Using open systems theory, this exploratory study examined the relationship between school average scores in four subjects on Iceland's comprehensive primary school examinations and selected school and teacher variables. Generally, the school variable of geographic region best predicted school average scores. Implications for educational policy…

Discusses management by objectives (MBO) as a sound organizational process that has great potential as an administrative tool in education systems. Provides definitions, stresses the participative nature of the process, cites successful examples of MBO in schools, and describes six conditions for the successful implementation of MBO. (JHZ)

A questionnaire designed to identify problems encountered by novice principals was completed by 69 Montana principals completing their first or second year. Curriculum and instruction and professional personnel relations were identified as the most difficult areas. A significant discrepancy existed between actual time spent on instructional…

Describes a statewide attempt launched in Connecticut in 198l, designed to improve school effectiveness through a systematic process using valid assessment methods founded on emerging research and sound practice. Also summarizes findings of the project's first major evaluation. (Author/GC)

Middle level education needs personnel specifically educated for and committed to working with the middle level age group and program, and this requires the development of sound middle level teacher certification requirements and programs. (Author/DCS)

Reports the findings of a survey that identified the following eight categories of professional needs of substitute teachers: discipline, classroom plans and procedures, knowledge of programs, learner differences, organizing/managing learning experiences, professional role, and school rules/regulations. (HOD)

The principal authors of a new book, "Profiling Excellence in America's Schools," state that leadership is the single most important element for effective schools. The generic skills of leaders are flexibility, autonomy, risk taking, innovation, and commitment. Exceptional principals and teachers take their leadership and management roles…

Outlines three effective schools projects: (1) Project RISE (Milwaukee), (2) the Effective Schools Project (Chicago); and (3) Project SHAL (Saint Louis). For each project, details administrative and instructional support arrangements, system-wide initiatives, outcomes, and future directions. Summarizes the main issues in creating effective…

Describes the cornerstones of Ron Edmonds's advocacy on behalf of school children: commitment to equality, a belief in the educability of all, and the schools' responsibility for actively promoting equality and educability. Sees a continuing need for greater system-wide responsibility and for the development of output measures of school…

Presents findings of a national survey intended to provide a foundation for subsequent polls and to compare teachers' attitudes toward schools with the public's. Reports opinions on a wide variety of general, political, professional, disciplinary, and academic issues in education. (MCG)

Discusses the necessity for schools to be responsive to the developmental needs of young adolescents in order to develop an effective learning environment. Analyzes the application of the Middle Grades Assessment Program to this effort, as exemplified in the case of the Francisco Middle School in San Francisco, California. (PGD)

Great Britain's changeover to comprehensive schools has been called one of its most significant developments in secondary education. A description and comparison of four studies which evaluated secondary students' academic performance under this comprehensive system shows that there is an overriding need for more and better information concerning…

Examines school bureaucracy in light of the power it grants some and denies others, and shows how administrative acts can work to displace society's goals for the schools. Examines the political nature of school administration, and concludes with reference to several significant changes occurring in educational administration. (CMG)

Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, school districts are required to assure the State Board of Education (SBE) that each school in their district has in place a school improvement plan/process (SIP) that includes a continuous improvement process. This assurance is noted on the Minimum Basic Education Requirement Compliance Report, that…

NCLB, Alaska Statute 14.03.120 and State Regulation 4 AAC 06.895 require each school and district to disseminate a report card to parents before the school opens for instruction in the fall. Each school site, working with the district, is responsible for determining the format of the report. This handbook has been developed to assist districts in…