The article examines various issues related to the current efforts to establish market driven schools and broaden the educational choices available to students and parents, focusing on increased academic achievement, secondary effects of market driven schools, choice as a valued end in itself, and social equity. (SM)

Reviews strategies used in the Columbus (Ohio) public schools to ensure that central office staff would be effective and supportive in implementing systemic reform. The implementation of the Effective Schools Process in the schools created a shift in the decision-making locus from the central office to local school sites. (SM)

Participants in the League of Professional Schools based at the University of Georgia discuss the effects of shared governance, a schoolwide instructional focus, and action research on 22 participating schools from various districts. The article explains factors that facilitated internal change and adjustments the league made in its operating…

Examines the ways roles and responsibilities change when schools include students with disabilities in general education classrooms. Because there is considerable overlap in effort between inclusion and restructuring when schools commit to democratic change, improving educational practices for students with special needs implies improvements for…

Discusses the concept of knowledge design and its implementation with hypermedia composition tools; explains the instructional model used in research conducted on hypermedia presentations created by a ninth-grade history class; summarizes students' comments about their projects; and examines implications for the restructuring of schools. (JKP)

A report prepared by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research and education organization, captures, frames, and focuses the public's concerns about public schools. Higher standards and more challenging work are supported, with emphasis on safety, order, and the basics of education, coupled with skepticism about unproven reform efforts. (SLD)

Examines school-based management as an effective strategy for optimizing the individual performance of teachers, students, and parents. Under school-based management, principals and teachers are given total responsibility for budgeting, selecting textbooks, scheduling, and hiring. This system provides flexibility in relationships with the broader…

The Association of School Business Officials International has a Meritorious Budget Award Program designed specifically to meet Canadian needs. It is a budget recognition program to promote state-of-the-art practices in the development and presentation of school board budgets. Explains criteria and how to participate. (MLF)

Discusses methodologies for school improvement and suggests that teacher-librarians should assume a leadership role in helping teachers and students become successful consumers of information. Topics include the quality movement; using the corporate world as a model; attitudes to change; strategic planning; continual improvement; lifelong…

Explores ways in which the current governance structure of U.S. schools detracts from their ability to solve educational problems. Self-managed leadership is proposed as an alternative that does not restrict the problem-solving capabilities of teachers. Implications for teacher and principal behavior are examined. (SLD)

New educational technology supports a new vision of learning and teaching at Silver Ridge Elementary School in Silverdale (Washington), part of the Strategy 2020 design of the Central Kitsap School District. Technological and pedagogical innovation features extensive use of computers, flexible building arrangements, and special education in…

Examines the power of performance assessment to influence learning and to effect change in the educational system. A vision of education in the near future is presented that addresses standards, the impact of constructivist psychology, administrative organization of education, student and program assessment, a community of learners model of…

The corporate perspective on school reform efforts in Chicago (Illinois) is provided. Illinois Bell supports the local school council (LSC) structure by encouraging its workers to run for election to LSCs and providing workshop training for employees through its Project SERVE (Serving Educational Reform with Volunteer Efforts). (SLD)

Discusses the institutional and organizational environment of schools of choice in the public sector, focusing on the role of the principal. The principal's leadership role is that of middle manager, entrepreneur responsible for attracting and holding parents and students, and symbol manager, responsible for developing an organizational…

The majority of funds for the development of educational technology programs should be spent on computer software and teacher education with emphasis on technology as a process for developing effective instruction. The development of technology-based solutions can help resolve the educational crisis in elementary, secondary, and higher education…