Suggests that serious ethical questions regarding the preparation of prospective school administrators have arisen out of the American reform movement. Discusses university-sponsored educational administration programs in the context of the social contract between the university and its various shareholders. Argues that such programs have a major…

College and university public relations professionals are encouraged to follow the example of business in managing their publications programs. Planning, marketing those plans to the campus community, involving administration, and assuming accountability are seen as key elements in publications program success. (MSE)

Although educators have received the brunt of accountability criticisms (based on increasing property taxes amid decreasing student achievement scores), the responsibility for educational success or failure depends on community involvement, political and administrative leadership, university-based standards, teacher competency, and student…

Contends that, as career counseling shifts from educational to psychological focus, accountability issues become harder to address. Sees need for new model for career counseling evaluation, one that counselors consider relevant/practical, that can address formative and summative evaluation, and that is capable of embracing informal observations…

Despite recent criticisms, U.S. society is getting a good value for its education dollar. High schools are beset by college influences on the curriculum; special education requirements; overemphasis on student activities; unreasonable international comparisons; the influences of TV, teenage employment, and pathological behaviors; and the…

Considers the impact of recent legislation on local inspectorates' role in monitoring educational quality and fostering school improvement in Britain. Compares and contrasts approaches of successive Labour and Conservative governments, explores inconsistent demands on inspectors, analyzes accountability/improvement tensions, and suggests a…

The Hastings Alternative School Program (HASP), designed for at-risk students, operates within Hastings-on-Hudson (New York) High School's regular program. Students are given an external structure and set of expectations enforced by an accountability system stressing communication and student responsibility. Nearly half of all HASP students go on…

Deems continuing education practitioners at the leading edge of community college education, highlighting their flexibility, responsiveness, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diversity. Considers the role of continuing education practitioners in college planning, institutional effectiveness documentation, improving access, collaboration with…

A recent survey of educational administration department chairs at 66 colleges and universities disclosed that only 27 percent of all regular administrator endorsements offered (excluding special education) require a knowledge of special education law. Universities are apparently confused about state endorsement requirements for school…

Presents a program designed to help student affairs staffs plan and assess student growth and program effectiveness and thereby demonstrate accountability. Program is based on Multidimensional or Psychosocial theories that describe growth as occurring in stages resulting from the accomplishment of various developmental tasks. (LLL)

Australian researchers studied principals' responses to the Principal Performance Appraisal procedure. Interviews and a survey indicated principals were positive about the appraisal process, but they saw a considerable discrepancy between actual and ideal reasons for its introduction. They saw positive benefits if it focused on professional…

Discusses the move toward advanced professional certification in geography. Explains that the certification will be available for teachers in social studies generally and those who consciously infuse geography in other classes. Describes how the certification program will work, necessary qualifications for candidates, and possible benefits to the…

Dissimilar learners, although not candidates for special-education services, have difficulty adapting to the typical middle-school environment. The Intervention with Dissimilar Learners model adapts middle-school programs to meet student needs and achieve positive regard, teacher empowerment, and teacher as advisor objectives. The goal is building…

Addresses pressure placed upon college admission offices, arguing that admissions staff are evaluated, not by what they do or how well they do it, but by numbers: how many first-year students, transfer students, and minority students have enrolled; and how one year's enrollment compares to previous year's enrollment. Urges working toward practice…

A culture of testing permeates schools. Many teachers cannot separate instruction/instructional improvement from outcome measures designed for accountability. The article discusses the effects of standardized testing and examines a study of teachers' beliefs and practices concerning reading comprehension instruction that indicates accountability…