Principles for Principals

A video workshop on math and science education for K-12 principals; 8 one-hour video programs.

Designed by and for principals working to improve student achievement in mathematics and science, this workshop addresses the specific issues faced by administrators. Filmed in schools from Maine to California, this workshop helps principals understand and use recent research on math and science education practices. The programs describe the impact of state and national standards, discuss varied approaches to teaching and learning math and science, show new curricula in use, and compare effective models of professional development for teachers and principals.

Program guides and supporting materials: Annenberg Learner (archive)

Produced by:
Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory
in partnership with the Annenberg Institute for School Reform,
with support from Annenberg Learner (1998)

Workshop 1 - What's This All About?
The national picture for science and math education reform provides a backdrop for principals whose responsibility is forming and articulating a collective vision. Principals examine the implications of TIMSS, state testing, and standards, and look at authentic student work in classrooms.
Workshop 2 - Creating Communities That Learn Together
With the goal of building learning communities that improve math and science outcomes, this workshop shows several ways that principals can work toward including all voices — teachers, students, parents — in a new dialogue about education reform.
Workshop 3 - Math/Science Skills - What's Important?
In this workshop, principals examine what teachers, college and business leaders, and parents believe students should know and be able to do to be successful in math and science.
Workshop 4 - Re-Working the Curriculum
Principals are looking at new ways to stress authentic knowledge. This workshop examines how new curriculum materials require both principals and teachers to show courage, patience, and endurance.
Workshop 5 - Changing Pedagogy
Education reform in math and science implies changing teaching and learning strategies in the classroom. Principals discuss how they can foster effective pedagogy.
Workshop 6 - Fostering Effective Professional Development for Teachers
Principals weigh proven professional development strategies to help teachers implement new reform ideas.
Workshop 7 - Professional Development for Principals
Professional development for principals is an important tool for reform. Principals learn that taking time for their own professional development is not taking time from their schools.
Workshop 8 - Building a Plan for Reform
Principals look at ways to overcome obstacles and work toward the goal of sustained and coherent change in math and science.

Copyright (c) 1998
Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory