Describes a two year pilot program which made a significant step toward improving academics, morale, and student/parent involvement which helped a Florida junior high school earn national recognition. (MD)

A Massachusetts school faced with low teacher and student morale as a result of severe budget cuts initiated a year-long competitive program to improve school morale. The program was successful and virtually cost-free. (MD)

Author takes a hard look at certain facets of contemporary American society and challenges educators to throw their weight on the side of the eternal verities.'' (Editor)

Outlines an innovative district-wide staff development program that improved morale, lessened the teacher burnout rate, and saved the district money. (MD)

Legislators, school boards, and district administrators proposing more changes affecting schools and the principal's role should realize that many principals have little capacity to assume additional duties. Time constraints and external priorities are converting principals from instructional leaders to managers, while increasing their role's…

The belief that attitude is the essence of learning is central to the philosophy in Duval County (Florida) schools. Principals are chosen based on enthusiasm and positive communications with staff members and community, and as staff and community pride in the schools has increased, so has academic performance. (TE)

Scott Thomson, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), is interviewed about his expectations for education during the 1980s. He expresses an optimistic attitude and feels that education will continue to be one of the major priorities in the nation through the 1990s. (MD)