This article discusses the development and operation of the Conflict Prevention and Mediation Program (CPMP) at the University of California-Los Angeles, which is designed to address conflicts related to cultural diversity on campus and in the community. The contributions of six CPMP participants and future directions for the program are…

This article discusses the constitutionality of racially restrictive student clubs and organizations at colleges and universities, focusing on the recent proliferation of such groups, the laws and legal standards that apply to such campus groups, and recommendations to university administrators concerning racially restrictive organizations. (MDM)

As the public questions faculty productivity, college public relations professionals need to take steps to respond appropriately, including rereading the institutional mission statement, learning what's happening in the classroom, revising strategies for communicating with key audiences, finding new communication outlets, reaching alumni, and…

Using a feminist perspective, this paper attempts to quantify the position of women in educational policymaking in Britain in this century at national and local levels. Women have been in the minority and have not generally been a "shrieking sisterhood," guided primarily by feminist principles. (SLD)

Explains issues involved in establishing "charter schools," public schools set up by outside educators or others under a contract granted by some responsible public body. Elements of the Minnesota charter law are discussed. The idea of alternate sponsorship is critical to new and better ways of education. (SLD)

Surveys urban school principals about desirable alternative education programs for low-achieving students, and identifies schools and programs that have been effective in promoting educational excellence in this population. Explores the nature of effective schools, and examines the principal's role in establishing models for educating children in…

The case of a dispute over the college faculty promotion process is examined in the context of a model of the organization of campus governance. The model describes three levels of power relationships with increasing amounts of shared responsibility between faculty and administration. A commitment to partnership is advocated. (MSE)

Comments on the research finding that, inasmuch as schools are complex organizations, powerfully resistant to change, effective staff development requires focused school effort. The role of school climate and the principal, the relation of theory and application, and the need for evaluation are mentioned. (Contains eight references.) (KRN)

Studies school-site administrators' understanding about ways of gaining/maintaining power, control, and predictability. Multisite study data concerning assistant principals identify rules of the game for four micropolitical (site-level assumptive world) domains. Assumptive worlds create avoidance of value conflicts and risky change, group-think…

Examines ways in which a principal of a racially and ethnically diverse school improved harmony and respect through listening to students' opinions. Reviews how to conduct a student survey and student town meetings for the exchange of ideas. Honest dialogue is essential to any effort to improve student relations. (SLD)

Describes and analyzes the perceptions and reactions of a well-qualified, positively oriented primary-school English teacher to Hong Kong's target-oriented curriculum (TOC) initiative, a major government-sponsored innovation. The analysis encompasses teacher attitudes, teacher training and support, teachers' understanding of an innovation, teacher…

A review of five types of bilingual programs finds that maintenance and dual-language programs best foster bilingualism, academic achievement, and cultural pluralism, but program implementation and organization also determine effectiveness. Input from bilingual teachers indicates that building administrators must develop and communicate a clear…

The "ideal" principal is facing a world of decentralized school structures, increasing and changing environmental boundaries and roles, less homogeneous schools, closer contact with stakeholders, and a market-driven view of education. Principals should view themselves as environmental negotiators, not merely school-system managers.…

Assessment can be viewed as innovation to be adopted by the people in an institution. It is up to leaders in higher-education institutions to identify early-adopter and majority groups of faculty in schools, colleges, and departments and work with them to adapt assessment to local conditions in a way that overcomes any perceived disadvantages.…

Eduardo Padron, president of Miami-Dade Community College (Florida), has created unprecedented diversity throughout the institution, created new transfer agreements, and made technological advancements. After three years, his take-charge administrative style has created tension with faculty, which recently voted to unionize. Some observers cite…