Applies effective schools research to inner city magnet schools to create effective schools of choice that maximize both educational access and quality. Topics include the following: (1) school environment; (2) instructional leadership; (3) parent participation; and (4) admission processes. (FMW)

Analyzes data from the Louisiana School Effectiveness Study to investigate classroom-level differences in effective and ineffective schools. Finds that teachers in effective schools scored higher on all dimensions of effective teaching. Discusses school-level variables contributing to these differences. (FMW)

Effective discipline is achieved in San Diego County, California, schools by applying four qualities identified in defective schools research: (1) high expectations; (2) frequent monitoring; (3) shared leadership; and (4) home school relations. (MLF)

Reviews a New Zealand report titled, "Report of the Economic and Educational Viability of Small Schools Review." Discusses the four aspects of small schools considered in the report: (1) educational viability; (2) economic viability; (3) relationships of small schools with their communities; and (4) conflict between availability and…

Among 10 school boards studied in British Columbia, those in districts with higher student achievement and lower costs were considerably more knowledgeable about district programs and practices; had a clearer sense of what they wanted to accomplish, based on firmly held values and beliefs; and engaged in activities that provided opportunities to…

Describes the implementation of outcomes accreditation at East Middle School, in Aurora, Colorado. Reports significant gains in student success, including a 68% decline in student tardiness and a 60% decrease in suspensions. Indicates that the school was selected as a state Governor's Challenger School. (MAB)

Presents the quality-focused management (QFM) system and explains the departure QFM makes from established community college management practices. Describes the system's self-directed teams engaged in a continuous improvement process driven by customer demand and long-term commitment to quality and cost control. (13 references.) (MAB)

Strategies to help principals maintain the momentum of school improvement planning include: reexamining the teacher selection/induction process, ensuring constant faculty improvement, encouraging risk taking and celebrating successes, renewing the commitment to the consensus process, determining problems inhibiting achievement of goals,…

Criticizes self-esteem movement's role in education. Suggests movement's efforts to help people "feel good" result in dishonesty, intellectual exclusion, and inhibition of genuine discussion. Genuine self-esteem is a consequence of educational achievement. Portrays movement as panacea for budget cuts in children's services. Concludes self-esteem…

The GRIDS (Guidelines for Review and Internal Development in Schools) is a 5-stage model which has been used in 15 British local education authorities. This article describes the stages, identifies the model's benefits, offers an analysis of comments about the initial review stage, considers staff training, and shows the model's usefulness for…

This article discusses what the term "outcomes" encompasses at the national, state, district, and building or classroom level, and provides descriptions of current and proposed strategies for establishing standards and assessing the educational outcomes of students with disabilities. Personal perspectives from national, state, and local educators…

Presents definitions and indicators of higher education "quality" provided by 20 surveyed presidents of 2- and four-year colleges. Includes findings related to presidents' ratings of their own institutions; the factors on which the ratings were based; ways presidents wish they could improve their institutions; and perceptions of other…

A brief history of East Ridge Middle School in Connecticut illustrates the strong economic and demographic pressures that can work against a middle school. The principal plays a crucial role in preserving both the structure and the programs of an effective middle school. Points out strategies to protect and develop middle schools in tough economic…

To gain others' consistent and active cooperation, administrators should convince faculty and staff that a task should be done. An administrator who uses persuasion communicates a degree of respect that strengthens the supervisor-subordinate relationship. Compliance-gaining strategies may be classified according to expectancies and consequences,…

A late 1960s graduate of racially segregated school in Mississippi evaluates her high school's performance against Ron Edmonds's five school effectiveness correlates (strong instructional leadership; clear instructional mission; orderly, safe climate; high expectations; close monitoring with standardized tests). School passed only one; all…