The nation's governors have put high school reform at the top of their agendas, charging their association--the National Governors Association--with energizing a multi-year effort to overhaul high school education. Across the country, reformers are stepping forward with new high school "designs" aimed at preparing students for the challenges of…

Reviews waves of school reform from the 19th through the 20th centuries, illuminating the search for answers to such questions as Whom should public education serve? Who pays? Can/should public education solve social ills? (SK)

Offers a brief overview of school restructuring, describing the levels at which it can occur, fundamental shifts required, and three lessons learned from school restructuring in New Zealand. (SR)

Describes the reasons for renewed interest in the K-8 school model, including dissatisfaction with middle schools, research linking improved academic achievement with K-8 grade configuration, and parent support. Includes examples of districts that have converted middle schools to K-8 schools. Identifies the challenges districts face in moving to…

This document presents recommendations made by Tennessee's High School Advisory Task Force, with a focus on describing what students should know and be able to do after completing high school. Nine elements that are essential for schoolwide reform are identified: a core curriculum, a focused plan of study, active learning, an integrated…

This document, prepared by the U.S. Department of Education-National Science Foundation (ED-NSF) Task Group on Systemic Reform, proposes a framework for creating a comprehensive, coordinated approach to the reform of elementary-secondary education. The group focuses on two themes of educational reform--increasing the capacity for reform at the…

This article explores the concept of vertical equity in light of school reform efforts aimed at increasing academic outcomes for all students. Vertical equity, or the idea that students who bring certain educational needs to the classroom require additional resources to address those needs within the educational process, is useful as a way to…

Discusses the impact that Chancellor Joseph Fernandez has had on the New York City school system. Discusses his ideological beliefs, which include school-based management and accountability. Comments on Fernandez's personal style and how this has affected his relationships with teachers, parents, principals, and others involved in the educational…

The application of a social theory perspective to an analysis of the concept of restructuring is the purpose of this report. Restructuring is a conjunctive concept that involves changes in a school district's pattern of rules, roles, relationships, and results. A systemic viewpoint examines the reciprocal interactions between structure and process…

This publication describes general conditions and problems affecting secondary education in Albania. Section 1 highlights the political, socioeconomic, and educational context of the country. Since World War II, Albania has experienced an increase in the number of students that was not matched by qualitative improvement necessary in a democractic…

School reform efforts over the last two decades have become increasingly more complex and systemic. Yet, studies that have as their primary purpose identifying and understanding the function of linkages in school reform processes are virtually nonexistent in the school effects and school improvement literature. This report proposes a model that…

A discussion with 10 nationally recognized education reformers is summarized in this report. A goal of the discussion was to find common ways to fundamentally alter the American educational structure. Participants' statements are organized around six central themes, which form a paradigm for effective school restructuring. Sections address each of…

This annual report of the Carnegie Foundation sets forth the goals the foundation has established for the improvement of education: (1) an urgent call to national action in school reform; (2) a commitment to the disadvantaged; (3) a crusade to strengthen teaching; (4) state standards, with leadership at the local school; (5) a quality curriculum;…

Discusses the impact of glasnost and perestroika on Soviet educational reform. Reviews trends in the following areas: (1) the form and content of education; (2) the role of teachers; (3) the structure and mission of educational research; and (4) the effects of political movements on the educational system. (FMW)

Drawing from a broad-based review of relevant research and literature, this report outlines selected national, state, and local policy developments in 1991-92 related to the collaboration among family, school, and community. Specifically, the report examines policies related to interventions for infants and toddlers; family support; coordination…