Discusses development of the six components of any sound performance appraisal program: (1) explicit job descriptions, (2) definitions of key areas of responsibility, (3) criteria for performance appraisal, (4) methods for data collection and analysis, (5) written procedures, and (6) legal review of all procedures. (PGD)

Although the author offers no handy formula to determine program effectiveness, she does present an extensive list of statements that can help the school administrator plan program improvement with his music teachers. (Editor)

Administrators, who assess others, cannot themselves be immune from assessment. A plan for administrator assessment is offered. (Editor/RK)

The development and implementation of a Professional Development School (PDS)--sponsored summer program for at-risk secondary students is described. Literature related to PDSs and summer programs is followed by a presentation of data findings and analysis. Attendance and grade point average data gathered on the 17 participating rising ninth…

Describes how teachers and administrators at one school developed Inservice Ideas for Teacher Encouragement (INSITE), a series of high-interest, low-budget inservice training programs that draw from existing resources including the current expertise and interests of staff members. Programs addressed both personal and professional development…

Presents and explains how to use a checklist for helping principals determine the presence of effective elements in their schools' staff development programs. The checklist process involves testing such program factors as school commitment levels, needs assessment components, program development activities, program implementation and evaluation,…

I/D/E/A's Individually Guided Program pulls together promising practices and new concepts to make a school "everything it could be", claims the author of this article. He describes the elements of this program and how a school can consider adopting it. (Editor)

Middle level students have unique needs that can be met by a school advising program. Outlines the goals and a timeline for implementing an advisory program along with nine components essential to a successful guidance and advisory program. (MLF)

Describes current attitudes toward staff development through inservice education, the need to coordinate staff evaluation and inservice programs, and the leadership required of administrators and committees. Particular attention is paid to basing inservice programs on needs expressed by teachers. The program followed in Fort Lee (New Jersey) is…

According to this model for effective professional growth programs for teachers, teachers and their supervisors must independently identify the teachers' growth needs, must agree on the needs, and must mutually develop a program that is appropriate, demands supervisor responsiveness, and is well-received by the teacher. (PGD)