The overarching goal of schools is to create a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive and learn. This begins with a dedication to students' social and emotional well-being, and effective policies and programs that create a culture of trust. Such a culture provides an optimal learning environment, and is also a proactive step…

Across the nation, states and districts are in the process of building better teacher evaluation systems that not only identify highly effective teachers but also systematically provide data and feedback that can be used to improve teacher practice. The "Practical Guide to Designing Comprehensive Teacher Evaluation Systems" is a tool…

Across the nation, states and districts are in the process of building better teacher evaluation systems that not only identify highly effective teachers but also systematically provide data and feedback that can be used to improve teacher practice. "A Practical Guide to Designing Comprehensive Teacher Evaluation Systems" is a tool…

This document summarizes results from a study concerning the ways in which telecommunications might be used to support school reform initiatives in Chicago, Illinois, particularly of Local School Councils (LSCs) and staff development activities across a sample of 283 schools. Results from the study suggest that telecommunications can be used to…

Based on the premise that schools can learn from business, this article identifies eight characteristics presented in the book "In Search of Execellence" that can be effectively used in school management. (MD)

This manual is intended as a resource guide for school councils in Arizona. The state created school site-based councils to bring together parents, the community, administrators, teachers, and students to form a decision-making body that can empower all stakeholders. The guide details the process of school councils as it relates to Arizona…

With the advent of the National Education Goals formulated by President Bush and the nation's governors, there is a new, nationwide environment for America's schools. Goals and objectives set at this new level imply a desire for involvement in national monitoring of local efforts to assess student, school, and district performance. Concerned about…

Redesigning the education system to prepare citizens for the 21st century is a monumental challenge. To accomplish the job, understanding and support must come from people in all parts of the education system and community. Building support and understanding among various groups of people requires effective communication strategies and skills.…

The failure to emphasize the role of education service agencies (ESAs) in metropolitan regions has lessened their use. Although in most states membership in an ESA system is obligatory for all school districts, participation in ESA programs and services is generally low. In several states legal constraints preclude a relationship between the ESA…

Discusses the issues and challenges facing school boards in the current educational reform climate. Summarizes the findings and recommendations resulting from the Institute for Educational Leadership (Washington, DC) national study of local school boards. (MD)

After the state terminated funding and operation of school lunch programs, a Rhode Island school district chose to create and operate its own program. The results of the first year of operation include a 30% increase in student participation and a 33% increase in food service revenue. A concerted marketing effort and a growing catering business…

Interviews with 11 Colorado state legislators about their views on local control reveal they have no fear of pushing the constitutional envelope when it comes to legislating school policy. School board members must get involved in the legislative process, whether by lobbying legislators on behalf of important education issues or testifying as…

This policy brief focuses on design issues surrounding decentralization policies, drawing from the following three reports: "Working Models of Choice in Public Education," by Richard F. Elmore; "Diversity Amidst Standardization: State Differential Treatment of Districts," by Susan H. Fuhrman; and "School District Restructuring in Santa Fe, New…

Increased local control for support programs formerly federally funded will require planning and coordination. Curriculum systematization is a process for determining the compatibility of support programs with the existing local curriculum. (SK)

It is abundantly clear that increasingly complex, diverse, technological middle level schools require educators to take on new roles. Change is the only constant, and as a result there is a huge chasm between what middle level teachers experienced as students themselves and as preservice teachers and the exigencies and realities of middle level…