The Alberta Minster of Education recently announced a major education restructuring plan. Two components of the plan have a significant impact on the roles and responsibilities of various members of the education community--school-based management and school councils. This document contains position statements concerning the roles and…

This paper presents findings of a study that investigated factors that contribute to the engagement of students. Based on the theoretical model of Newmann, Wehlage, and Lamborn (1992), the study examined the effect of instructional approaches of teachers, contextual features of classrooms, and attributes of student experience on students'…

Many schools and states have moved in recent years to more "authentic" ways of assessing student learning. However, most assessments are essentially summative, one-shot measurement of outcomes. This book is based on the work of Designing Schools for Enhanced Learning, a group of schools and educators that have worked with the Regional…

The recommendations of the National Association of State Boards of Education's Study Group on Special Education focus on: (1) creation of a new belief system and vision that includes all students; (2) encouragement of collaboration between general and special educators to better serve the diverse student population; and (3) breaking the link…

This report summarizes input from a communication panel of four State Directors of Special Education and one state staff member who helped develop an instrument for determining to what extent administrative, discretionary, and flow-through funds of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act were being used to support school reform…

Descriptive information on open enrollment/choice programs in a variety of states is provided in this report. Following an introduction, key program components are discussed, which include transportation, information, and funding issues; state guidelines for student acceptance; and athletic recruiting. Private school issues are examined in the…

When the Ohio State Board of Education began developing legislative recommendations for the 1992-93 biennium, the state's economic outlook was more positive. However, conditions changed dramatically and the state faced a budget deficit. While recognizing these economic limitations, the board proposed that the education system must move toward…

The nature and direction of educational reform and the principal's role in it are examined in this book. Information was gathered from a questionnaire that was mailed to an unspecified number of leading principals and administrators in each of the 50 states. A selected number of the initial respondents participated in a follow-up questionnaire.…

School restructuring is a major concern of administrators. Because of America's pluralistic society, restructured schools should develop equal educational opportunity for all and an appreciation for diversity. Strategic planning is one process used in school restructuring. School restructuring has had different goals throughout educational…

As part of a decentralization effort, San Diego schools are developing various community partnerships and joining with other agencies to share the resources of school, community, social service, and health providers. Interagency collaboration may result in a more integrated, coherent service delivery to an increasingly diverse student population.…

This 1992 annual report provides evidence of changes being implemented in Kentucky school districts and individual schools. Information is provided on the following: educational finance, assessment, the Education Professional Standards Board, exceptional children, extended school services, family resource/youth services centers, multicultural…

This paper outlines a framework designed to help school districts evaluate themselves during the implementation of systemic change. Based on the experiences of districts that participated in the NEA Learning Laboratories Initiative, a process called "rapporteuring" was developed. The process provokes the particular site into serious…

This second annual report card on the status of Oregon public education describes the implementation of the Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century. Information is presented in the following areas--school finance, staff characteristics and salaries, student demographics and achievement, student participation in programs and services, and…

The demand for reform and improved schools are two constant issues in American education. Despite periodic reform efforts, most schools have resisted systemic reform. The Effective Schools Movement was a reaction to assertions in the 1960s that schools had little influence on a child's education. Effective Schools involve all relevant stakeholders…

Strategies for administrators who deal with community criticism of school change are provided in this handbook. Chapter 1 explains the need for a comprehensive communications strategy and a communications team. Chapter 2 describes ways to build support with various constituencies, including how to gather information about different groups'…