The New York State Education Department recently passed legislation that requires school districts to implement a programmatic, data-driven approach to school counseling. This change moves the state toward comprehensive school counseling and away from traditional "guidance"; however, these policy changes often do not translate into…

This conceptual article presents a review of the research concerning the stress level of principals over the past three decades, with emphasis on the occupational stress that principals encounter because of heightened accountability and expectations for student achievement. Mindfulness meditation, as a stress management intervention, provides the…

In response to legislative mandates that schools use evidence-based instructional practices, the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center has identified evidence-based practices and predictors in the area of secondary transition for high school students with disabilities. This article provides an overview of practices and…

The research question was "What dress norms and related rationales are found in teacher dress policies?" Data were 102 school employee handbooks. Eighty-two handbooks (80.4%) provided one or more rationale, most frequently being "To project a positive image in the community" (n = 56). Dress norms, categorized as broad and itemized, were determined…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the effective beliefs and practices of successful principals at high schools with a Hispanic population of at least 30%. Eight purposefully selected high school principals participated in the study. Findings emphasized that successful principals are passionate in their commitment to support…

An analysis of how the role of the secondary school administrator has changed during the past 30 years, based on a review of the NASSP Bulletin from January 1949 to December 1978. (Author/MLF)

Misinformation in the African American community regarding college costs, access, and the benefits of a college education abound. Counseling from a trustworthy, supportive school counselor can make a difference in stemming African American talent loss, especially among young Black men. Using the 1988 National Educational Longitudinal Survey, the…

Although the need for teacher induction programs is well established, the equally important task of supporting new administrators has been largely ignored. This article discusses a three-pronged induction model with large-group, small-group, and mentoring components designed to communicate district expectations to new administrators. Includes…

Some insights gained in a first principalship are shared in hopes they may prove helpful to other new or aspiring principals in understanding the requirements of the job. (Author/MLF)

Student discipline is still a serious problem. The student handbook is one method to disseminate information about expectations for student behavior. This article, based on a nationwide survey of secondary schools, summarizes student handbook contents regarding five areas: student conduct, attendance, guidance service, library, and bell schedule.…

Faculty participation in NASSP's Mentoring and Coaching program has positively influenced student-faculty relations in the Department of Educational Leadership at Florida State University. Proteges can arrange successful mentorships if they clarify needs and expectations, are time-conscious, respect and appreciate their mentors, maintain a dialog,…

The principal should recommend that the teacher regularly and consciously apply the self-fulfilling prophecy--the idea that one person's expectation for another's behavior can come to serve as a mechanism to help that expectation be fulfilled. (Author/IRT)

Considering the public's high regard for discipline and the clear relationship between a safe and orderly environment and school effectiveness, no school can afford to operate without a properly developed discipline code handbook. Faculty, staff, and students need to be involved to make the handbook an effective blueprint governing behavior…

Presented originally as an address to the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, this article explores philosophically and practically what schools must do to be effective institutions. Discussion ranges from a definition of education and its several functions to individualization and competencies. (Editor/RK)

According to a survey of 148 small business employers, schools should teach youngsters basic math, reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, along with specialized skills needed for technology, business, public service, personal service, health, and consumer occupations. Schools should also teach good grooming, healthy habits, and the…