Schools are functioning in an era of rapid change and increasing mobility. In an effort to mobilize the organizational structure to meet the standards being dictated by society, the school district reorganized the administrative structure to emphasize decentralized decision-making for direct educational functions. The hypothesis was made that…

A case study of a local education agency (LEA) in Barnsley, England reveals how one LEA implemented the 1981 Education Act. A description of LEA characteristics is followed by a discussion of assessment procedures (e.g., annual screening and a Teacher Information Package) and a within-child interpretation of special needs. (JW)

Research on effective Chapter One programs shows that comprehensive classroom programs and intensive supplementary programs have the greatest potential for improving achievement of at-risk students. Proposes that part of the funding in Chapter One programing go to research. Includes five tables. (MD)

This paper evaluates empirically the impact of elementary school related factors on the academic achievement of Montreal francophone children. A three-equation model explains simultaneously the level of achievement in mathematics and French and the self-concept of the students in the sample. (Author/LMO)

To bring all students to a more realistic sense of what the world expects of them, the role of education needs to be significantly redefined. This includes preschool day care, improving school practices, and encouraging positive values for the children. (MLF)

The way to educate poor children effectively lies in the fusion of school social work and knowledge about effective schools. The following factors should be of concern to social workers: (1) parent involvement; (2) student welfare; (3) administrative leadership; (4) academic focus; (5) consistent monitoring of student progress; (6) high…

The hypothesis is examined that, in British Columbia, when variables measuring socioeconomic status, district resources, and basic district characteristics are controlled, no significant differences between aggregated student achievement will remain. Results suggest that districts are significant sources of achievement variation and that…

State policymakers have the following options in attempting to ameliorate the high school dropout problem: (1) additional money; (2) general aid or targeted aid; (3) incentives or mandates. Research findings on the effect of each of those options are summarized and suggestions for state policies are made. (PS)

The study attempts to answer the following questions: (1) do the characteristics of a school with a low dropout rate differ significantly from the characteristics of a school with a high dropout rate; (2) does the dropout rate predict the quality of education received at the school? Methods and findings are summarized and suggestions are made for…

Argues that the public distrusts the educational system because it feels the system resists evaluation, has fuzzy objectives, is awash in theory, is against research, ignores the costs to the public, and is preoccupied with political concerns. Suggests that communication between parents, teachers, and the public may help change these views. (SRT)

Points out eight factors consistently associated with effective schools (academic focus, student participation in decision-making, etc.) and eight common problems with effective schools projects (short-term focus, unrealistic expectations, etc.). Summarizes successful projects at a K-12 village school and an urban junior high school. (JHZ)

Looks beyond the threatening and remunerative aspects of teacher appraisal in the United Kingdom to the contribution that evaluation can make to professional and school development. Considers five sound reasons for appraisal, the roles and behaviors to be appraised, and some workable approaches and techniques. Effective leadership is the key.…

In order to explore whether or not the same theoretical model of schooling is appropriate in both private and public schools, the model from the High School and Beyond study was examined. Results indicated that the model was equally applicable in both schools. Differences between schools were discussed. (Author/GDC)

A sample of elementary and high schools was investigated to determine principals' influence on student achievement test scores. Analysis of variance estimated principals' effects while controlling for environmental and organizational factors. Findings indicate that principals exert a small but important influence on school performance. (TE)

Notes that teacher education--in Canada and the United States--has been subject to increasingly frequent and vehement criticism and proceeds to examine five aspects of teacher training programs: perceived status of faculties of education, research and development practices, curriculum design and implementation within faculties, admission standards…