In September 2002, 17 New Century high schools opened their doors to students as part of an ambitious, citywide initiative to make the high school experience relevant, engaging, and productive for New York City youth. Deliberately sited in Department of Education-designated low-performing high schools, these schools enroll students who are often…

Building an effective board requires attention to trustees' roles and responsibilities, selection of new trustees, board organization, and criteria for measuring trustees' performance. Full participation is essential for effective decision-making, and six committees can be helpful: executive, nominating, finance, development, academic affairs, and…

A study testing the theory of leadership effectiveness contains a description and discussion of an investigation of the relationship between principal-teacher-student interaction and school effectiveness. From the results, it is suggested that leadership in the school has an effect on organizational effectiveness. (Author/TLJ)

Suggests that current techniques for assessing school effectiveness are based on narrow concepts of effectiveness; hide inconsistencies in findings across types of students, grades, or subjects; and do not reflect curricula. Emphasizes that school improvement plans should be based on classroom/school-centered research rather than on comparisons of…

A study sought to identify, within the context of Indonesia, broad indicators of institutional effectiveness and efficiency felt to be important by the faculty surveyed, and assess whether these indicators reflect the characteristics of the institutions employing them. Seven criteria for such indicators are outlined, each addressing a different…

Highlights problems in student achievement and the national need to broaden the definition of basic skills and renew the curriculum. Recommendations are included. (MLF)

When Evelyn Beasley became principal, Roland Park School lacked discipline, and academic achievement scores were two years behind. Under Beasley, the school developed Baltimore's first advanced academic program, students are almost two years ahead in achievement, disciplinary suspensions are down 80 percent, and the school attracts top teachers…

Discusses the need for appropriate controls in school effects research based on standardized test outcomes. (GC)

Concludes a review (begun in this journal's previous issue) of 16 studies, currently being conducted or recently completed, of secondary education in America. Outlines the types of information that these studies can be expected to generate and comments on the probable quality, usefulness, and shortcomings of the various findings. (PGD)

Describes school improvement programs established by universities, state agencies, and school districts. All are based on effective schools' research. (Author/JM)

Computer simulation makes it possible for researchers to test the potential effects of alternative school improvement policies. (Author)

Adapting to education Douglas McGregor's management theory that the day-to-day behavior of the immediate superior communicates to subordinates the superior's assumptions about human nature, the author contends that principals who have positive feelings about people will fare better in improving teacher motivation, creativity, and job satisfaction.…

Research evidence now lends legitimacy to the importance of the principal's instructional leadership in promoting school effectiveness. (Author/JM)

Summarizes critical issues in the inclusion controversy, including program efficacy, legal and financial considerations, and implications for several populations within education. Suggests areas in need of further research and discussion before any more fundamental changes are made in the approach to educating exceptional children. (Author/ET)

Examined the nature and extent of the school principal's role in affecting student learning. Found no direct effects from the principal's instructional leadership, but did find an indirect influence on overall school effectiveness through actions that shape the school's learning environment. (ET)