With this week’s column, the Principal’s Office begins its sixth year. It’s time to look backward as well as forward. But first, a few thank yous are in order. Scott Brinton has not only been my editor, but has also become a friend and sounding board for new ideas. Executive Editor John O’Connell has always been a prime supporter and booster. And my gratitude to publishers Cliff and Stuart Richner who gave me the opportunity to join the Herald family. more

For the second straight week, I must postpone my annual anniversary column. As I’ve noted many times before, I have my columns mapped out for months ahead, but when a critical education topic pops up in the news, the schedule falls by the wayside. more

For this column and the next, I will continue to present the results of my survey on what makes a great teacher. I asked my Hofstra students to think back to their elementary, middle and high school days. Last week I shared their responses to the first question: "Who was your favorite teacher? What made him or her so special?" more

Several weeks ago, I featured a survey of students who had dropped out of school in Baltimore, which asked them why they had left. For this column and next, I would like to share with you the results … more

Several weeks ago, I ran a two-part series on bullying and what schools are trying to do to deal with this growing problem. Shortly after, I caught the last few minutes of a TV interview with John Halligan, whose son Ryan was a victim of bullying and ultimately committed suicide. It was a riveting, heart-wrenching, and eye-opening talk. I wanted to share his story with my readers with a firsthand account of what occurred and tried to track John down via the Internet. more

From the bagel store to the beauty parlor, from the beach club to the bus stop, what is the number one topic of conversation among parents? Hands down, the survey says-teachers and teaching. And well it should be. Moms and dads are concerned about who is going to spend 180 days with their children for the school year. more

The Principal’s Office is taking a break from its usual lineup of heavy-hitting topics for one of the most popular features since the column’s inception –– the Writing Quiz (this time in the form of a spelling test). more

In last week's column, I made the case for more time in the classroom. Based on the research, eight powerful arguments were presented for adding more instructional time. The case for maintaining the status quo, however, is just as compelling. more

One of the more recent controversies raging in education is whether and how to extend the school day and even the school year. Most children spend about six hours a day in class. There are proposals to lengthen that time anywhere from an hour to two or more. One variation involves weekend school, particularly for those students who have fallen behind in their studies. more

Talk about timeliness. Last week's column, "Responding to a Trio of Tragedies," was followed by three more incidents this week: a principal held hostage, resulting in his school going into lockdown; a 13-year-old boy committing suicide in the Bronx; and a report that two-thirds of all middle school students say they have been bullied. In each case, there was no outlet for rage. It is incumbent on us to prevent anger from escalating to that point. This week, I will examine a number of the anti-bullying programs that are proliferating in the schools, from the elementary to even the college levels. more