Visits to 62 effective elementary and middle schools in 14 states provided substantial evidence of what is right with American education. This article lists the characteristics of effective schools, then briefly cites exemplary programs and curricular features found in 14 schools or districts. (PGD)

The attitude and modeling behavior of the entire middle school staff is the most important factor in providing an effective school learning environment. Discusses program ingredients necessary to help staff members furnish authentic middle level education. Includes 15 references. (Author/MD)

Educational reform has followed the simple line that good learning results from good teaching. Now the same logic is being applied to educational administration. The contradictions and biases inherent in many views of educational reform are discussed. Caution is called for in reforms of administrator training. (MT)

Based on comments from a woman principal's diary, this article views the building of a healthy school culture as essential to achieving school effectiveness and administrative sanity. Success depends on a clear mission, sound communication patterns, a good leadership team, and effective planning and staff development components. (MLH)

Explores constraints on principals' ability to serve as instructional leaders, including definition problems, current training and selection practices, the nature of teaching, lack of incentives, and the limits imposed by collective bargaining agreements. The principalship must be dramatically changed if principals are to become instructional…

The Georgia Principals' Institute has been assisting principals since 1964. In 1977 the National Association of Secondary School Principals Assessment Center Project was added to the institute to help assess prospective school administrators. Currently the institute functions as a catalyst for the development of school administrators in…

Argues that the nature-nurture controversy, stemming from Arthur Jensen's hereditarian analysis of group differences in measured intelligence, presupposes a false dichotomy and a conception of the environment that is too narrow. Discusses effective features of compensatory education programs, including supplemental instruction, testing,…

Terms the American Association of School Administrators' Assessment Center project a major milestone in both research and professionalism pertaining to school superintendents. The project has three phases: identifying appropriate skills and behaviors, determining assessment tools, and creating pilot center for excellence. Follow-up and…

Nine years ago the Caloosa Elementary School in Caloosa, Florida, ranked below the national average. In 1987 the school was cited as one of 210 oustanding elementary schools in the country. The school was changed by a new administrative team that developed discipline, student achievement, and program enrichment. (MD)

This study examined the impact of school effectiveness on the affective characteristics of students when family background variables were controlled. An analysis of covariance revealed significant achievement differences in all areas which could not be attributed to differences in student ability. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

Underwood Elementary School in Raleigh, North Carolina, offers 100 electives with names like Crystal Ball (study of the future), Coastal Ecology, and Magical Math. This magnet school has an open admissions policy, an outstanding reputation in creative dramatics, teachers who are self starting, and a principal with vision and organization. (MT)

Examines the cultural significance of the effective schools movement as a policymaking activity. Defines the concept school culture and argues that education can learn from well-run businesses regarding the importance of building a strong cohesive culture, thereby encouraging productivity, high morale, confidence, and commitment. (Author/DT)

Author's personal reactions toward recent interest in school effectiveness research are presented. Observes that, while there is much information on effective schools, each situation is highly dependent upon individual circumstances. (MD)

Considers two approaches to individualizing instruction: describes Team-Assisted Individualization, a program that individualizes instruction with minimal additional support while maintaining teacher responsibility and encouraging student interaction; and reviews analyses of adaptive instruction, noting requirements for success, similarities with…

The author discusses the difficulties that might be encountered in using various assessments and examinations in evaluative exercises. In particular, the discussion focuses on assessments that are presented in the form of examination results. The author also discusses an approach to a more school-based and hence potentially more useful form of…