Several aspects of unplanned system change in schools are investigated in this paper. Researchers relied heavily on current theoretical perspectives on the nature of educational systems, particularly those that emphasize the "loosely coupled" nature of educational organizations. Two hypotheses were tested. The first is that natural…

The authors examine and evaluate the introduction of mixed ability teaching at Pond Street Comprehensive School and draw conclusions on organizational change. (SJL)

This paper describes the organization and accomplishments of schools in New York City's East Harlem School Distirct, referred to locally as Community School District 4. Schools in this district use choice as the conceptual framework for the organization of public education. Once students and parents have been informed of the choices open to them,…

This report presents the first stage results of an internal school board intervention in two inner city secondary schools in Montreal, Quebec. The Organizational Development (OD) technology of survey feedback was applied as an intervention technique to these schools. A response mode of planned change and development was attempted. The project…

Educational organizations must harness forces within their own systems and in the larger environment that could stimulate changes that will make school systems viable learning systems. One way is to adopt organizational patterns and management concepts being developed by business, industry, and government. "Matrix" organizations are also…

During the past two decades federal, state, and local school leaders have attempted to institute major changes in educational programs and organizational arrangements. Recent assessment studies reveal that the great majority of change efforts did not meet intended objectives. As a result, policy formulators have developed serious reservations…

Papers are presented which were generated by this workshop on school improvement. Both session and panel presentations are included on school effectiveness research, curriculum alignment for school improvement, a school climate improvement project, the McRel school improvement program, Pennsylvania's long-range planning for school improvement, an…

Drawing upon research findings on school effectiveness, the McREL School Improvement Program was designed to examine critically such factors as school leadership, building organization, school climate and environment, and how citizens and parents are encouraged to participate in raising morale and effectiveness. Focus is upon instructional…

Drawing on the experience of public schools in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this document details a planning model and process of middle level reorganization. Following an examination of the impetus for change and how recent changes in the nation's economy, demographics, and family structure have shaped the context for educational change, collaborative…

Each of the seven case studies in this report describes the school and community, the implementation of Individually Guided Education (IGE) programs, and home-school-community relations programs and activities, and analyzes the home-school-community relations programs and activities. The selection of the seven schools was primarily based on the…

Collaborative planning between Western Kentucky University and a local junior high school resulted in a successful new program for student discipline that was accepted and implemented by teachers and administrators. Inservice training was provided in positive discipline strategies, based on Glasser's reality therapy, over a two-year (1974-76)…

This report describes a study which identified concerns and questions of general and special educators about inclusion and effective strategies for operating a successful inclusion model. Seven pairs of special and general educators in elementary and middle schools comprised the primary study group. Study group pairs interviewed their faculties…