A rejoinder to Smithson's article, "Curriculum Policy-Making at the School Level: Two Approaches" (v15 n2 p215-28 1981). The author stresses that competent philosophical reasoning contributes to better decisions in curriculum policymaking. Such competence is necessary regardless of whether the decisions are made by administrators or…

A brief review of the literature indicates that decisiveness is an important dimension of effective administrative behavior. (Author/WD)

Preliminary analysis of data from this study of a limited sample of administrators suggests that most high school principals are not experiencing a high level of stress. There is also some doubt about whether certain techniques for coping with stress are as effective as previously believed. (Author/JM)

Dr. Wagner discusses her childhood role models and her decision to enter educational administration. She gives advice to young women who are planning for leadership roles. This article is part of a theme issue on women and leadership. (SJL)

A study conducted 15 years ago--which indicated that school administrators' success is dependent on the relationship between their personalities and the social setting of the school district--is criticized. The statistical analysis originally used is described as spurious. (MH)

Black women college administrators are few in number, occupy peripheral positions, have little power, receive little support from peers, are underpaid and overworked, and are disillusioned about the prospects for improvement in their status. (Author/BE)

Discusses the problems that arise when a job within a company changes and the incumbent is no longer capable of handling it. Gives warning signs to look for and stresses the importance of dealing with the problem early. (JOW)

Liberal arts scholars can make good academic administrators because their disciplines develop the necessary skills, including the abilities to see things whole, to identify intellectual excellence, to know the moral dimensions of behavior, to envision how life may be bettered, and to be sensitive to minorities. (Author/MSE)

Women administrators experienced lower levels of stress than their male counterparts, particularly with respect to boundary-spanning stress and conflict-mediating stress, both of which relate to stress arising from the management of the organization-external environment interface. Women administrators stood up to the pressures of their job better…

The chairman of a presidential search committee must squander months of time trying to find a candidate who meets impossible requirements, and even then the candidate may back out. (LBH)

A study examined characteristics and problems of rural Oklahoma school superintendents. Of 350 Oklahoma superintendents surveyed, most respondents were White males. Only 14 percent had completed their doctoral degree, and over half of their terminal degrees were not in educational administration. Relationships with school boards were positive, but…

Describes the state of the literature related to the community college presidency. Argues that the literature may not introduce presidents to three basic qualities: adaptability, role flexibility, and sound judgment. Describes challenges for presidents and their institutions related to technology, competing demands, and the changing concept of…

Interviews 36 community college faculty and administrators, and examined leadership beliefs and contextual conditions that affect diverse perspectives. Results suggest that individuals' positionalities (by gender, race, ethnicity, role within the institution, discipline or field of study, among other characteristics) appear to be related to…

Describes reasons for increase in the number of superintendents age 60 or older. Includes personal experiences of several superintendents age 70 or older. (PKP)