After the first year of Kentucky's school reform act, a superintendent advises others whose states might undertake school reform to expect delays and revenue shortfalls and to lobby for professional development funds. (MLF)

Thanks to four major education movements (the restructuring, effective schools and school improvement, school as culture, and demography movements), educational leaders are adopting a more holistic approach to improving schools. The four movements affect educational leaders' problem-solving behavior, the character of educational research, and…

A major problem facing schools is lack of curricular differentiation and academic challenge for the most academically able students. Also, contemporary textbooks have been "dumbed down." Curriculum compacting is a flexible, research-based technique enabling high-ability students to skip work they already know and substitute more…

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…

Considers the issue of local school control within large school districts. Describes the campus-centered German educational system. Provides insight into why the orientation of initiatives in site-based school management may be the opposite of what is needed. (HB)

A 1992 survey of state education departments revealed the extent and nature of each state's school-based management (SBM) implementation. Fully 44 states reported some SBM presence and confirmed the existing knowledge base of activity in budget, curriculum, personnel, group process, and policy. There is state and national consensus for a gradual…

Argues that the school restructuring movement offers considerable promise for enhancing educational equity. Reviews equity definitions, outlines restructuring principles, and describes three powerful ethics (competitive/utilitarian, social justice, and caring) underlying current attempts to highlight equity values in education. Presents a strategy…

To implement school restructuring, midcareer administrators must change their role conceptions. This article examines literature concerning the major issues of socialization to a role conception (including definitions, sources, and socialization mechanisms for changing role conceptions) and presents a research agenda focused on two reform…

An in-depth analysis is presented of four secondary social studies departments that have made structural changes in school organization while promoting higher order thinking. In these departments, certain organizational structures, combined with clear curricular emphases, appear to be associated with higher levels of classroom thoughtfulness. (SLD)

The papers in this special issue view teachers and their ongoing development as central to Canada's educational restructuring efforts. This introductory article presents snapshots of the Canadian educational system, teachers' professional lives and careers, and Canadian teacher education strategies and briefly examines the policy-making…

School restructuring means forging a collaborative relationship between the central office and local schools. Outlines the differences between a traditional and a restructured central office. (MLF)

Considers the debate about permitting parents to choose which public school they want their children to attend. Proponents argue that competition would bring improved management and instruction and more efficient resource allocation. Opponents fear effects of special interest groups and possible harm from subjecting teachers and curricula to the…

Accompanied by restructuring, the new technologies may transform schooling because of their power, versatility, portability, and ease of use. Restructuring can effect change if the requisite ingredients (an invitation, authority and flexibility, access to knowledge, and time) are present. Technology aids restructuring by inviting change,…

Many educators are quick to insult the skill and hard work of teachers such as Abdulalim Shabazz and Jaime Escalante by labeling them "charismatic." Deep restructuring means drawing up an appropriate vision of human potential, of aiming for the stars and tapping the vast capabilities of children and the teachers who serve them. (three…

A 20-item quiz to help school boards understand Total Quality Management (TQM) and whether they agree philosophically with TQM's tenets such as quality, continuous improvement, and employee empowerment. (MLF)