Describing secondary schools as a nineteenth century environment where students are segregated by test scores, this article discusses changes that are necessary in teaching, administration, curriculum, and teacher student relationships in order to have democratic, viable schools. (MT)

Reviews school effectiveness literature and examines desired educational outcomes featured in contemporary social science research. Current educational reform efforts are unlikely to increase school effectiveness because socially ascribed characteristics beyond school control remain the most important determinants of students' academic…

The differences between school learning and other learning are discussed. To make these types of learning more similar, schools must develop students' skills slowly and must stress practical problem solving. Education then will be fulfilling its cultural function of promoting reason and analysis based on shared knowledge. (VM)

This article responds to Wineburg's critique of the "Pygmalion" study focusing on the self-fulfilling prophesy. The validity and tenability of the hypothesis are examined in relation to well-known critiques. The conclusion is that there is such a phenomenon and that it is quite applicable to teachers' expectations of students. (VM)

A discussion of performance indicators and their use in the United Kingdom examines the basic data from which performance indicators can be assembled, distinguishing input and process variables controllable by management from uncontrollable background variables. Problems in application of performance indicators and the potential for their future…

Research on teaching techniques, perspectives on teaching, and academic subject matter are reviewed and offered as a framework for a new teacher education curriculum. (MT)

Leadership, teaching personnel, and curriculum and instruction appear to be the three major variables related most directly to school improvement and school success. Effective principals provide strong instructional leadership and assume the role of change agent. (JHZ)

Describes the implementation and design of the Professional Development Institute (PDI) of the District of Columbia schools. Describes conditions prior to the founding of PDI and analyzes responses of inside and outside political forces which affected project operations and outcomes. The PDI trains principals to run schools effectively in the…

Principals can and should develop strategies that will enable them to provide instructional leadership despite increased demands from other tasks. Recommended actions include: delegation; peer observation; commitment to instructional leadership; and effective communication with teachers. (CB)

Determines the changes needed in the schools by examining the problems of young people whose learning is hampered by schools that do not serve them adequately. Children at risk are capable of success in school and work. (LHW)

Focuses on parents' involvement with schools through the education of their own child's home learning activities. Also discusses other forms of involvement such as volunteering and sitting on advisory boards. Home-school collaboration to improve home learning environment is connected to elementary school-age student achievement. (LHW)

Parents and administrators were surveyed about attitudes, practices, and policies related to parent involvement in the education of elementary-age children. While it is interpreted in many ways, each with its supporters and opponents, parent involvement is of strong interest to both groups. (LHW)

When administrators base plans and actions on the particular life circumstances and conditions of parents, effective school-home relations result. This article suggests different emphases in urban versus rural and elementary versus secondary settings. (Author/LHW)

Analyzes the organizational values and other elements that make up institutional cultures, and discusses how these cultures shape the behavior of people in the institutions. Provides administrators with practical strategies for creating effective school cultures within their own institutions. Stresses the importance of positive traditions and…

Reviews findings from a state report which assessed Milwaukee (Wisconsin) area public schools. Focuses on data pertaining to the relationship between students' academic achievement and socioeconomic status. Argues for the reorganization of suburban and urban school districts to end disparities between affluent and less affluent schools. (KH)