A survey of the literature relative to the elementary school principal's role in school-community relations within an individual attendance center

Includes bibliographical references.Problem: It was the purpose of this study to appraise the role of the elementary school principal, especially the beginning elementary school principal, as it related (1) to the pupils, (2) to the parents, (3) to the staff, and (4) to the other adults concerned with the individual attendance center. Procedure: The author surveyed literature relating the elementary school principal to those aspects of the attendance center which would help the beginning elementary school principal understand and solidify his role as an educational leader in the community. In order to accomplish this purpose, the author chose to review books, periodicals, unpublished doctoral dissertation abstracts, and pamphlets related to those relevant aspects of the specific attendance center. In addition the author analyzed and compiled those factors and concepts found in the survey of literature which could be adopted by a beginning elementary school principal in establishing and maintaining a well balanced program of school-community relations within his individual attendance center. Findings and Conclusions: It becomes the task of the beginning school principal to put into practice the following if he is to be successful in performing his role in relation to the pupils, parents, staff, and other interested adults within the individual attendance center: 1. Maintain an effective and continuous public relations program. 2. Realize that without a good philosophy of education, good teaching, good instruction, no public relations program can succeed. 3. Be aware that pupils' attitudes toward the school are of primary importance. 4. Understand the needs of the community and attempt to meet those needs. 5. Use parent-teacher and other groups to develop an understanding of school objectives and to acquire publicity for the school. 6. Be a good listener and be aware of the opinions of laymen concerning education, and consider their implications. 7. Be alert to newsworthy developments within the school. 8. Participate and cooperate in community affairs. 9. Provide for the best utilization of community resources. 10. Study and apply various techniques for training teachers to handle public relations more adequately. 11. Be aware of the needs and attitudes of the staff. 12. Be aware of the needs and attitudes of the parents. 13. Last, but very important to the success of the beginning elementary school principal, keep the central office informed of attitudes of the public toward his school.M.S. (Master of Science