It has been assumed that colonial schooling systems were always poor quality reproductions of the educational system in the colonizing (metropolitan) power. This paper compares the structures and curricula of colonial and metropolitan schools, finding not a reproduction, but a hierarchy, with the metropolitan school on top. (SJL)

Poway City USD has designed a middle school program to facilitate transition from the elementary grades. Several classroom organizations are available to entering sixth-graders: self-contained, multiage, and team teaching. Most are in the self-contained Basic Education program, moving into departmentalized teaching in grades 7 and 8. (SJL)

This article states that the understanding of the process of making school-closing decisions involves the consideration of both efficiency and political factors. (Author/EB)

In a study to determine the relationship between teacher effectiveness and variables related to the organization and value patterns of different schools, teacher interns rated by principals as high or low could be distinguished on the basis of their instructional decision making within the different school contexts. (JMD)

The impact of the government-ordered reorganization of colleges of education in England and Wales since 1972 is examined in terms of the characteristics of students and the courses they were studying between 1972 and 1976. (JMF)

A study of Jerusalem schools used three statistical procedures to assess teachers' perceived policy alignment among three organizational levels (teachers, schools, and the Israel Ministry of Education). Results show close connections between teachers' own policies and those they impute to schools but not those imputed to the IMOE. Findings support…

Questions what attributes and approaches are most effective and essential for a primary school to achieve their mission. Identifies three attributes: (1) success (defined here as establishing the primary mission as the successful development of the child); (2) wonder (referring to techniques that inspire this response); and (3) confidence. (MJP)

The former director of the Central Park East projects believes children's schooling should be geared toward citizenship and "generalist" vocational interests, not college admission requirements. Kindergarten encourages openness and empathy, but effects dissipate with each passing year. Educators must focus on the habits, skills, and…

An in-depth analysis of data on two restructured schools assessed the impact of school organization on programs that provide social, health, and career development services for at-risk students. The analysis illustrates that unless the services become an integrated part of a community of concerned adults, their potential is lessened. (SLD)

Describes the interactions among deaf and hearing students at the Kinzie School, Chicago (Illinois), an innovative elementary school where deaf and hearing students learn in inclusive classrooms with shared activities. The program evolved from two schools sharing one building to an integrated program that continues to acknowledge deaf culture.…

Report of a study from Israel that reveals that SBM positively affects teachers' commitment to the profession and students' academic achievement, and negatively affects their commitment to the school and students' social well-being. Further, teachers' autonomy remained unchanged after SBM was introduced. (Contains 4 figures, a questionnaire, and…

Discusses a rationalist approach to curriculum and the inherent underlying organizational premises. Outlines a critical approach to the culture of an educational organization. Considers curriculum as a component of culture and provides data from two postsecondary institutions. Discusses implications of a critical view of the organization and the…

Compares the restructuring of educational governance using school-based management/shared decision making (SBM/SDM) to restructuring of Soviet government under the "perestroika" program. Reviews the other six articles in the theme issue. (FMW)

Describes the plan to decentralize all public schools in Chicago (Illinois). The following unique features are discussed: (1) local school councils governing each school; (2) principals' responsibilities; (3) central school board's role; (4) specific school and system goals. (FMW)

The U.S. and the Soviet Union face serious problems in trying to reform their education systems. Both countries need to prepare students for productive participation in the world economy, while also addressing significant internal priorities (minority group needs, educator demands as professionals, and changes in educational technology). Includes…