A discussion of the use of performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of higher education institutions argues that they cannot be used without clear institutional goals. Problems of deriving institutional goal systems, methodological problems associated with such indicators, and related research are addressed. (MSE)

Lists eight effects that could result from the ruling in "Mozert v. Hawkins County Public Schools." These include widespread censorship, limitation of controversial topics, interference with management of instruction, and disruption of the school day. (MD)

Discusses the findings (and implications) from the 1985 national assessment of American students' knowledge of history and literature funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The average score of 11th graders on history was 55 percent and on literature 52 percent. (MD)

Recommends a model for school/curriculum evaluation at the district level that views the different levels of schooling as a continuum of learning. Explains a typical K-12 evaluation schedule using a 5-year cycle. Offers quotes from administrators who had participated in K-12 evaluation. (DMM)

Discusses the Boston Compact, a 1982 agreement between Boston's business, governmental, and educational leaders to establish a system of priority hiring for high school graduates in return for the school system's assurance that it would improve education. Describes background and implementation since 1982, focusing on how well these goals have…

This is the transcript of a roundtable discussion between James Vasquez, superintendent of the Edgewood Independence School District (TX) and James Wagener, President, University of Texas at San Antonio. Their conversation centers on ways in which schools and universities may cooperate to improve education for minorities and to encourage them to…

Students can benefit from structured in-school helping relationships in which peers assume formal teaching roles as tutors. Both the student helper and the student learner benefit from peer tutoring. Guidelines for developing effective peer tutoring programs are provided. (BJV)

This study examines teachers' perspectives on ineffective school leadership. Data collected from interviews, questionnaires, and observations of teachers in one urban high school in southeastern United States revealed factors that teachers identified with ineffective school principals and their effects on the teachers and on their relationships…

Risks inherent in using the value-added model to assess institutional effectiveness are discussed, including instructional bias favoring test content, overemphasis on test results, differential interpretations of results, and ethical issues related to the use of student records. (MSE)

Suggests a collaboration between local high schools and community colleges in which educational objectives and equipment can be shared, and both staff development and college recruitment can be improved. (JC)

Research indicates that school organization factors may be as important in explaining and managing school discipline as classroom techniques. The key to developing an environment conducive to good student deportment is a total school effort facilitated by a highly visible principal. Includes 11 references. (MLH)

The views and suggestions of Trinidadian students regarding the administration and organization of their schools are given. The consensus is that school administrators are failing to consider students' opinions. In order to function optimally schools must begin to involve the learner in the decision-making process. (VM)

Reports on two recent surveys of regional/institutional accrediting agencies on the approach of accrediting commissions to the evaluation of educational outcomes. Highlights survey responses concerning the value of outcomes measurement and its relationship to educational quality. (DMM)

A La Crosse (Wisconsin) board member describes the long and difficult manner in which the school board rose from the conflict of having a major board recall, eight new superintendents in four years, and serious personnel problems to reach a position in which the board and school became effective again. (MD)

Two recent reports on reading have attempted to do the following: (1) summarize national trends in reading performance; (2) review research pertaining to reading education. After discussing the findings of both, the article concludes that each fails to address seriously the broad cultural significance of illiteracy and literacy. (PS)