The Policy Forum estimates that only about one-quarter of today's principals (20,000 out of 80,000) possess essential instructional leadership skills. Facing contradictory expectations, principals are often confused about whom to please and how to do their jobs. The Principal's Leadership Institute can help with specific improvement plans. (MLH)

Examines whether parents are involved differently with the education of their adolescent daughters and sons. Results show that parents help daughters and sons in different ways. Findings are discussed in terms of parents' traditional socialization practices versus a shift in parental treatment in response to social trends. (Author/MKA)

Effective followership (mirroring a leader's mission) involves several strategies: concentrating on becoming a team player, demonstrating a strong work ethic, adhering to high individual expectations and possessing high self-regard, projecting optimism, and practicing interpersonal intelligence. (MLH)

Data from the National Survey of Children were used to test the hypothesis that lower educational goals and achievement is associated with initiating sexual intercourse at a younger age. Adolescents who had lower educational goals and who performed at lower academic levels were more likely to engage in sexual intercourse earlier. This was true for…

Though students enjoy tasteless topics, teachers must set classroom standards that reflect community standards and tolerance levels. Strategies for moving students beyond tasteless topics in writing include: not making them feel bad about their interests; not being afraid to change the rules when there are unhealthy writing ruts; and letting…

The Georgia Preschool-Postsecondary Initiative was started in 1995 to bolster student achievement and classroom teacher preparation. Program success will be measured by increasing numbers of high-school students successfully completing algebra and geometry, raising postsecondary admission requirements, and having a qualified teacher in every…

A study examined five teachers' perspectives in a ninth grade class that included students with disabilities in regular classes. Teachers who supported inclusion of a student with Down syndrome differed in their expectations of him and the other students with and without disabilities. Variable standards for classroom attendance were a primary…

Outlines particular moments in the author's recent experience as the instructor of a course called "Teaching English Language Arts in the Secondary School" when she was forced to examine her expectations about the course, about the students and about herself as the instructor. (RS)

A study of entry-phase agriculture teachers (n=90, one-third female) identified personal, professional, and situational characteristics that would explain how long they expected to remain in teaching. Gender and agricultural work experience were significant predictors. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

This study explored relationships between Self-Efficacy, Motivation, and Outcome Expectations and Intention Certainty. Intention Certainty is a new variable created for this study and comprised of existing conceptions of intention and decision certainty. The purpose of this study was fourfold. This study attempted to expand our understanding of…

The report card grade has come to serve a variety of purposes: (1) Substantiation for state funding; (2) A public relations opportunity to help generate positive feelings between a school and the community; (3) A vehicle used by the teacher to increase a student's self-esteem; (4) An opportunity to reward a student's likability; and (5) A chance…

As the publication of picture books that contain meta-fictive or postmodern elements increases, research concerning how intermediate grade readers respond and construct meaning in transaction with these texts is important. This study explores readers' responses and discussions focusing on the picture book Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne.…

In this article, the author stresses that teachers need to teach their students to think critically and to reason their way. One prerequisite for teaching critical thinking is a classroom climate of high expectations, teacher warmth and encouragement, and pleasant physical surroundings. Schools should see to it that students become progressively…

Although conservative Christians have been shown to have rates of mental health problems comparable with the general population (King, 1978), research has found that conservative Christians hesitate to seek counseling from a counselor who does not label him- or herself a "Christian counselor" and often drop out of counseling early when…

Examines factors affecting teacher expectancy through hierarchical linear modeling of data from two large-scale surveys of teachers working in schools with high-stakes accountability programs. Finds following significant predictors of teacher expectancy: Teacher perceptions of program fairness, student performance feedback, lack of goal conflict,…