Demonstrates that school board members should periodically review their student transportation system to ensure safety, good drivers, and community support of schools. Describes how administrators gain operational understanding through field review and reporting their findings. Discusses data interpretation and application. Planning for community…

The process for establishing a climate and a framework that promote school-based reform is complex. Describes the steps a typical but fictitious district takes to build support for change. (MLF)

In Austin, Texas, an urban district where more than half the students come from low-income families, the annual dropout rate has gone down, and the scores on statewide standardized tests have gone up. A key element in the turnaround is state-mandated, site-based management, a system that decentralizes decision making and involves strong leadership…