Kalamazoo's administrators undergo a multi-component evaluation based essentially on performance objectives. The results are directly reflected in each administrator's pay raise or lack of one. (Author/WM)

Explains the attitude of the Kalamazoo Board towards staff accountability and presents a copy of the contract with its current superintendent. (WM)

Describes the development and implementation of a metaphorical (nonenforceable) family contract that sets forth parental responsibilities for assisting the public schools in the education of their children. Contract involves the home environment, use of the out-of-school time, and parent involvement with schooling. Discusses issues related to the…

Roughly 15% of U.S. elementary school principals are working under incentive or performance-pay contracts. Douglas County, Colorado's program, including teachers and administrators, has four components: outstanding performance, skills blocks, group incentive, and district responsibility pay. Bonuses can be major motivators. A sidebar details…

Hartford, Connecticut, hired Education Alternatives, Inc. (EAI), to help run the schools. EAI's key responsibility will be to help the school board implement their strategic plan for high and clear performance standards, improved assessment methods, more and better staff training, a decentralization of authority, and increased use of technology.…

Public school districts signing on with private companies to provide services need to set up contracts with performance standards. Provides seven general advice tips about what to include in contracts and case studies of what three school districts have done in setting up contracts with private companies. (MLF)

Kalamazoo has demonstrated that a comprehensive, performance-based system of administrator evaluation and accountability can work wonders. (Author/WM)

In October, a revised set of test scores showed that students in the eight Education Alternative, Inc. (EAI), schools in Baltimore, Maryland, had not performed as well as originally reported. Indicates that a contract with a for-profit company should specify how much test scores or attendance should improve each year and what the consequences are…

In Kalamazoo, Michigan, teachers are evaluated on how well they and their students perform. Kalamazoo schools have probably one of the most comprehensive computerized systems of personnel evaluation and accountability yet devised. (Author/WM)

Describes the arrangements in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and Boston, Massachusetts, with the Edison Project. In this public-private partnership, Edison will be responsible for curriculum, facilities management, professional development, personnel, and food service. Cites other school districts considering having Edison schools. A sidebar summarizes…