Classroom observation represents a vital link among the student, teacher, and principal. Teacher observation strategies include the following: (1) give every staff member the option of a preobservation conference; (2) include the assistant principals in the process; (3) spend a day observing a particular department; and (4) make the postobservation count by carefully preparing suggestions for improvement. General observation strategies include the following: follow a student around the building for an entire day; spend the first 30 to 40 minutes each morning wandering around the building; and use any meaningful situation to observe, record, reinforce, and feed back information. An ideal/reality exercise for teachers and students can help to create a dialog and focus attention on more effective teaching and learning. The model described asks staff members and students to examine the differences between the ideal teaching/learning climate and reality. (MLF)