Although data driven-decision making has been the mantra of school reform for the last 10 years, school leaders benefit from frequent discussions in how to engage teachers in the process. As a result, the purpose of this paper is to apply Reeves' (2004) framework concerning Antecedents of Excellence in creating a school culture that routinely uses…

For the use of teachers and administrators involved in designing and maintaining structures that promote teacher and student engagement, two case studies using pseudonyms were prepared for classroom discussion. The first case, "Hillside High School," describes the process of reforming a traditional school. The second, "City Park Secondary School,"…

Sharing decision making with teachers and parents actually increases the principal's influence. Offers 10 steps to translate leadership skills into school restructuring. (MLF)

Drawing on extensive staff interviews, this publication profiles a high school principal in Eugene, Oregon, who exhibits many aspects of transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is improvement oriented and comprises three elements: (1) a collaborative, shared decision-making approach; (2) an emphasis on teacher professionalism and…

The real-life drama 25 years ago when Apollo 13 was rescued through a collaborative team of colleagues provides a model for changes in many public schools. In Texas, the state code specifies that site-based decision making address planning, budgeting, curriculum staffing patterns, staff development, and school organization. (MLF)

Views the recent efforts at school restructuring and educational reform as promoting mechanistic education and measurement-driven instruction. Contends that teacher autonomy actually has been reduced because student assessment is now the responsibility of outside experts. Calls for a restructuring process that returns collaborative decision making…

The is a restructuring of Syracuse University (New York) in the 1990s case study for the process of institutional restructuring. Sucess was achieved by promoting the process as positive change and making it an opportunity to involve the community in decision making and to renew institutional values and mission, drawing national attention from…

Asserts that teachers are already significant decision makers regarding curriculum and instruction. Argues that teachers and students cannot be empowered by others. Suggests four conditions to enhance teacher growth and informed engagement: systematic study of self; subject matter, pedagogy, and learners; society; and utilization of contingency…

Urges that teachers be allowed to play a more active role in school restructuring. Argues that democratic ideals cannot be taught by a school system that is not run democratically. Insists that proponents of restructuring and educational renewal must see as central the teachers' control over professional affairs. (DK)

This article explores the role of vision and vision-building in public schools as a tool for bringing about a redirection of educational institutions. A reanalysis of 32 interviews with teachers and principals in schools involved in Oregon's "2020 School Improvement and Professional Development" program revealed that most school goals…

This is a critique of the current system of governance in public education. Chapters include: (1) "Statement of the Problem," which introduces the issues related to educational reform and provides some examples of previous successes and failures; (2) "The Non-Learning, Non-Self-Correcting System," in which the current system is…

This monograph is written to be used by school personnel and is a compilation of many ideas. The first chapter discusses the two key ingredients that school districts must consider to promote restructuring: leadership and teacher participation. Eight steps in the process and planning of restructuring are listed. As schools begin the process of…

Discusses the benefits and effects of music teacher empowerment. Concludes that additional skills, knowledge, and professionalism will be necessary to successfully teach music in an empowered setting without losing sight of the students' larger interests. Urges that music education programs for training teachers be expanded to include critical…

Designed to assist state and district policymakers in developing a policy framework to encourage educational restructuring at all levels, this document begins by describing the need for restructuring and by discussing elements of the policymaker's role such as establishing a vision, reviewing existing policies, debating options, making policy…

This guide is intended to assist faculty senates in West Virginia as they develop strategic plans required by state legislation for the integration of students with exceptional needs into regular classrooms. Following a summary of the legislation, required plan components are described, and a copy of the required form is presented. Sections of the…