By aligning factors that most commonly influence the achievement of Black and Hispanic students with the type of resources inside the black box of schooling, this study differentiated the achievement effect of school resources from what was brought by students to schools. The hierarchical regression results showed that minority students'…

Teacher education has become a scapegoat for the problems of public education. One of the views that must be overcome is that inadequate preparation can be improved by eliminating the preparatory experience altogether. Greater fiscal support is also necessary for quality preparatory programs. (8 references) (CJH)

The high school principal, a key figure in the educational equality and equity equation, should serve as both instructional leader and administrator. State legislation might more clearly define the principal's role and leadership responsibility. Principals should choose their own faculty, retain faculty they want, and have discretionary funds for…

Recent Title IX lawsuits have highlighted colleges' and universities' vulnerability to claims of gender discrimination in intercollegiate athletics. Middle and secondary schools are equally vulnerable. Gender equity encompasses accommodation of athletic interests, funding, equipment and supplies, scheduling, coaching opportunities, coach salaries…

Despite recent criticisms, U.S. society is getting a good value for its education dollar. High schools are beset by college influences on the curriculum; special education requirements; overemphasis on student activities; unreasonable international comparisons; the influences of TV, teenage employment, and pathological behaviors; and the…

Successful standards-based reform requires fundamental reconstruction of educational institutions and systems, so that high standards become the basis of curriculum, textbooks and other instructional materials, assessments, graduation requirements, and teacher education, certification, and training. A great failure of our public education system…

Secondary school principals should understand school finance basics, including property tax components (tax base, assessment practice, and tax rate); allowable tax reductions and exemptions; common arguments against the property tax; cost and valuation per pupil formulas; educational equity arguments; state foundation programs; and various types…

After a brief history of the states' role in financing public schools since 1970, their current fiscal status and budgetary actions are reviewed. The impact of tax-cutting initiatives on California and Massachusetts schools and districts' solutions are considered. Guiding principles for allocating reduced funds are proposed. (MJL)

Three high schools in Minnesota's Twin Cities area exemplify impressive educational equalization gains stemming from a 1971 law shifting school funding from local taxes to state income and sales taxes. Although the schools vary in structure, populations, and leadership style, all are accomplishing major restructuring efforts via flexible…

Traditionally, local school districts have shouldered the burden of funding school infrastructure in the name of local control, relying upon local property tax revenues and the willingness of local voters to approve bond issues. Given vast disparities in school districts' property wealth, gross inequities in school facilities will remain without…

The supreme courts of Montana, New Jersey, and Texas have overturned their respective educational finance systems. Provides analyses of the three cases and a discussion of the implications for other states. (MLF)

A late 1960s graduate of racially segregated school in Mississippi evaluates her high school's performance against Ron Edmonds's five school effectiveness correlates (strong instructional leadership; clear instructional mission; orderly, safe climate; high expectations; close monitoring with standardized tests). School passed only one; all…

Pressure for curriculum change comes from many sources--the federal and state government and individuals at the local level. Principals are responsible for balancing these pressures to ensure curricular integrity and coherence. After reviewing various pressures, this article explores principals' options for envisioning curriculum. (MLH)

Describes a program focusing on developing positive attitudes, knowledge, and skills among assistant principals working in an El Paso school district. The Ysleta Assistant Principals Leadership Academy has established a strong partnership with higher education, created expanded learning opportunities, provided mentors, and extended administrators'…