School districts need a comprehensive, long-range blueprint for their total operation. The goal-competency-objective hierarchy allows them to become systematic in design and operation. (Author)

The intent of the authors here is to assist professors of school administration by presenting a planning framework in which the type and level of learning desired can be matched with the most appropriate and effective processes for attaining that learning. (Editor)

Setting high standards will not cause excellent student performance. Standards must be set for the everyday work teachers expect of students. Work-design standards are needed to protect students from pointless teacher-generated work. Greater coherence and focus for learning will occur if secondary schools are designed backward from worthy tasks…