This paper has two purposes: First, we describe the components of the Student Ownership, Accountability, and Responsibility for School Safety (SOARS) framework in the context of the literature on school safety. Second, we offer outcomes from a pilot study testing the framework's impact on student perceptions of: (1) school belonging; (2) sense of…

This study aims to give voice to public high school principals in Illinois as to their perceived views on the purpose of high school education and their perceptions of partnerships with businesses. Data from 105 distinct public high schools from 50 Illinois counties were analyzed. Findings reveal that principals view the purpose of high school…

The study investigated destructive leadership behaviors (DLBs) and their influence on K-12 workplace attitudes (subordinate consideration for leaving their job, job satisfaction, and levels of stress). Quantitative survey method was used to gather data from experienced professional educators. Analyses of data show that the practice of DLB exists…

Over the past 10 years, since No Child Left Behind started pressuring school districts to focus on student test scores, many states have begun to consider student performance when evaluating teachers. This article will provide preventive measures of fairness and substantive due process to avoid potential teacher objections and gain teacher…

Describes a plan of action developed at an Illinois high school that involved staff in communicating needed improvement in curricular programs. (MD)

This study concludes that a 1985 Illinois instructional leadership mandate does not provide enough incentive or necessary resources for school principals to change their behavior to comply with the legislation. Also, school realities make job changes difficult for principals desiring to adopt new behaviors. (MLH)

Interviews with outstanding principals identify the characteristics and skill areas of outstanding administrators. Exceptional administrators are knowledgeable in all areas related to the educational process. (MD)

Reports on a study of 702 Illinois secondary schools' policies and on how well those policies are described in student handbooks. The findings show that local schools have good intentions about informing students and parents, but they also suggest that many policies may be inadequately reported. Includes tables and references. (MD)

Transcript analysis can provide principals with extensive data to aid them in school improvement efforts. This article describes a study of 191 transcripts from five Central Illinois high schools. Variations in academic and nonacademic course-taking patterns emerged that had important implications for school administrators. (MLH)

Describes a successful instructional television consortium developed by four small Illinois high schools. The system eliminated the need to transport students long distances for a quality education. (MD)

Team management is presented as a viable, long range alternative to autocratic organizational models in education. The author identifies the components of successful programs. (MD)

One district's policies placing greater demands on seniors in terms of graduation requirements, attendance, grading, final exams, time in school, and required courses are recommended as a solution to student boredom; tactics considered counterproductive are listed. (MJL)

Provides results of a survey concerning student activities programs in Illinois public high schools. (JM)

A survey of 2,956 teachers in 92 Illinois high schools found increasing amounts of assigned homework, discrepancies in assignments among curricular tracks, little variety in assignments, need for improved student responses, teacher diligence in reviewing homework, lack of coordination at district, school, and departmental levels, and lack of…

The team-block program, in keeping with current junior high/middle school research, represents a varied and flexible organizational and instructional approach. An Illinois middle school developed a student-centered program design that offers certain grouping, scheduling, and teacher planning benefits and accommodates remedial, gifted, and…