Several conceptions of schooling are outcome-bound: input-output models, school effectiveness models, classroom learning models, and systems theory models. Problems with each of these conceptions are identified, followed by a brief discussion of an outcome-free approach in which schools are viewed as cultural ecologies. (BW)

Magnet schools strive to draw students voluntarily to racially mixed settings by offering diversified educational opportunities. The impact of magnet schools on the political and organizational processes of a school system are discussed. (DF)

Results of a survey exploring parent, student, and teacher expectations of education are given. Educational goals are not being fulfilled because of unwillingness to recognize that there are a variety of values in society. Assessment procedures that go beyond academic achievement are necessary. (DF)

A fundamental distinction is drawn between competence and excellence in schooling. Competence refers to meeting predetermined objective standards; excellence is multidimensional, holistic, and readily perceived, though not easily defined. Accordingly, five "forces" of educational leadership are presented as preconditions for educational…

This article summarizes the School Management Model discussed in the author's book, "Improving School Performance." Effective communication, staff evaluation, and performance information are presented as keys to building teamwork and upgrading performance. Teacher merit pay is analyzed in light of the model. (MJL)

This instrument is intended to help schools at all levels of performance assess the strengths and limitations of their instructional practices and organizational conditions. It serves three primary functions: (1) as a blueprint to communicate the high expectations of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for all Arizona schools; (2) as an…

Charter schools are public schools that have been provided significant release from the rules and regulations that govern traditional public schools and that are held accountable by a chartering authority. The ultimate hope of charter school advocates is that charter schools will be able to cut through red tape, offer innovative educational…

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a connection between quality of education obtained by superintendents in educational administration programs and school effectiveness as measured by student achievement. The best fitting model based on the model deviance test and accounting for the greatest variation in the outcome variable,…

In recent years, a number of experiments have been undertaken in Hungary with alternative approaches to secondary school education for Roma children. This report examines six different institutions that have attempted to help Roma children make the transition from basic to secondary school, and to improve their performance and future opportunities…

Between 1997 and 2001, an elementary school on the south side of Chicago was reorganized to improve student achievement. By 2000, students at one small school (referred to as CASE) showed achievement gains, while students at other small schools within the host site did not. Teachers at CASE could not account for its success. During 2000-2001 a…

Institutional effectiveness is "the process of articulating the mission, setting goals, and using data to form assessments in an ongoing cycle of goal setting and planning" (Grossman & Duncan, 1989). This definition encapsulates the intent of the ACICS criteria and expectations for the Institutional Effectiveness Plan (IEP) of accredited…

With the recent U.S. Department of Education's 21st Century Initiative there has been a proliferation of after-school programs emerging in rural, suburban, and urban school communities across the country. Although these programs are financially supported through the federal government, the grants are only funded for a 3-year period. Given the…

This study compared the equity and adequacy outcomes for plaintiff and nonplaintiff school districts as they relate to the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) of 1990. Both descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used in comparing variables and in determining the differences in selected finance measures. There were three major…

This study developed and tested a method to determine how well each two-year institution in a state system is in preparing students for the successful completion of four-year college study and how successful each four-year institution is in graduating students from the two-year colleges that transfer to it. The study used data provided by the…

Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have given all the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states a new tool to help focus their colleges and universities on state needs. These three states have created plans for their higher education institutions by drawing on leadership from a broad range of state agencies. They identified state needs and…