The role of instructional coach is being piloted in four schools within the Department of Defense Dependents Schools system. One teacher from each school is appointed as an instructional coach for teachers in the building to provide a range of services leading to improved instruction and student achievement. This collegial/instructional coaching…

Many participant-satisfaction evaluation forms used in staff development programs are ritualistic contrivances that are poorly designed and administered. This article describes five rules for generating evaluation forms based on clarity, a decision focus, brevity, anonymity, and respondents' opportunity to make additional suggestions. Careful…

Describes three social studies projects tackled by students at the Bronx High School of Science: an extracredit activity on doing business in Manhattan, a citizen-participation project on fixing the United States, and a cooperative activity to identify problems common to Tokyo and New York City. Using the Internet to solve real-world problems…

A high school principal explains her strategy for turning around a disorderly, gang-ridden middle school. Her discipline plan's success hinged on developing schoolwide expectations for behavior, developing positive consequences, compiling a list of unacceptable behaviors, and empowering teachers to administer consequences, including contacting…

Notes there are many worthwhile educational programs serving a cross-section of students featuring elements of both public and private sectors. Reform initiatives recognize that schools need to form real partnerships with local businesses, community-based organizations, universities, and other organizations. Maintains that although Education…

Recognizing that the public good is a key concept for children now and in the future, educators call for discussion and investigation of public issues and student involvement in them. Cites programs in New York and Minnesota. Lists sources of classroom social studies materials. (MLF)

Describes a study examining the status of vocational programs for special students (under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act) after two years' implementation in a northwestern state's rural schools. Results showed little concern for special students' vocational education; counseling services were inadequate, and vocational teachers'…

Chronically disruptive students are often funneled into "watered-down" alternative schools that warehouse rather than educate them. The Atlantic County (New Jersey) Alternative High School is a successful college-based program that expects referred students to fulfill normal academic requirements while taking tuition-free college…

Summarizes a 1993 year-long study of six beginning school administrators's career-transition experiences. Based on data gathered through interviews with these administrators and the author's own experience, this article offers recommendations for new principals and assistant principals covering three professional-development areas: academic…

Although music performance classes may include one or two public concerts each year, these concerts should not be the main class focus. Fine music programs can be identified by their balance, curriculum quality, activity level, and opportunity for students of all abilities. (MLH)

The necessary conditions for successful shared decision making include school board and administrative affirmation, tolerance for diversity, teacher and administrator training, and collegial support. Involving teachers in decision making requires four implementation phases: readiness, experimentation, refinement through trial and error, and…

For a beginning administrator, understanding school culture, maintaining a school's cultural elements, and gaining acceptance for building or changing a school's culture are major challenges. Preparation programs blending understanding about school culture with acknowledgment of four developmental stages in an administrator's professional…

Describes an award-winning instructional media center (IMC) at a New Jersey high school. The IMC (library) is the school's hub from 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., and has dial-in access. This information-literacy program emphasizes total-quality-management principles, ongoing professional development, teacher support, and information skills instruction.…

Principal preparation programs are now incorporating several components: entrance requirements aligned with principalship demands; cohort models; clear performance-based standards; opportunities for individualization; development and assessment of skills; an emphasis on reflective practice; and continuous program review, with input from current…