A study of beginning administrators in a school district reveals that they receive contradictory messages about school leadership. Although the school district emphasizes collaborative, facilitative leadership through documents and orientation of new administrators, bureaucratic, political, and identity-based messages reinforce traditional…

This paper presents the findings obtained from a detailed questionnaire completed by selected head teachers (n = 129), deputy heads (n = 81), middle managers (n = 178) and form tutors (n = 91) in schools within local education authorities located throughout England and Wales. The questionnaire focused upon the respondents' views on the best ways…

In many schools, the assistant principal is poorly trained to assume administrative responsibilities. This paper presents an overview of research that has examined the assistant principal's role. It argues that assistant principals will be expected to take on the new roles of team management and public relations, necessitating their effective use…

A study examined natural dialogue between high school disciplinarians (principals, deans, assistant principals) and students in disciplinary situations. Four disciplinarians (two men and two women--two assistant principals, one principal, and one dean) representing three schools in central Illinois audiotaped as few or as many complete dialogues…

Occupational burnout was studied in two samples including 1,191 public school teachers and 190 principals and vice principals. The following factors were examined for their ability to predict burnout: overall job stress, job satisfaction, job challenge, and role clarity. Burnout was measured using the intensity dimension of the Maslach Burnout…

This bulletin provides principals with tips concerning how to increase their assistant principals' effectiveness. It explains a four-part process to accomplish this task. First, principals must select the right person based on qualifications that meet the school's profile. Second, they must furnish needed training in self-assessment, goal setting,…

All secondary school assistant principals in Massachusetts were surveyed to assess the relationships between their backgrounds, training, and values and their concepts of, preparedness for, and processes for dealing with conflict situations. Data were collected through questionnaires and through the completion by the 122 survey respondents of the…

Financed with ESEA Title III funds since 1970, the School Information System (SIS) was designed essentially to furnish school administrators with data and information with which to make better decisions. The basic means were to (1) build and improve a data bank, (2) prepare and disseminate computerized reports to the decisionmakers--especially…

Analyzes the assistant principalship in terms of socialization, the enculturation process, and the actual work activity of assistant principals. Training and work of assistant principals should be restructured to avoid a trend toward development of a custodial, non-risk taking, noninstructional leader orientation. (PS)

A study extended research on the Kentucky Principal Intern Program (KPIP), an induction program for new administrators. Study participants (N=97) were public school principals and assistant principals appointed during 1998-99. All were participating as KPIP administrator interns. Survey research was used to collect data about demographic…

Vision is an important dimension in the leadership characteristics of school administrators. This dimension can be expressed in a 2-phased process: the development of both personal and organizational visions. How this vision is developed, however, in school administrators is difficult to answer. This study looks at the development of personal…

Describes long-term effects of the Peer-Assisted Leadership program on participants with regard to their administrative actions, perspectives of their roles as school leaders, and collegial networking and support. (PCB)

An assistant principal describes longterm benefits from her mentoring relationship with the principal of Santa Monica (California) High School. Chagrined at her principal's close, hands-on supervisory style, the assistant principal gradually gained experience and confidence. She learned that leadership is about serving others, compassion, and…

The ability to work collaboratively with others is becoming an essential component of contemporary school reform. This article reviews current trends in school reform that embody collaborative principles and also draws on the literature to provide a theoretical overview of collaboration itself. The article then outlines the findings from a…

This study examines the application and acquisition process of individuals completing a principal licensure program to obtain school administrative positions over a period of five years. While relatively low compensation and high-pressure accountability demands were viewed as deterrents by those deciding not to seek principalships, the majority of…