"Coming from complexity science, the term emergence describes the dynamic and unpredictable ways through which change unfolds in organizations," writes Shane Safir in this article about how teacher leaders can transform a school's climate and culture. Using Berkeley High School in California as an example, Safir explains how successful…

Students need opportunities throughout the curriculum to follow their passions and publish quality work for global audiences to interact with. Social media afford the opportunity for students to contribute to the world in meaningful ways, do real work for real audiences for real purposes, find great teachers and collaborators from around the…

Known as "Doc" by his students, as a troublemaker by his critics, as good copy for journalists, and as a dedicated professional by his supporters, Dennis Littky is guided by an impassioned desire to improve education, regardless of the personal risks involved. He became a maverick principal to influence educational change. (MLH)

Teacher leaders are the pack mules of effective school improvement because they carry the weight of responsibility for ensuring that reforms take root in the classroom and deepen the learning of all students. They continually think about the gap in schools between the real and the ideal, and the discrepancies that they witness compel them to push…

Four years ago, a very small group of teachers at a Stockton, California, high school recognized that the school must make some dramatic changes in curriculum, governance, and educational philosophies. This article shares pitfalls and surprises encountered in teachers' struggle to create a climate for change and implement their new vision. (seven…

Although the education system in post-apartheid South Africa has its share of serious challenges, the accompanying reforms carried out are inspiring as the ASCD Board of Directors and staff discovered when they visited the country in October 2004. The visit was organized around the theme of the 2005 ASCD Annual Conference: "Voices of…

The role of today's leaders in a rapidly changing society is analyzed. (CK)

Efforts to create systemic change in most organizations stall despite an intense push from leadership because these efforts are built on a model that does not accurately represent how organizations truly operate. Reeves argues that most leaders attempt to communicate directives about new initiatives from the top layer of a hierarchy downwards.…

Approach suggested by this article calls for the creation of two new roles--those of training specialist and extension educational specialist--who, from their school district and university bases, respectively, would act as educational change agents. (Author/CB)

As European schools have become more autonomous, inservice education has changed from a way to update professional knowledge to a tool for change. This article describes recent inservice education developments, emerging guidelines, choices and trends, and problems and challenges. School-based programs are challenged by competing agency programs…

Employees of school districts recognized as accountability leaders share common stories about why change was necessary and how it is being accomplished. Change requires a crisis and an antagonist. Leaders identify the force threatening the organization, and skillful, heroic employees outsmart the villain. Stories help gauge organizational…

In a learning environment, leadership style reflects a leader's deeply held educational beliefs, which are mirrored in the school's culture. Case studies illustrate how the leadership styles of three principals affect school ambience. Good leadership practice means acknowledging each person's differing gifts, strengths, and concerns, and utilizing…

Describes an Arkansas Department of Education program that involves teachers and gives stability to otherwise short-lived school renewal programs. (JM)

Describes a comparative case study of three Georgia districts with demonstrated improvement in student achievement over three years. Shows how these districts created a climate for professsional dialogue, provided supervisory support, and welcomed leadership from various sources. Superintendents and central office staff were key facilitators of…