Offers a framework, based on research from Philadelphia high schools, that illustrates the vision and labor necessary to make urban school reform both systemic and doable. Three tasks are identified and described: building community; generating knowledge about change; and reinventing curriculum. These tasks are viewed as encompassing the work of…

Describes the Institute for Responsive Education's Schools Reaching Out project, which attempts to increase student achievement by fostering improved relationships among families, schools, and other community agencies and institutions. These partnerships are seen as crucial in restructuring schools through parent involvement, teacher empowerment,…

This article describes the major trends in the school choice movement, including its various formats and outcomes and particularly its impact on teachers. An argument is advanced that choice can be a powerful tool for teacher empowerment and professionalization. A 12-item checklist for school choice programs is included. (IAH)

Why established institutional forms of schooling have been so stable and why most challenges do not succeed is studied through case studies of reform that include the Dalton Plan; the Eight-Year Study, a secondary school reform plan; and the new model flexible high school of the 1960s. (SLD)

Findings are presented from a study of teachers' participation in decision making. Data from 637 teachers in a large and restructuring metropolitan district indicate that participation did not improve outcomes for teachers or students and that teachers did not feel sufficiently involved. (SLD)

To discover corporate America's perceptions on effective leadership qualities for the 21st century, questionnaires were sent to chief executive officers of Mobil, McDonnell Douglas, 3M, Pfitzer, and IBM. Respondents said that integrity, self-esteem, and decision-making ability are essential leadership characteristics. Desired affective qualities…

The societal effects of rapidly changing technologies signal the need for an educational system combining the best in vocational and academic learning. Career paths join a liberal arts academic core with hands-on technological options. A New Hampshire high school's tech-prep/school-to-work partnership with local higher education institutions and a…

This essay suggests that Berry is a radical thinker; it discusses his critiques of the current state of education and presents his constructive educational proposals for transforming residents of modern societies into responsible postmodern human community dwellers, examining his reflections and identifying intellectual traditions and literary…

With decentralization and school-based management, central office personnel assume new roles as experts and brokers in staff development. The article examines the impact of decentralization and staff development, focusing on how central office personnel must relearn how to do business, preparing central office staff, and the role of staff…

The approach of the School without Walls illustrates how collaborative curriculum can empower students and can address the problem that our schools do little to change power relations between students of elite families and those of minorities and low socioeconomic status. Data from a study of the school's student outcomes and a national study of…

Responds to an article suggesting that teacher empowerment and not systemic restructuring is necessary for effective integration of information technologies in public schools. This paper suggests that, while teachers are central to educational changes, even more essential is a fundamental shift to a new system of learning and away from treating…

Discusses total quality management as a holistic model of improvement for education which can be integrated with other school restructuring models. Elements of the model are explained, including administrative support, needs assessments, quality specifications, strategic planning, and progress assessments, both formative and summative; and three…

Presents the story of a research team's efforts to conduct a multisite case study of 10 racially mixed schools engaged in trying to reduce ability grouping or tracking. When case boundaries are coconstructed with the help of respondents they become a finding of interest as well as a methodological approach. (SLD)

Addresses several issues related to federal policy and reform. Discusses the possible role of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act in promoting better outcomes for students with disabilities, and other federal policy options for achieving better educational outcomes. Argues for federal policies that balance centralized regulation and accountability…

Describes a consensus-building meeting, in which stakeholders representing students attending alternative schools, teachers and directors from alternative schools, high school teachers, directors of special education, and university teacher trainers participated. Participants reviewed and reached agreement on important indicators of educational…