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A literature review and discussion the effect of school administrators on staff morale is presented in this paper. Four factors for improving staff morale include: a supportive workplace; meaningful incentives; a good working environment; and personal display of high morale by the administrator. Ten recommendations for improving staff relations are listed, which stress the importance of recognition of individual worth and clearly defined job responsibilities. Consideration of personal as well as material needs is crucial to personnel morale. (LMI)

This paper discusses four recent trends affecting elementary school administration, concentrating on the most important trend--the new emphasis on the elementary principal as instructional leader. Schools where principals are actively involved in instructional programs are places charged with excitement, cooperation, professionalism, and a climate of open acceptance and support. Instructional leaders are distinguished by a clearly defined school vision, an ability to translate vision into instructional goals and expectations for students and teachers, creation of a supportive school environment, involvement in monitoring instructional programs, and an ability to intervene in a supportive or corrective manner when necessary. Obstacles to instructional leadership may be diminished by learning more effective time management and delegation practices. The second significant trend is the restructuring of the elementary principal's role to encompass change agent and risk-taker responsibilities. The third trend is that elementary principals' responsibilities are being redefined to include provision of individualized and personalized staff development opportunities. Principals are learning to become resource providers and instructional resource facilitators. The fourth trend is recognition of the important role that elementary principals must play in early identification of at-risk students. (MLH)