Criticizes the current status of school-level factors as they appear in research reviews and in school-effectiveness models, from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. Argues that most studies do not investigate factors at the classroom level. Outlines a theoretical basis for these factors based on learning theories and instruction…

Since 1974, the Australian Capital Territory has been using a school-based management system. Surveys of 29 schools and interviews with 38 board members identified the characteristics of more effective schools that are more accountable to their communities. (SK)

Examines the educational progress made by students between Baseline assessment at age 4 and national end of Key Stage 1 tests at age 7. Focuses on the effects background factors have on students' progress, the interactions between ethnic group, sex, and economic disadvantage on progress, and evidence of school effectiveness. Discusses the…

Effective followership (mirroring a leader's mission) involves several strategies: concentrating on becoming a team player, demonstrating a strong work ethic, adhering to high individual expectations and possessing high self-regard, projecting optimism, and practicing interpersonal intelligence. (MLH)

Presents excerpts from a 1999 symposium that addressed the design and condition of school buildings and their capacity to respond to changing educational demands. Excerpts cover improving educational facility effectiveness, managing educational facilities infrastructure, modernizing school infrastructure in England, changing facility designs to…

At the 10th International Congress for School Effectiveness and School Improvement, participants noted progress in effectiveness research regarding development of outcome measures, size effects, measures of educational processes, and variables contributing to effectiveness. School-improvement research has focused on schools' status changes,…

Explores how most states have adopted financing systems that link colleges' appropriations to performance, despite little evidence that the plans produce results. (EV)

According to data from two Hong Kong secondary schools, principals did not significantly influence curriculum monitoring or innovation. However, the vice-principal and teachers in one school emphasized these duties more than counterparts at the other school. The difference may stem from students' greater demands on teachers. (Contains 41…

Teachers and the public agree on reasons for choosing a public school, but differ sharply concerning "B" ratings, school safety concerns, parental involvement, and pay-for-performance proposals. More teachers favor academics as schools' main emphasis and class-size reduction as the best use of federal funds. (MLH)

The analysis by R. Greenwald, L. Hedges, and R. Laine (1996) suffers because of its statistical methods and because it is based on a sample that biases the study toward their conclusions. Econometric evidence and the aggregate performance of U.S. schools points toward serious problems with inefficient use of resources. (SLD)

School-effectiveness research has contributed to the global pressures on education, but should now concentrate on establishing more knowledge about the complex interactions between culture and schooling. This article raises questions concerning educational researchers' role in furthering education advances and building a more just society.…

To meet ambitious goals, districts and schools must redefine priorities, decide how to meet them, and allocate resources appropriately. This means restructuring salaries to attract and retain superior teachers, redirecting spending from compliance to supporting performance goals, investing strategically in professional development, and reducing…

An invitation to explore innovative practices in program and system evaluation in a medium-sized school jurisdiction of approximately 11,000 students has resulted in a model with generative characteristics. This paper will describe the process, and several of the outcomes, when a generative evaluation approach is used to assess the effectiveness…

This paper explores the claim that appropriately trained heads can motivate teachers and students to achieve challenging targets and transform the prospects of future generations. Theory derived from the leadership literature is tested against the experience of three headteachers in the field. Case study evidence is used to examine how Hillside…

The idea of leaving no child behind may sound like a noble dream. But the federal law intended to fulfill that dream is in Houston's opinion so flawed that it has become a nightmare for educators. Sadly, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act is a nightmare in which everyone is naked while being pushed off a cliff because of poor test performance.…