Explores parental participation in school governance utilizing data obtained from field research in Uganda. Argues that parent perceptions of the accountability of the school affect the way they participate in education. Indicates that accountability is one of the crucial factors for realizing local democracy through decentralization. (CAJ)

Discusses decentralization as a key concern in educational planning and management in Malawi. Outlines key dimensions to decentralization: work culture, accountability, accurate and well disseminated information, provision of levels of resources, and sustainability. Concludes that two overarching issues have emerged from this study: (1) policy…

The complexities surrounding the relationship between state content standards and improvements in student reading achievement are examined. A case study of one California elementary school reveals that its ideal outcomes--use of standards in curriculum planning and improved test scores--were complex, involving district initiatives, curriculum…

Explored a teacher's perspective of the implementation of cooperative learning in elementary physical education and students' responses to the implementation into their physical education classes. Data from interviews, observations, field notes, and a teacher journal indicated that the teacher and students held similar perceptions of cooperative…

Examines changes that occurred in the governance and management of the Baltimore City Public School System following implementation of Maryland State Senate Bill 795, focusing on: the new Board of School Commissioners and key leadership staff; the master plan guiding reform; use of additional funds; supports provided by the Office of Research,…

Describes the U.S. Department of Education's Strategic Plan for 2002-2007, outlining its five objectives: (1) improving access and academic outcomes; (2) strengthening accountability; (3) finding effective funding sources; (4) strengthening minority serving institutions; and (5) enhancing the literacy and employment skills of adults. Presents…

Displays findings from a fall 2002 survey of all states to determine how they were progressing in meeting No Child Left Behind Act's list of requirements. Generally, states and local districts are stronger developing accountability systems but a significant gap remains between the federal law's demands and the capacity to meet them. (Author/MLF)

Examines Canadian education in general, and then focuses on the particular concerns of English as a Second Language (ESL). Presents items, events, and observations illuminating the context of ESL instruction and suggests that the first level of accountability of ESL teachers is to their students, to whom they have an obligation to help realize…

Describes the mission of Society of the Sacred Heart schools, Catholic schools committed to faith, intellectual values, social awareness, community, and personal growth. Suggests that the charisma of the schools' sponsoring communities be used as a measure of accountability. Discusses the schools' five-year assessment cycle and its focus on school…

This fall, about 700 charter schools will be operating in 26 states. Superintendents acknowledge that their own role often depends on a specific state's legislation. Some districts, like two Colorado systems, offer intensive support to charters. Some superintendents find working with charters to be risky and contentious, as staff struggle to…

Examines arguments for and against pay-for-performance contracts. Focuses on a situation in which the Houston superintendent accepted a $25,000 performance bonus for increasing districtwide performance. Presents findings of a nationwide survey of superintendents and school board members. (LMI)

There are numerous examples of small, self-governing schools of choice that successfully serve high-risk students in both public and private sectors. Good schools are filled with particulars that explain their surprising successes. Strong democratic schooling needs new forms of horizontal accountability focused on a school's collective work. A New…

Teams of seasoned teachers and administrators were assigned to a group of low-performing North Carolina schools each year to work with the local faculty to help turn around these schools. Provides a description of the assistance teams, how they were developed, and how they work. (Author/MLF)

All college faculty have the responsibility of understanding whatever professional assessments their students must undertake to enter a profession. The results of these and other student evaluations can show faculty how to improve their own teaching by aligning curriculum and instruction with professional standards and ensuring that students can…

Presents reviews and abstracts of 11 articles that examine the following topics: math education, school accountability, instructional improvement, linkage problems between secondary and postsecondary education, the connection between learning-related social skills and academic outcomes, class size, school restructuring, support services for…