The Principal Teacher Interaction Study analyzes what principals do to bring about curriculum implementation and school improvement. For one year, this study documented principals' interventions to assist new curriculum program implementation at nine elementary schools. Data on responder, manager, and initiator leadership styles show critical…

Describes and critiques the four traditional conceptions of educational excellence (reputational, resources, outcomes, and content views); explains and defends the talent development approach, and presents a conception of educational equity. (Author/LHW)

Defines excellence in a way relevant to the teaching of writing. Describes how this definition is a catalyst to improve teaching. Relates this definition to equity issues. (LHW)

Shows educators how to capitalize upon current interest in educational standards in order to work toward equalizing educational opportunities and benefits for groups that have traditionally suffered from discrimination and stereotyping. Focuses on elements of equity already incorporated in federal, state, and local laws. (LHW)

Review of the report, which focuses on the causes of educational failure rather than the symptoms. (LHW)

Reviews this book, a critique of the values that underlie much current educational practice and that give rise to our traditional conceptions of excellence in higher education. (LHW)

A review of the Department of Education's Secondary Schools Recognition Program shows that exemplary secondary schools often have formed collaborative links with their communities. The five ways schools do this are: recruiting volunteers, aggressive public relations, attracting financial resources, school members volunteering in the community, and…

Reviews recent literature on school climate noting conceptual and methodological confusion in research studies. Examines the metaphors used to communicate the essential characteristics of the concept. Concludes that accepted conceptualizations are based on metaphors which highlight the uncontrollability of school climate and thereby deny the power…

Principals' goals of a highly motivated faculty and and effective school are not mutually exclusive. Evidence from an organizational study indicates that adherence to agreed-upon values accompanied by encouragement of individual autonomy promotes high morale among employees. (14 references) (CJH)

Presents findings from the Research for Better Schools study of the 571 secondary schools that the United States Department of Education has chosen as "successful" schools demonstrating excellence. The study found that the formula is fairly simple and includes, clear goals, high expectations, and hard work. (MD)

Public leadership and public opinion have opened the door for school-business partnerships. Several successful programs are described. The private sector is anxious to help educators develop more effective schools. (MD)

This article describes an innovative and intensive staff development program based on effective schools/effective classrooms research which targets building-level teams of teachers and administrators. A progress report on outcomes after two years at the district, school, teacher, and student levels is provided. (Author/MT)

Argues that the role of the assistant principal may be dysfunctional as a training ground for secondary school principals because, as presently defined, it permits assistants to learn virtually nothing about management and improving instruction. Presents an outcome-based model for preparing the assistant for a principalship. (KH)

The author discusses equal access to schooling, inequities in educational legislation, the responsibility of educators and their relationship with the community, the effective schools movement, and the question of governance. (CT)

Concludes that those who view the sixteenth annual Gallup Poll of public attitudes toward public schools as indicating a general willingness to finance school improvements may be right, but that if public's attention is not quickly called to the fact that more dollars are needed to improve schools, the urgency generated by the poll may be lost.…