Efforts to change the role of principals over the past 30 years typically reflect a leader-centrist perspective of schools illustrated by the metaphors of a marching band or the slightly less hierarchical classical orchestra. In these conceptual systems, policy (score) is generated (composed) by policymaking bodies (composers) with principals…

This analysis examines the effects of school and organizational characteristics on teacher turnover and, in turn, school staffing problems. The analyses are based on data from the Schools and Staffing Survey and its supplement, the Teacher Followup Survey, a large, comprehensive, nationally representative survey of teachers and schools conducted…

Diversity is a policy objective pursued by most higher education systems; at the same time these systems are also concerned about equity of access and the quality of educational opportunity. For a variety of reasons, individual institutions attempt to benchmark themselves against other institutions. Both activities involve measurement,…

Despite the soaring stock market, low unemployment, and low inflation rate, the long-term prospects for U.S. economic health remain a cause for concern. Labor productivity has slowed since 1973. As a result of this slowdown, many companies are investing in work force development and new equipment to boost productivity. Long-term economic health…

This study conservatively estimated the tangible economic impact that Casper College (Wyoming) had on Natrona County and the state. These data are presented in Part 1 of the report. Findings include: (1) the direct impact of the college on Natrona's economy was estimated to be over $41 million; (2) for every dollar spent by county taxpayers in…

In this book, the Consortium for Community College Development's Think Tank (Michigan) identifies four critical and enduring issues for change in community colleges: (1) attracting and recruiting students in an increasingly competitive market; (2) improving student success through innovative approaches to teaching and learning; (3) encouraging…

The period under review reported in this bulletin, approximately the years 1924, 1925, and 1926, are of significance in education in that they are a part of the reconstruction, postwar time that was marked in its earlier months by strong enthusiasm and a general freedom of conception, when fine plans for educational systems--by no means impossible…

An indigenous, village-controlled, largely village-funded youth organization in a remote Western Alaska village serves educational, social, recreational, service, and economic functions; provides activities vital to community social/recreational life, relief from stress, and alternatives to substance abuse; and increases competency and sense of…

A church-related college's experience with retrenchment and faculty layoffs is chronicled. The process of deciding where to make changes and how to communicate with faculty about them is described, emphasizing the governing board's role and the quality of the faculty-college relationship. (MSE)

The three-year Miami University (Ohio) project to develop teaching portfolios is described. The department-based approach acknowledges that departments and disciplines have different cultures, and that departments are where rewards are determined. Issues in portfolio development and use, including benefits and problems, are discussed and…

Examines research on the influence of classroom design on student learning attitudes and behavior and presents two case studies on the remodeling of five classrooms in two high schools to accommodate new instructional technology for teaching algebra. Highlights include lighting, color, surface materials, noise, climate control, and seating.…

Drawing from a survey of 320 colleges, a study investigated the contribution of "institutional culture" variables on faculty/administrator perceptions of effectiveness, independent of institutional characteristics such as size, type, selectivity, and control is described. Independent effects were established for perceptions of student…

A study of 14 college professors' teaching philosophies and perceptions of classroom practice identified 4 themes: teacher's role as expert or co-learner; tensions arising from creating a comfortable classroom environment while fostering critical thinking; forms of change in the learner; and institutional issues that make enactment of…

King's College (Pennsylvania) has redesigned its faculty reward system, mixing intrinsic and extrinsic incentives in three interrelated institutional initiatives related to general educational reform, senior faculty performance appraisal, and merit pay. An early result of the effort is a perceptible improvement in faculty motivation and…

Asserts that three decades of technological advancements in communications and computer technology have transformed, if not revolutionized, organizational survey use and potential. Concludes that organizational clients, respondents, and survey professionals all benefit from new technological developments. (CFR)