Uses an ethnographic research process called Appreciative Inquiry to identify aspects of one urban high school's culture that contributed to its effectiveness, as well as any negative dimensions that may need to be addressed. Describes the Appreciative Inquiry process, explains how it was used, reviews selected results from this high school, and…

Focuses on how those outside the school can support school improvement. Maintains that the purposes of school improvement determine learning outcomes. Discussion of 10 strategies for supporting school improvement notes the importance of addressing the implicit assumptions that comprise school culture and matching change strategies to type of…

Discusses the value of middle school reform involving interdisciplinary teaming, advisory programs, and developmentally appropriate practices, noting that true middle schools improve academic achievement and standardized test scores. Argues against a pendulum swing away from middle school reform and toward standards-based curriculum. (JPB)

Large high schools offer more specialized curricula, but are problematic. Experts think smaller schools raise minority/low-income student achievement, reduce violent and disruptive incidents, combat anonymity, increase attendance and graduation rates, and operate most cost-effectively. Recent studies corroborate these findings and small classes'…

Two-way dual language schools promote second language learning for all and develop limited-English-proficient students' primary language literacy. Effective schools demonstrate the difference between being educated in a second language and merely speaking more than one language. (SK)

Central office administrators' key roles in middle-level school reform include capturing and communicating a vision for change; providing consistent, high-quality professional development for teachers, principals, and parents; and directing an ongoing communication or public relations program. A sidebar lists 12 conditions for running effective…

Interviews with 17 educators in the St. Cloud Community Schools, Minnesota, examined how inclusive schooling for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities was initiated. Findings indicated that individuals were central to the change process; meaning and value were of greater importance than structure; and effective teaching extended beyond…

Parents of 37 special education seniors at 6 Arkansas high schools evaluated school-based transition services for students with disabilities. Sixty percent of parents were satisfied with the schools' efforts to prepare students for adult roles, although they felt that schools placed more emphasis on vocational, social, and domestic areas than on…

Uses school performance criteria established by 1988 Education Reform Act legislation to examine school effectiveness in 50 British secondary schools in a large metropolitan area. Findings suggest that criteria chosen by government are not mutually exclusive measures of school performance, but are highly sensitive to socioeconomic influence. (24…

Investigated school and classroom factors related to primary-grade reading achievement in schools with moderate to high numbers of students receiving subsidized lunch. Statistically significant factors included parent-school relationship, systematic assessment, small-group instruction, independent reading, student on-task behavior, strong home…

While remaining alert to worthwhile new initiatives, schools must remember that promising practices by themselves are unlikely to make much sustained impact. Good practice must be integrated into a whole-school effort to build coherence and overcome fragmentation. In schools that can do this, and keep a constant focus on student learning,…

Provides background information on the Nahshon School, a small Reform Jewish day school. Describes the ways in which the Nahshon School implements a vision of caring. Considers school philosophy, curriculum, and rituals, teachers as role models, and how the school evaluates its progress. Addresses obstacles facing the school. (CMK)

Concerns about principals' demanding, crucial role may lead to assumptions that strong-minded, charismatic individuals are essential for a school's long-term well-being. A case study illustrates unintended consequences resulting from such archetypal leadership of a British Catholic secondary school, following an effective, unconventional…

Examined individual differences in and school effects on health outcomes of students using data for 6,883 Canadian students from 147 schools from the New Brunswick School Climate Study. Among the many findings of interest is that school context (socioeconomic status) and school climate (disciplinary climate) affected general health. Discusses the…

Examines the relationship between school restructuring on mathematics achievement across categories of school socioeconomic status. Raises questions about the suitability of defining restructuring in terms of any specific reform agenda. Indicates the need for caution regarding the broad implementation of such an agenda in disadvantaged schools.…