The Shawnee Mission (Kansas) schools have set up an employee recognition system that has raised pride and staff morale. To serve the district's diverse 4,000-person staff, the "Celebrate Success" committee recommended that a staff magazine, an idea pool, a corporate identity, and an awards ceremony be created. (MLH)

There has been a sharp turnaround in the passing rate of students in Dade County, Florida, on a state-mandated test required for graduation from high school. The passing rate, which rose from 59% to 66%, is attributed to a countywide push to make students aware of the test's importance and create the best test-taking conditions possible. (MLH)

A program at Parsons High School in Kansas, helps at-risk students learn to set goals for themselves. Once the goals are written, students have a scorecard to follow their progress. (MLF)

Offers tips to help administrator job hunters hone their interviewing skills. Interviewees should know the setting, practice interviewing, use ingenuity in their preinterview research, prepare a concise portfolio, master the handshake, listen carefully, know the interview time frame, be positive, avoid creating distractions, ask questions, end on…

Prospective superintendents desiring successful interviews can improve their chances by getting to know the community, watching what they wear, arriving on time, paying attention to the all-important first impression, listening attentively, using jargon judiciously, positioning themselves well, and leaving a good impression. (MLH)

Successful superintendents recognize that taking charge is not a one-time event, but a two- or three-year process. Inspired by John J. Gabarro's May 1985 "Harvard Business Review" article, this article identifies five passages (taking hold, immersion, reshaping, consolidation, and refinement) that new superintendents must navigate…

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), Incorporated, has distributed over 57 million books in its 18 years. RIF programs have raised children's interest in reading and their levels of reading achievement, and have increased library use and parent involvement. The national RIF organization offers several forms of support for local programs. (PGD)

Madison Elementary School District in Phoenix (Arizona) uses five evaluation forms--measuring goal accomplishment, performance of assigned duties, professional growth, peer rating, and subordinate rating--to yield numerical bases for administrator merit pay increases. Samples of an evaluation form, performance profile, and merit pay increase…

About two years into her first urban superintendency, Gerry House knows she cannot solve every problem on-on-one but has created a responsive system to handle parents' complaints. The Memphis school superintendent hopes to boost minority achievement, ensure that all children learn at high levels, bolster community confidence in the schooling…