A test of the effects of school organization, the school environment, and the larger community context on school attendance showed that environmental and contextual factors have the strongest impact. Using a model based on organizational theory, researchers hypothesized that, within the community context, environmental factors would affect school…

This paper reports on the effectiveness of Australian schools in preparing young people for the workplace with particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Section 1 summarizes the contents. Section 2 notes current interest in assessing school effectiveness. The issue of standards of literacy and numeracy is then considered. Reference is made to…

The authors define management as "the process of making an organization purposeful and effective; it involves selecting, appraising, and developing people and linking them in their jobs in a way that enables an organization to achieve desired results." The authors divide their discussion into three parts. The first, "Management in Education,"…

Outlines the most current statistics and demographics on the increase in poverty since 1980 in the United States, the increase of single parent families headed by women, and the increasing number of children who live in poverty (currently 21 percent). The reasons for the increased poverty are cited as due to government neglect. (MD)

Effective schools must have effective leaders. Such leaders are those who can create and implement a vision of the school's culture that contains within it the values on which excellence is built. (BJV)

Illustrates some of the various ways principals may shape and change their school cultures. These cultures are composed of the shared norms, values, beliefs, and assumptions about the world of work that shape how people think, feel, and act. (BJV)

Summarizes recent scholarship on superintendents and classroom learning. Concludes that central-office involvement is infrequent but probably necessary for widespread school improvement. Proposes guidelines for future research. (BJV)

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has successfully integrated a program for assessing student outcomes in the ongoing institutional processes of peer review, strategic planning, and internal resource allocation. Students are tested in general education and their major fields and participate in curriculum and instructional evaluations.…

A survey of a multicultural urban community investigated attitudes about the high school, including what the school should do for the students and how it should develop. Results will be used to guide the school's progress and help improve retention in grades 11 and 12. (MSE)

Discusses disparities in academic achievement between students in Japan, China, and the United States. Points out differences in child rearing, educational, and instructional methods that contribute to the discrepancies. Recommends that American schools use class time more effectively. (PS)

The reforms that are most consistent with current arrangements for school governance and administration are unlikely to foster the organizational and professional climates most conducive to student achievement. But the kinds of reforms that might engender better school conditions are inconsistent with existing controls and are, therefore, unlikely…

Brings together the literature of school-based evaluation, teacher appraisal, and effective schools and links those studies with the idea of the culture of the school. Analyzes curriculum needs in relation to eight cultural systems existing in every society: sociopolitical, economic, communication, rationality, technology, morality, belief, and…

Discusses the research finding that the functional community base of Catholic schools is responsible for their effectiveness. Looks at the foundations of functional community (e.g., the religious nature of the schools and the commitment of their teachers). Considers parents' roles within this functional community. (DMM)

This paper reviews problems associated with accountability and suggests principles for statewide accountability systems. It describes a course of action which would increase central controls of the state on public education, while leaving discretion to teachers, schools, and local initiative. (LMO)

Factors which appear to affect learning are reviewed: student characteristics of age, ability, and motivation; amount and quality of instruction; home and classroom environment; peer influence; television; school and principal effects; and financial expenditures. (GDC)