Instead of avoiding, eliminating, or managing interpersonal conflict, school leaders should explore its transformational uses. A Consensual, no-conflict approach to decision making is impossible. Conflict can serve transformational purposes by helping to organize motives; broadening, strengthening, and clarifying values; and detecting and…

Student problems and needs are an important component to be considered in the educational process. Outlines the dimensions of a program called Quest that helps students with social and personal skill development. (MD)

School programs in social and emotional education seek to increase student self-awareness, help students deal with their emotions and interpersonal relationships, and improve social decision-making abilities. A schoolwide social-education program at a Providence, Rhode Island, academy focuses on overall school climate, specially designed events…

The principal described here does not exist. His character and his situation were developed by the author in order to illustrate some techniques for improving interpersonal relations in the school. (Editor/RK)

The principal's office is frequently a collection point for problems and demands. Secondary school principals often average 1,000 interactions daily. Principals can manage stress by declining to solve every problem, delegating responsibility, reexamining their supervisory role, developing networks of trusted friends, and engaging in…

The University of North Carolina's rigorous Principals' Executive Program (PEP), modeled after Harvard University's leadership training program for business executives, serves about 40 principals annually. The program stresses nitty-gritty management skills and knowledge of self and others. PEP also provides conferences and symposia for alumni.…

The report "Workplace Basics: the Skills Employers Want" was based on interviews with hundreds of employers, who identified seven groups of desirable skills: reading, writing, and computation; listening and speaking; learning to learn, problem-solving and creative thinking; personal management; teamwork; and leadership and organizational…

In a learning community, everyone must participate in decision making. Involving students in developing classroom rules, solving community problems, and reviewing school and district policies has lasting benefits. Service learning, mentoring, and mediation programs help students develop civic responsibility, interpersonal competence, and…