Provides an evaluation model and outlines steps to take in planning for the evaluation process. Such planning and organizing ensures that the evaluation process is achieved systematically. (IRT)

Immediate steps must be taken to construct a plan to help middle school students make the transition to the high school. A Program Evaluation and Review Technique model for helping to construct such an articulation plan is provided in this article, and program sequence and timeline charts are included. (DCS)

A principal/counselor partnership in a small Colorado high school uses a microcomputer to enhance their roles and effectively provide services for the school and students. They have developed a unique needs assessment process, a word processing program for senior letters of recommendation, and a database on gifted and talented programs. (MD)

To support concepts such as teacher empowerment, school improvement plans, and site-based decision making, principals must learn how to lead or work with small groups. Each project team must have a champion (usually the principal), assigned members, a name, a district goal, desired outcomes, critical parameters, a time frame, resources, processes,…

Effective school discipline plans get to the root cause of student misconduct and specify expected behavior codes, values, and directives. Successful plans involve all stakeholders in their design, recognize parents as the first link to prevention, ensure access to professional development, celebrate students' positive contributions to the school…

All in-school suspension (ISS) models can be classified into punitive, problem-solving, academic, and individual models. The individual model is most reasonable, since it assumes that reasons for misbehavior vary from student to student. ISS programs can help modify student misbehavior, protect the overall learning environment by isolating…

The potential of minimum competency testing cannot be realized unless school districts engage in the complex processes of competency-based program development. (Author/MLF)

The Mentor School System (Ohio) recreated the role of department coordinator in all its secondary schools to develop a cadre of instructional leaders to break down the barriers between administrators and the classroom. (MD)

Maryland is the first state to require every student to perform service as a condition of receiving a high school diploma. In Baltimore, once electives became mandatory, a new coordinator for service learning was appointed, a service-learning program--the Baltimore Alliance for Student Service--was established, and a revised five-year…

Since certification requirements for journalism teachers vary, the Journalism Education Association (JEA) created its own voluntary certification program that enhances state requirements and encourages teachers and advisors from different academic backgrounds to gain recognition for on-the-job learning efforts. JEA's program, educational benefits…

Certified school counselors, because of their educational training and requirements, have considerable knowledge about human development, assessment techniques, team planning and implementation strategies, career education, future work force needs, and community resources. This article shows how the counselor's role can be expanded to serve the…

Dance education offers the opportunity for students to learn effective communication skills, gain self-confidence, and increase awareness of different cultures. At the heart of any quality arts education program is a sound curriculum that provides all students with sequential instruction and helps them achieve arts literacy. An introductory dance…

Although counselors traditionally prefer individual counseling sessions with students, group sessions may be more effective. Provides five steps by which the principal can help counselors make this transition to group counseling. Includes 13 references. (Author/MD)

Risks are taken in establishing alternative school programs but they can be minimized by giving the proper attention to several critical factors. (Author)