This book by a former principal of Marion High School in Adelaide, South Australia who held that post from 1972 to 1983, examines the influence of theory and practice of secondary education in many countries upon the management of the school during those years. The first 17 chapters discuss the management of the school as a whole, addressing the influences upon the principal's thinking and the difficulties he faced in introducing innovation. Topics include aims and objectives, compelling research findings, success orientation, levelling, the school and its community, factors influencing education in the 1970s, curriculum, methodology and the use of class time, the learning resource center concept, independent learning, and assessment of student progress. The remaining chapters, 18 to 30, take up aspects of special interest, present evidence of success, and consider the future. Topics include gifted and disadvantaged students, discipline, additional human resources, scheduling, communication, buildings and grounds, review and teacher growth, the roles of the principal, tension with the education system, and evaluation. A bibliography is included, along with an index. (TE)