Discusses how proper classroom design and technology can compensate for poor acoustics and help students hear better. Issues to discuss with the school architect are highlighted. (GR)

In Scotland, one "value added" (VA) indicator of secondary school effectiveness measures students' relative "progress" between Standard and Higher grade in particular subjects. When random nonschool factors affecting students' geography performance were computer-simulated to determine VA fluctuation over 25 years, the…

Advocates moving from a problem-focused model for schools--especially alternative schools--and toward one based on building resiliency: capabilities, strengths, and assets that help people bounce back from adversity. Shows how schools in general do not promote resiliency. Discusses ways to foster resiliency in students and adults of a school…

The degree of difficulty in students making the transition to a four-year institution after graduating from a two-year college is illustrated by two vignettes, one demonstrating a moderately difficult transition and the other showing an easy transition. Discusses in the conclusion the importance of establishing a niche at the transfer institution…

Contemporary education policy is dominated by a seriously flawed intellectual framework (school effectiveness) that will eventually fail as a means of educating future citizens. Draws on the work of Scottish philosopher John MacMurray to offer a positive alternative: person-centered education based on emancipatory, communitarian values. (Contains…

Analysis of census data and 884 students' records in Inner London revealed that, regardless of ethnicity, students from more-advantaged social backgrounds performed better. Census measures strongly related to school performance were social class, educational qualifications, unemployment, and index of social deprivation. Census data appear useful…

Presents a new model of effective school leadership based on recent empirical research (nonautobiographical case studies) on 12 British headteachers. Demonstrates how the multiperspective methodology contributed to a critique of existing leadership models and development of a grounded and value-led contingency model. (Contains 65 references.) (MLH)

Explains how Minnesota's first nature-center-based preschool supports its curriculum with a homey, child-friendly country house design. Several photos are included. (GR)

Examines whether the technicist-rational approach to school development planning, advocated in England's Office for Standards in Education guidelines, is appropriate for primary schools, based on case studies of nine schools. School staff remain unconvinced that technicist-rational planning is key to implementing change. (Contains 39 references.)…

Aims to apply structural, human resource, political, and cultural perspectives to review and analyze the case of Hong Kong in implementing school-based management. Hopes this analysis can provide a useful illustration of applying multi-perspectives to support development of school-based management and draw useful implications for school reforms in…

Addresses issues of defining quality in both business and community service. Describes the use of a regulatory tool kit containing rules and regulations a child care center must follow to ensure children's health, safety, and well-being. Specific tool kit types described include regulatory, government funded, rating scale, and NAEYC. (SD)

Examined school improvement plans under conditions of high-stakes accountability. Found that schools responded to performance demands of the accountability system with a pattern of external obligation (e.g., state and local requirements rather than teachers') and internal managerialism. School improvement plans were less useful as tools for a…

Explores government policies for funding higher education in 11 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Describes mechanisms for funding the university sector and the extent to which grants are oriented on performance. Illustrates that only a few governments explicitly link funding to results of teaching and…

Presents research findings concerning leadership and management of (Dutch) secondary schools, using configuration theory. Distinguishes among three different management styles (two nonparticipative and one participative) that make use of six coordinating mechanisms. The participatory style was more effective and conducive to higher student math…

Discusses the contrast between assessing achievement for samples of students and the high-stakes testing of all students. High stakes tests can entail harmful direct effects for some individuals and harmful side effects for others. Discusses student engagement in school as a key element of effective schooling. (SLD)