The authors define management as "the process of making an organization purposeful and effective; it involves selecting, appraising, and developing people and linking them in their jobs in a way that enables an organization to achieve desired results." The authors divide their discussion into three parts. The first, "Management in Education," looks at the current state of the art, the potential benefits of sound management, and what school boards can do to encourage development of a true management process for their districts. The second, "Elements of Management," offers both basic principles and specific examples of what makes for good management. Chapters in this section cover getting organized to manage, building a management team, planning, information for decision-making, performance appraisal, the selection and development of teachers, paying for performance, and public and employee relations. The third, "School Boards on the Job," examines some practical realities that make schools different from other organizations, the nature of school boards, and the role of the superintendent. (Author/IRT)