The current policy terrain is primed for schools to absorb new discipline strategies and address bias-based beliefs. Over the past 10 years, numerous policy changes regarding discipline have emerged at the federal and state levels. I argue these policy shifts, primarily at the state level, are using two of four value levers (quality, efficiency,…

Modern societies aim to solve the global challenges of the 21st century with sustainable solutions such as resource efficiency, use of renewable energy sources and recycling. Engineers are called upon to create the cutting edge technological solutions that can help to address these challenges. In developed as well as in developing countries,…

The public has become all too aware of the term "bubble" to describe an asset that is irrationally and artificially overvalued and cannot be sustained. The dot-com bubble burst by 2000. More recently the overextended housing market collapsed, helping to trigger a credit meltdown. The stock market has declined more than 30 percent in the past year,…

The cult of efficiency, comprised of leading lights in education early in this century, stressed the necessity of bringing more efficient industrial practices into schools. This article describes the efficiency movement and Ella Flagg Young's dissent. Young's career as teacher, professor, and superintendent of the Chicago schools is highlighted.…

This book proposes that market principles have been, and continue to be, misapplied to American higher education, causing significant economic inefficiencies and undermining the educational process. It argues: first, that the widespread criticism of fiscal and personnel mismanagement leveled against higher education's traditional way of doing…

Examines the emergence of "third wave" school restructuring from the fields of educational technology, instructional design, and systems theory. Argues that its core principles--social functionalism, efficiency and productivity, individualism, and expertism--will likely reinforce existing practices instead of substantively transforming…

As educational enrollments, resources, and confidence decline, complexity, ambiguity, and dissatisfaction increase. This mixture of growth and decline creates an adverse environment for educational leaders. History shows, however, that adversity can have important uses and profound advantages. Leaders can use adversity to help define new and more…

A discussion of the Greek university system finds that most of the attention during retrenchment has focused on governance, with little concern for its administrative machinery. Administrative reforms that could allow the system to become more economical, academically effective, and accountable are suggested. (Author/MSE)

The learning productivity approach to higher education attempts to gain productivity, not so much by reducing or cheapening inputs but by enhancing higher education's major output: student learning. In the learning productivity perspective, the principal problem is in teaching and learning inefficiencies such as excessive nonlearning time,…

A corporate leader argues that higher education leaders must be prepared to manage change, and suggests focusing on results, communicating straight and openly, and delegating responsibility. An institutionwide communication program and greater efficiency are key elements in management change. (MSE)

Outlines how the "cult of efficiency" and the "cult of deficiency" emphasize weakness and have affected American education. Points out that a new "cult of proficiency" emphasizing strengths, not weaknesses, is needed. (MD)

The recent deregulation of a number of industries presents a potential boon for local education. Deregulation of local schools, along with the assumption of greater managerial control, could produce more effective education. A model is proposed that includes deregulation, decentralization, flexibility, competition, technical support, and…

The growing concern for eliminating duplication and overlap within and between organizations in a school system has led to neglect of the varied forms of redundancy and a disregard for the benefits that accompany it. A particular benefit is increased reliability of the system. Four forms of redundancy are described. (KS)

Calls for the continued privatization of public schools and the application of business solutions to school management problems are nothing new. Successful small-scale experiments at privatization will continue to have an incremental effect on educational reform. Even failed experiments offer opportunities about how to manage public education.…

Attributes past and present education reform movements to four major factors tied to American business ideology and an emergent military defense consciousness. Deplores recent trend toward curriculum standardization, close teacher supervision, compulsory and standardized testing, and the drive for cost-effectiveness and efficiency in education.…