A firm grounding in change theory can provide educational leaders with an opportunity to orchestrate meaningful organizational improvements. This article provides an opportunity for practicing leaders to review four major theories of organizational change--continuous improvement, two approaches to organizational learning, and appreciative inquiry.…

The Millennials, born from 1980 to 2000, have begun entering the profession, and many will not stay longer than 5 years. They have a unique set of talents, skills, and work ethic, unlike those from previous generations. They are extremely eager to be successful. If strong supportive programs of mentoring, induction, career ladders, and ongoing…

Because the demand for excellence in public education is ever present, this article explores the development of a professional enhancement program designed to select and develop a qualified, competent faculty and staff. The basis for the program is a strong educational philosophy, which leads to a vision of what schools can be. It stresses the…

Since little is new in discipline theory, principals should take advantage of the information lull to educate or reeducate their staff concerning available classroom management information and skills. Evidence suggests that teachers badly need such training. Includes eight references. (MLH)

A study of U.S. demographics reveals a trend toward rapidly increasing cultural diversity. This trend can potentially cause serious misunderstandings among students, teachers, parents, and administrators in culturally diverse schools. Principals and staff members should be able to recognize and resolve culturally based school and community…

The statement that "every teacher is a teacher of reading" is an ineffective cliche. However, cooperation among secondary school content and reading teachers can be achieved through establishing schoolwide reading teams, offering services and inservice education for content teachers, pairing reading and content teachers, publishing newsletters,…

After an absence of nine years from the principalship, this author noticed an older faculty, increased paperwork, decreased authority of principals, a slower decision-making process, an increase in services for children, more girls' athletics, and an unchanged curriculum. (Author/LD)

Highlights the initial restructuring efforts begun by a Pennsylvania high school participating in the Coalition of Essential Schools. After several years of discussion, the staff undertook summer inservice training featuring a reading project, an ideal/reality exercise, a shadowing project, and a school visitation process. Choosing an…

Confronted by lack of congruence among supervisors' identification of teachers' needs, teachers' identification of their own needs, and in-service training, East Brunswick (New Jersey) High School developed a comprehensive staff development program based on videotaped lessons provided by teachers and reformulated teaching behavior descriptions…

As a site-based, participatory management project being implemented in 15 schools throughout Delaware, RE:Learning is a natural extension of the collegial relationships established over the past 10 years between local schools and districts and the State Department of Public Instruction. Success hinges on a periodic school review process and a…

After nearly two years' experience with the interdisciplinary studies program, career pathways, and alternating-day 10-block schedule, the Farmington (Missouri) High School faculty is pleased with their progress. Student and teacher surveys indicate an ongoing need for improvements to meet all students' learning needs. This schedule is not for…

The principal of an Indiana high school relates how he involved staff in the development of a writing program (Project Write) through the use of "skills models." Includes references. (MD)

Research suggests that current methods of obtaining and training substitute teachers benefit neither substitutes nor students. A staff development program that is continuous, addresses substitute teachers' expressed needs, creates lines of communication, and provides continuously accessible resources is needed. Includes three references. (MLH)

Implementing technology in a classroom is a personal process that varies from teacher to teacher. The Concerns-Based Adoption Model identifies seven stages of concern that teachers may experience, from awareness to refocusing ideas. Innovative staff development strategies include establishing organizational structures to support technological and…

Focused, sustained staff development occurs too seldom in U.S. schools. The "just-in-time" approach involves learning teams composed of teachers who teach a specific content area at the same time or at contiguous grade levels. "Bite-sized" training sessions, facilitated by a staff-development professional, occur every few…