This planning and development guide suggests that careful, comprehensive, long range planning combined with gradual program implementation and effective administrative leadership can create responsive middle school programs. Sample sequential objective charts and activity lists are included. (DCS)

Among the findings of a study of 54 randomly selected private elementary schools, each of which enrolled 70 percent or more minority students, was strong parental involvement. Eighty percent of the schools accept academically weak students and 56 percent accept transfer students with behavioral problems. (MLF)

Reports on a survey of the perceptions of Solihull secondary school teachers of the booklet "Evaluating the School: A Guide for Secondary Schools in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull" and of school self-evaluation generally. Evidence from the survey is that little change in schools has resulted from the use of the booklet. (Author/CT)

A model identifying 10 domains of institutional effectiveness for students is tested in relationship to student characteristics. Implications for bringing student expectations in line with institutional performance are examined. (MSE)

States have created two types of educational improvement programs: school-based programs (engaging local school people in planning, problem-solving, and implementing strategies) and instructionally focused programs for bettering teacher and administrator skills. Successful programs progress through initiation, implementation, and…

Four propositions that have been advanced on the basis of verbal intuition are considered. They are given precise interpretation in a formal model and then disproved. The propositions concern intergenerational transfers through schooling; in particular, they concern equality-efficiency conflicts, net benefit calculation, and the role of genetic…

This article evaluates the educational voucher system and how it may solve effectiveness and efficiency problems of the educational system through market accountability. Educational goals and state and community roles in reaching these goals are discussed. Comments by Richard J. Murnane and Edwin G. West are given. (DF)

Discusses a colloquium of Harvard University faculty, staff, alumni, and graduate students on the reports and studies published recently on the shortcomings of American education. The panelists identified questions that need to be asked, pinpointed what was missing from the reports, and responded from their particular perspective. (JOW)

Presents data on each of four relatively successful inner-city intermediate schools under four major headings: (1) organizational arrangements facilitating improved reading, (2) emphasis on higher-order skills, (3) emphasis on personal development, and (4) high institutional expectations. Concludes by arguing the need for fundamental structural…

Examines recent literature focusing on the achievement of poverty students at inner city schools. Discusses the implications of findings in the areas of (1) student grouping and individualization for instructional purposes, (2) learning time for basic skills, (3) grading practices, (4) discipline, (5) grade structure, and (6) differences…

Describes how ideas that grew out of Ron Edmonds's research were translated into educational policy in New York. Focuses on the three primary components in Edmonds's broad attempt to redefine and implement educational equity: desegregation, school effects, and effective schools. Also details Edmonds's innovative attempt to end social promotion in…

To improve instruction, teachers need to be brought together to work on common instructional concerns in a professional environment. To create it, supervisors need to provide more opportunities for teachers to make choices, discuss their work, observe each other, and help beginning teachers ease into their responsibilities. (Author/DCS)

Describes the computer-oriented information age, skills workers will need to keep pace, and how information technologies (microcomputers, communications satellites, and cable systems) can be utilized to support effective higher education. Obstacles to information technology use in education and how schools fail learners if technology is not…

The areas of student performance, curriculum, teacher education, partnerships, and public confidence are explored in this article about the future of public education. Current changes in the education field and suggestions to aid further improvement are discussed. (DF)

This paper examines the reasons for the current emphasis on state and federal policy analysis, presents frameworks for viewing local policy analysis, and examines local policy areas that would be conducive to further analysis, focusing on discrepancies between school effectiveness frameworks and the framework of schools as loosely coupled…