth, physical fitness, leaves of absence, part-time teaching, social activities, or early retirement. (SJL)

The author, an in-service planner, tells of the four main complaints his teachers have about in-service programs: irrelevance, presenters, loss of time with students, and locations. For each problem at Redondo Union High School in California, he explains the solution. (SJL)

A framework is presented for district long-range instructional planning which takes into account the financial uncertainty caused by the funding cuts of California's Proposition 13--the Jarvis-Gann initiative of 1978. (SJL)

The Physical Education program at San Rafael High School seeks to boost students' sense of identity and self worth by abolishing rigid rules and dress codes and allowing students to choose from elective courses. The school administration has made commitments to the program and student enrollment is increasing. (SJL)

The same parents who send their children great distances to private schools espouse the sanctity of the neighborhood school and protest busing. The real issues are racism and poverty. Until we come to grips with the education of the poor, all desegregation plans become useless exercises. (Author/SJL)

The school district's interactive cable television network allows students and instructors at different schools to communicate. The public may view school programs through their community cable TV system, which provides many community awareness opportunities. Videotape exchanges are also conducted with students in other states and countries. (SJL)

In the Marin County Regional Occupation Program (ROP), in the school year 1976-77, 15 trained volunteers taught job seeking skills to over 1500 students; the total cost was $5,600. (Author)

Seven steps are outlined for a comprehensive school district needs assessment. To show how different approaches can be used, a variety of survey methods are suggested for needs assessment in the areas of parent participation, interpersonal relations, and staff development. (SJL)

This article includes school improvement variables to be considered in the evaluation of school improvement under the provisions of California's AB 65. The variables are categorized as pupil and teacher attitudes, instructional methods involving pupils and teachers, and school plant data. (Author)

To help doctoral students develop human relations skills, Pepperdine University's School of Education offers a course entitled, Management of Human Endeavor in Institutional Setting. Laboratory experience in self-evaluation and interpersonal skill training is combined with theoretical study of "third force" psychology, psychoanalysis,…

CADRE (The Collegial Association for the Development and Renewal of Educators) has outlined eight factors which comprise the school's climate and determine its quality, that result from interaction of the school's programs, processes and physical conditions. These factors are discussed as well as additional factors introduced at a recent CADRE…

There are some successful techniques for providing a productive work environment. Here is a simple outline with some specific examples. (Author/RK)

There are three important conditions for developing and maintaining a positive climate for learning: (1) teacher risk-taking; (2) a climate for improved student attitudes; (3) personalizing learning. Staff development is crucial to success with these three conditions; also discusses three suggestions through which the school administrator can…

Discusses three basic conditions necessary for a school district that wants a strong sense of professional and personal commitment from all employees, a high degree of job satisfaction and productivity, and a cooperative and nonadversary relationship between students, teachers, administrators, classified personnel, and board members. (Author/RK)