Discusses the following conditions which are necessary for effective systemic change in education: all stakeholders agree on a common vision of education; the existing system does not meet these expectations; a new system is designed; an implementation plan is developed; support for the plan is obtained; and pressure to proceed is applied. (MES)

This paper examines Richard Rorty's work on collaborative inquiry in education. It illustrates problems collaborators might face, noting that insufficient overlap in participants' beliefs and desires might make fruitful discussion impossible. A holistic perspective is required, with a richer, more complex vocabulary of education and life among…

True educational restructuring requires a vision of learning, examples of visionary school-level restructuring, and a coordinated plan at the local, state, and national levels for inviting and helping schools accept choice, responsibility, and accountability. One strategy calls for site-based flexibility and development of educational innovation…

Moving toward site-based management, Greece (New York) Central School District administrators and the teachers' organization established a representative steering committee to coordinate and facilitate the decentralization process and develop a master plan. Benefits include increased faculty understanding, improved school climate, and increased…

Addresses deficiencies in the analysis of whole-day schools in Germany. Notes regional disparities in the supply and efficiency of the schools. Proposes changes in plans for expanding whole-day schools and outlines parental preferences for the programs. Presents conclusions about future educational planning and school development. (SG)

Five patterns for restructuring through community education are (1) community involvement in educational decision making; (2) family support and education; (3) curriculum enhancement through community resources; (4) educational opportunities for children and adults; and (5) collaboration with community organizations. (SK)

Discusses interdisciplinary studies and integrated learning within the classroom and uses an example of one such program to address questions concerning integrated issues. It is argued that the holistic approach requires students to be deeply immersed in disciplinary study, thus giving them access to powerful ways of viewing the world and its…

Despite serving growing numbers of at-risk students, Pasco (Washington) School District has been transformed through outcome-based education into a district widely recognized for quality. Pascoe's OBE process demanded a school vision and mission statement; intensive teacher retraining; implementation of mastery learning, reality therapy, and…

Productivity and efficiency in education are defined and their dynamics analyzed. It is proposed that improvement of productivity comes not from working harder but from working smarter. Key contributors to improvement are identified including collaborative planning and work organization, skill utilization and output-based planning, and use of…

Describes assessment processes used by the Department of Community Health at East Carolina University to determine needs and perspectives of its various constituencies and to integrate their viewpoints into curriculum planning. The curriculum meets the demands of the national credentialing program and the needs of state health care professionals.…

The strategic management process tries to create and maintain a dynamic balance between an organization's vision, mission, goals, strategies, and resources and its external environment. One Ohio school district's strategic management process succeeded resulting from a highly committed school board, a strong board-superintendent partnership, active…

Takes issue with conventional human capital theory, questioning assumptions regarding external benefits, internal efficiency, educational purposes, and returns-to-education and manpower needs approaches. Reviews new theoretical directions regarding supply and demand, socialization, labor market segmentation, and overeducation and undereducation,…

Elementary and secondary teachers present strategies for using technology to reduce time spent on routine classroom tasks. The article describes computer software that streamlines classroom management (e.g., for keeping grades and teaching notes). An annotated list of software programs and their manufacturers is provided. (SM)

Confusion in educational planning stems from having no clear objectives and no clear knowledge of the real clients. The new educational model involves contributing to socially useful results, not simply teaching subjects and conveying content information. Instead of relying on self-defeating techniques and mind-sets, educators can benefit from…

Educational planning must emerge from communication and consultation with learners. Communication should (1) be about real learner needs; (2) show respect and responsibility toward the community; and (3) enable all levels of the public to have an opportunity to shape public education. (SK)