Research reveals better outcomes for smaller schools or smaller learning communities within schools. Data from 489 schools indicate that smaller size can be cost effective. In light of these findings, some states are changing policies that favored consolidation and larger schools. (SK)

Estimates frontier production functions for South Carolina's educational process, using data from 541 classes. Classes taught by teachers who received merit awards show greater mathematics and reading achievement gain scores, as do classes with fewer free-lunch students. There was a positive relationship between achievement and (larger) class…

The theory-driven Organizational Health Inventory was compared to the empirically derived Organizational Climate Description Questionnaire in predicting student achievement and teachers' commitment to the school. After controlling for the socioeconomic status of the sampled 58 schools, only academic emphasis contributed significantly to student…

As European countries become integrated into the European Community, they are examining each other's standards and those of the U.S. and Japan. British and French high school graduation practices are based on terminal assessment. All European universities charge home students only nominal fees; all European countries have elaborate student finance…

Chubb and Moe model education on the economic system. The rules governing the economic system, concerned with distributing goods and services, differ from those governing the educational system, concerned with developing and disseminating knowledge and information. Controlled choice recognizes the complementary relationship of freedom and…

An overview of means of assessing school effectiveness in Australia is presented. Frameworks for assessment, sources of information (annual reports, committees of inquiry, and monitoring of achievement and non-cognitive outcomes), and process measures (curriculum changes and teaching) are discussed. (TJH)

Principals can enhance their leadership role and improve school effectiveness by incorporating a mentorship program within the curriculum as an integral part of the total school program. Such programs ensure more efficient resource use (without generating additional district costs) and facilitate greater community involvement. Additional positive…

This case study aims to identify the organizational culture of an effective California school district's management style as experienced by its administrators. Questions addressed shared values, common perceptions, and beliefs. Data showed that a strong culture based on cooperative competition exists among district administrators. Includes the…

In addition to being a neighborhood school, Stonewall Jackson Elementary is the site of the Dallas, Texas, school system's program for the deaf. Proposes that students' high scores in standardized tests can be attributed to the techniques used for the deaf children that contribute to the success of the other students. (MLF)

Explores the relevance of culture to school effectiveness and school improvement. Develops two "ideal culture" typologies (traditional and collegial) and discusses each for its heuristic, conceptual, methodological, and explanatory potential in school effectiveness and school improvement research. Advances recent writing on collaboration by…

Reviews research on the effectiveness of supportive leadership, teacher participation in decision making, and staff collaboration. Investigates conditions that promote or impede the implementation of these practices by using a multilevel statistical model. Finds significant variance between public and Catholic schools, as well as within-school…

Since 1986, over 1,500 elementary and secondary schools have been recognized and honored by the Department of Education for exemplary leadership, discipline, community support, and high standards and expectations. A recent survey shows that teachers in recognized secondary schools perceive their principals as more effective than teachers in…

Reviews paradigms of the academic communities of school-effectiveness and school-improvement researchers, practitioners, and scholars. Argues that the two models are very different and that this has hindered the improvement of educational practice. Provides examples of programs blending the two approaches and shows how school-effectiveness and…

To improve school effectiveness, this article urges administrators to admit students' achievement deficiencies, involve the entire staff in improvement plans, and enlist help from parents and the community. School renewal will succeed by establishing high expectations for student achievement, teacher performance, and instructional leadership;…

Second- and third-wave organizational development models fail to facilitate long-term school improvement or enhance individual growth and personal competency. The fourth-wave models focus entirely on individual growth as the primary source of overall organizational success, relying on team consultation, collegiality, and cooperative learning for…