Summarizes research on school effectiveness and teacher effects. Considers schooling and the learning environment within an ecological-transactional framework. Proposes interventions directed at the social regularities of the schooling environment as strategies to improve the learning environment of the school and optimize student outcomes.…

Examines teacher perceptions of teaching conditions and school environment in four geographically diverse, rural high schools identified as "effective schools." Suggests that these schools recognize teachers' achievements, give teachers a sense of empowerment, and foster community involvement. Contains 18 references. (SV)

The praxis orientation is proposed as an approach to school-based evaluation that enables professionals to understand power relationships and act toward empowerment of the local school community. The orientation is offered as an alternative to the positivist power-control approach, which is critiqued. (TJH)

Describes a university-sponsored school improvement project and how it is influenced by school community relations. Suggests an alternative model of schooling that conceives of the school as a community institution, accepts conflict between school and the larger society, and acknowledges communities' efforts in devising their own political…

Exposes and analyzes the damage done to school effectiveness by erroneous reasoning that arises from contamination by the fallacy of bifurcation, a fallacy that insists that educators must choose between an academic-achievement orientation and an expressive, social, and cultural orientation. Concern for both areas will generate a synergistic…

Argues that early childhood experiences with processes as diverse as language, mathematics, emotion, and music determine which neurons grow and remain active in the brain. Early exposure to these processes results in receptive programming. Discusses the implications for schools, teachers, and parents. (MJP)

The specification and estimation of school effects, the variability of effects across schools, and the proportion of variation in student outcomes attributable to differences in school context and practice are considered. A statistical model is presented that defines school effects for parents choosing a school and for agencies evaluating school…

British schools measure effectiveness by using performance indicators such as Standards Assessment Tasks, the General Certificate of Secondary Education, A-level results, and truancy rates. Suggests using alternative measures based on TQM concepts. Describes how two secondary schools used three years of client-satisfaction data to build a…

What is the relationship among meaningful personal and professional acts of leadership, creation of a school culture honoring diversity, and assumptions about effective schools? This case study of a female, African American, urban principal explores and reinterprets traditional conceptualizations of effective leadership, given schools' increasing…

School efforts to promote science learning were examined at two ethnically and linguistically diverse elementary schools (one urban and one suburban). The schools differed considerably with regard to students' prior knowledge and background, teacher and administrator attitudes toward science education and toward the capabilities of students with…

Describes the features of families using traditional nursery schools and community nurseries providing integrated education, health, and social services in the Strathclyde region of Scotland. Illustrates how community nursery provision is helping vulnerable families cope better with their children than traditional nursery schools, reflecting…

Examines the development, purposes, and potential risks of assessment in tribal colleges, focusing on the North Central Association's accreditation guidelines. Argues that, although assessment offers useful opportunities, the standardization of assessment efforts risks ignoring qualities unique to a particular organization and may not effectively…

Discusses school restructuring and how it can apply to music education. Includes changes in concepts of education, the movement toward accountability, and defining effective schools. Describes effective schools as those in which the basic skills of underserved students are at the same level as those of middle class students. (DK)

Educators in gifted education should be involved in the School Reform Movement because of the need of gifted learners for positive changes in education and because of the potential of the field to contribute to improved education for all students. Philosophical contributions, instructional contributions, and pedagogical contributions of gifted…

Alternative strategies currently used to study educational productivity and the dominant conception of the educational productivity process that underlies many current studies are described. A new line of research is advocated to generate insight into fundamental aspects of education production processes, emphasizing the classroom as the unit of…