High school improvement initiatives often focus on specific intervention strategies, programs, or priority topics (e.g., dropout intervention). However, research shows that systemic and sustainable improvement can only be achieved when initiatives are implemented with consideration for the broader education contexts in which they operate. The…

The Comer School Development Program is a reform model aimed at creating a positive school climate. Research has confirmed that specific Comer characteristics, such as an orderly, well-maintained facility, classroom diversity, and staff friendliness, can be observed. This study uses the Comer Visitor Observation instrument to determine whether…

This paper describes the development and validation of a school-accountability model. The model is based on the assumption that schools represent dynamic systems in which a change in one element will affect all other elements. The model's primary elements are educational input, processes, and outcomes. The paper examines various accountability…

The replication process assists schools of New York State in the implementation of one or more objectives of a nationally or state validated program that would result in the implementation of a more efficient or effective program in those schools. The guide includes a process overview, a reference guide, an adoption guide, a proposal guide, a…

While adhering to state standards for the core curriculum required for graduation, magnet schools offer innovative, specialized instructional approaches to attract students of all socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. While the magnet programs vary in design, scope, and outcome, they share important objectives: (1) to promote educational…

The author addresses the problem of the public's attitude toward the issues of educational finance and relates it to the attitude on government spending a a whole. From the results of tax and expenditure limitations on ballot measures in 1978 and 1979, he observes that there is no national movement to copy California's Proposition 13. Polls taken…

After clarifying some of the problems in determining the effectiveness of schools, this study attempts to show how the impact of school resources on achievement can be measured. Several mathematical models are examined that provide quantitative information on the relationship between school resources and student achievement. The sample includes…

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin and Stanford University conducted a study as part of the Madison National Center on Effective Secondary Schools. Based on findings from their study and on other research, this publication provides the following 10 tips addressed directly to parents and administrators desiring to help teenagers meet the…

Several models for improving school effectiveness are now available, and most of them highlight the principal's leadership role. Unfortunately, administrators do not regularly reflect on the important aspects of their professional roles or analyze the factors that may make it difficult for them to implement given models of effectiveness in their…

This publication introduces and presents an Effective Schools Checklist that can serve as a broad guide for administrators comparing their schools to the profile of an effective school. The categories assessed are school climate, institutional organization, the curriculum, instruction, training and development, and evaluation and assessment. (PGD)

This is an exploratory study of the administrative culture of an effective school district (as indicated by state and national recognitions). The findings indicate that a rich culture of shared values, perceptions, and beliefs pervades the administrative ranks at both district and school site levels. These findings suggest that symbolic language,…

This case study researched how two Joliet, Illinois, Corsini 4R (C4R) magnet schools function for the purpose of measuring their effectiveness as an alternative learning paradigm to public school education. In C4R schools, students learn the four R's: Responsibility, Respect, Reasourcefulness and Responsiveness. Data generated from classroom…

This report is intended as a resource for educators on the subject of effective schools literature as it pertains specifically to classroom processes. The first chapter presents some basic notions which underlie the effective schools literature and the classroom process aspects of that literature. A detailed analysis is offered in the second…

The most important attributes of effective principals are their ability to be fair and decent and to work for student welfare. Good principals are able to arbitrate and orchestrate with some flexibility, with the welfare of students being the primary concern. (MD)

The Manhattan, Kansas, public school system made a concerted effort to improve an already effective school system. The IDEA School Improvement Program provided training and materials to members of the school community to facilitate team and skill building. (JOW)