Successful schools are founded on quality teaching; high, universal academic standards; adequate books, materials, and supplies; safe, well-maintained facilities; and staff accountability. Successful superintendents and other leaders possess four traits: honesty and integrity, clear and simple vision, high expectations, and courage to make hard…

Explores the dynamics of purposeful leadership and parental involvement, two central components of effective schools. Presents results of four case studies considering the ways in which principals work with parents in schools possessing a shared, consistent mission. Principal-parent interactions result from unique processes in each school and are…

Discusses two strategies for preventing violence in the schools: (1) improving the learning environment and academic achievements of students; and (2) teaching violence prevention in the schools. When addressing violence as a public health issue, these traditional school-based prevention strategies prove to be useful. (MAK)

Used data from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study for Canada to study the stability of within-school socioeconomic gaps in mathematics and science achievement. Discusses the success of schools and teachers in fighting socioeconomic gaps in mathematics and science achievement. (SLD)

A retired elementary school principal, who first visited Cuba as an exchange student, returns 46 years later as an international consultant and finds that the Cubans have made health care and education the top priorities of their society with strong principals and a solid system of supervision and evaluation. (Author/MLF)

First- and second-grade cohorts in public and Catholic school Chapter 1 programs were compared. Catholic schooling did not have a significant effect on mathematics and reading test scores. Findings did not change when first-grade school-level scores were used to account for selection bias in the fourth-grade cohort. (Contains 22 references.) (JOW)

Although researchers and reformers consider school climate an important aspect of effective schools, the concept is difficult to measure. This paper uses a health metaphor to conceptualize and measure school climate. It examines relationships between school health and student achievement in a sample of New Jersey middle schools. Organizational…

Examines self-evaluation in secondary schools in Flanders based on a survey of 40 schools, followed by case studies in 3 of them. Indicates that schools have difficulty in translating the data into adequate recommendations. Twelve months later the schools were unable to realize fundamental changes. (Contains 2 tables, 5 notes, and 36 references.)…

Examines faculty and administrator perspectives on the importance of institutional effectiveness activities at two- and four-year institutions. Reports that there is little difference between faculty and administrator perspectives at two-year institutions, but significant differences between faculty and administrators at four-year institutions.…

Provides a review of the literature published in the past two decades on the role and effectiveness of local school boards, specifically with respect to school boards' influence on students' academic achievement. Identifies characteristics of effective school boards. (SLD)

Reports the findings of a study aimed at learning from students and teachers in Black schools what classroom practices lead to success in school mathematics in their impoverished context. (Author/KHR)

Argues that basic elements of schools require restructuring if the literacy levels necessary for the twenty-first century are to be accessible to all. Argues for restructuring that goes beyond schools themselves. Proposes an alternative approach which would have those who teach be those who decide how goals are to be accomplished. (MG)

Green Elementary School (MI) is recognized as an outstanding school. Community involvement, including an active core of parent volunteers, contributes to the school's success. Several school activities are outlined: school-wide themes, theatrical performances, and activities to enhance staff harmony. (IAH)

The effective schools approach has had its best success in small- and medium-sized systems with an insistent superintendent and board of education. Restructuring, like the effective schools movement, is the invention of urban educators confronting the necessities of poor and minority students. School effectiveness strengths need to be incorporated…

Reviews the design and conduct of the Study of the Education of Educators (SEE) project. Reports findings concerning institutional context, teacher candidates and their perceptions about becoming teachers, some characteristics and views of education faculty members, and the nature and conduct of the preparation programs studied. Includes 16…