This book is written for practicing and prospective instructional leaders who want to develop reflective, collaborative, problem-solving contexts for dialogue about instruction. Some school leaders, though, have discovered ways to effectively integrate such leadership into their schools, and these methods are presented. This book draws on…

This paper unites theory and practice in examining the concept of "theory in practice." It contends that good administrators are theoretical about their work and that they construct categories using common, essential characteristics across similar situations so that few situations are viewed as unique. Two school superintendents were interviewed…

Article adapted from address at American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Regional Association meeting.

Examines the stage of development (circa 1946) in the education of school administrators and proposes ways of improving efforts in this field. Discusses the respective responsibilities of school systems and university departments of education. (GC)

Reviews Douglas McGregor's "Theory X" and "Theory Y" views of teacher supervision. Concludes that supervisors need to understand the personal belief systems of the teachers they are supervising. (FL)

Reports the findings of a study to determine what procedural protections are afforded students at public colleges and universities who are faced with disciplinary or academic dismissal. The data are from 62 of the 85 public postsecondary institutions asked to provide published procedural guidelines. (Author/MLF)

Reports a study of the teaching of basic reading skills in secondary schools. Through systematic observations of classrooms, several key variables were identified which related to reading gains measured by the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills. Several administrative practices important to successful remedial reading programs are also delineated.…

This article discusses the lack of communication between educational theorists and educational practitioners, particularly in the area of administrative principles. (SJL)

Understanding of four basic organization management models--the rational model, the mechanistic model, the collegial/organic model, and the political theory/bargaining model--can aid school principals in critically assessing their own administrative styles. (LH)

How the school's chief administrator--the principal--works with people on a daily basis is the primary determinant of the overall success of the school. (Author/ LH)

Discusses guidelines for building principals interested in successful reading leadership: keeping up-to-date with professional literature; working cooperatively with the faculty; encouraging different approaches to learning and assessment; supporting lifetime literacy efforts; and motivating genuine home-school connections. (SR)

An examination of the management techniques that underlie the information technology (IT) industry reveals a common strategy of dividing organizational functions into tasks in a "top-down" fashion. The research and development approach is recommended for design-in-action development and an open-ended IT strategy to facilitate an…

This article on the University of Michigan Information Technology (IT) Division's implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles describes TQM premises, the implementation process, and initial effects (e.g., increased use of concepts of customer needs and quality indicators). The particular relevance of the TQM approach for IT…

Presents W. Edwards Deming's Total Quality Management method and advocates its adoption in libraries. The 14 points that form the basis of Deming's philosophy are discussed in the context of the library setting. A flow chart of the reference process and user survey questions are included. (MES)

Principals of smaller and rural secondary schools should think critically about the mix of their goals with staff members' goals. Although very little can be accomplished from the principal's momentum alone, a united group can accomplish great things. Suggestions are given for providing each staff member with meaningful leadership opportunities.…