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In This Issue

Farrace, B. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:56:35 PDT

Superintendents' Perceptions of the Principal Shortage

Pijanowski, J. C., Hewitt, P. M., Brady, K. P. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:56:35 PDT

The research literature on the principal shortage is inconsistent regarding the actual scope of the shortage and a clear articulation of factors contributing to the successful recruitment and retention of today’s school leaders. Often, critical data related to the principal shortage are ignored, including the number of younger principals overlooked in a candidate job search or the number of credentialed principal candidates who ultimately withdraw from a search. This study is based on a survey of 197 superintendents concerning their views on the principal shortage and factors associated with influencing the recruitment and retention of school leaders. Some major findings are that superintendents often underestimate the principal candidate applicant pool in their own districts, compensation continues to be the primary method of attracting qualified principal applicants, and rural schools are at a distinct disadvantage compared with urban and suburban schools in their search for new school principals.

Increasing Underrepresented High School Students' College Transitions and Achievements: TRIO Educational Opportunity Programs

Cowan Pitre, C., Pitre, P. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:56:35 PDT

The American education agenda suggests a clear commitment to the development of programs and practices to increase equitable participation in higher education. During a time when equity-based policy initiatives are under attack in the United States, governmental TRIO Programs remain one proven pathway for ensuring college preparedness and access for all students. Research reviewed in this article suggests TRIO educational opportunity programs have been successful in increasing both the higher education attendance rates and educational attainment of students from low-income, first-generation college, and underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds. Given the increasing political debate and the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against voluntary school desegregation, TRIO Programs are now more critical than ever for extending higher educational opportunities to students from diverse social and economic backgrounds. Furthermore, these programs may provide a model for P-12 school leaders, individual institutions, and all education professionals interested in widening access to higher education for all of our country’s citizens. This article provides an overview of TRIO educational opportunity programs, research related to the effectiveness of these programs, and recommendations for principals, teachers, and professional staff.

Adolescent Learning and the Internet: Implications for School Leadership and Student Engagement in Learning

Strom, P., Strom, R., Wing, C., Beckert, T. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:56:35 PDT

Students were electronically polled about the influence of the Internet in their education and ways teachers could use this resource to motivate them and increase their learning. Responses from the 956 adolescents showed that the school quest to increase student engagement could more often be met through online assignments that facilitate self-directed learning. The practice of teachers spending much of their time preparing and presenting lessons should become more balanced to reflect the powerful presence of the Internet as the main source of student information. This shift requires a new focus in teacher preparation and in-service development for local schools. Specific changes in the roles of principals and teachers to offer greater school support for Internet learning are identified.

What We Know About At-Risk Students: Important Considerations for Principal and Counselor Leadership

Foster Johnson, A., Wellman Perkins, G. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:56:35 PDT

Schools are focusing considerable efforts on reaching students who are identified as at risk of becoming future dropouts due to poverty, behavior, and/or academics. This article details the important role that middle school counselors can play in meeting the needs of the at-risk population because of the specialized training they receive in working with individuals to address their academic, career, and personal/social development needs.