This paper outlines key issues in developing whole school policies on special educational needs of English students, including educational quality; school accountability; school capability to provide for pupils with special needs; policy audit, implementation, and review; and the role of the special education needs coordinator in monitoring…

In 1983, Spain's Socialist government enacted the Law for University Reform (LRU), which decentralized university administration and strengthened institutional autonomy as a means of encouraging reform and greater accountability to social needs. Discusses the legacy of the Franco regime, LRU provisions for university organization and governance,…

The Kentucky Education Reform Act overhauled the K-12 system of public education in the state. Finances, curriculum, and governance were radically changed. This article looks at the leaders putting the reforms in place, providing an inside look at what reform entails. (MLF)

The profession of physical education must refocus on the centrality of the study of human movement. The paper presents 10 principles that may facilitate the reclaiming and transforming of physical education. The principles emphasize uniqueness, communication, accountability, principle, diversity, teamwork, ethics, change, and production of…

Explains numerous reasons for ever-increasing school costs, including court decisions involving busing, private school aid, education of illegal aliens' children, bilingual and second-language programs, and use of school facilities. Federal and state legislation and regulations and societal demands (for afterschool care and security systems) have…

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities identifies three difficulties with the inclusion concept: (1) its noneducational nature; (2) its displacement of the uniqueness of special education; and (3) its promulgation of bankrupt conceptions of accountability. (Author/DB)

Defines the success of Japanese education as a high level of average academic achievement for an entire student population accomplished at relatively low cost. Discusses various contextual explanations, including motivational, cultural, societal, administrative, and behavioral differences. Underscores Japanese civilization's overall stability,…

Although student-activity funds usually represent a small portion of school-system monies, their very nature makes them a high risk. Outlines three steps for maintaining an efficient and effective system of controls over student-activity funds: (1) identifying control issues; (2) designing a control system; and (3) using checks and balances.…

Addresses issues related to the evaluation of community colleges' economic development efforts, describing the context for evaluation in terms of the external environment and college management/governance; practical realities guiding evaluation; steps in designing an evaluation programs; and the application of results to decision making. (DMM)

Test specifications need to take a middle road so that they are not so general that instructional targeting is impossible and not so specific that only unitary assessment targets are fostered. Using illustrative sample items provides a good means of communicating the items eligible to be tested. (SLD)

Charged to reconsider what indicators would capture and convey important truths about education and learning, the National Center for Education Statistics' Special Study Panel on Education Indicators wrote a 1991 report that rejected most conventional notions of indicators. Instead, they focused on learner outcomes, institutional quality, school…

School boards epitomize the U.S. tradition of representative local government. A 1992 National School Boards Association statement recognizes four major school board functions: envisioning a community's future educational program, establishing facilitative organizational structures and community environments, ensuring performance assessment…

Describes the future environment facing community colleges, addressing the service population, demands for accountability and quality, and the need for currency. Identifies seven areas a strategic plan should address (e.g., mission, student success, instructional quality, resource development, diversity, operational efficiency, and community…

Explores how administrators and teachers in 16 schools used facilitative power to develop site-tailored restructuring programs as part of a statewide school improvement effort. Legislatively mandated teacher leadership of site activities generated changes in school authority and accountability structures. Both principals and teachers exercised…

Summarizes findings from a 15-month study of 6 schools and principals changing to a decentralized school governance model. Highlights benefits such as administrator role redefinition, autonomy's effects on improving school culture and contributing to school reform success, increased commitment to decisions, increased staff cohesion and trust, and…