Many teachers argue that corporal punishment must be retained as a "last resort". Reports on how one London comprehensive abolished the cane, and survived to tell the tale. (Editor)

The symposium transcript presents and discusses commentaries on "Schooling in Capitalist America," by Sam Bowles and Herbert Gintis. The transcript serves three functions: (1) it offers a comprehensive account of the role of schools in America; (2) critiques efforts to reform schools; and (3) suggests alternative visions of how school reform…

Examines Israeli teacher autonomy in a centrally developed high school curriculum. Describes how teachers view this shift of control and the 50 percent assessment-by-teacher system. Concludes teacher autonomy is not necessarily dependent on the system being noncentralist and that guided freedom increases teacher power and potential effectiveness.…

A plan for schoolwide enrichment is presented as a model for promoting excellence in education and schoolwide change. Components of the plan include a nonelitist meaning of the term "gifted," a variety of important roles and responsibilities for all personnel involved, and creation of an atmosphere of excellence. (JDD)

Using ethnographic methods, this study looked at a student-teaching program over a three-year period, focusing on administrative and organizational processes. The two hypotheses concerned behavior of loosely coupled organizations. Results are presented and recommendations made. (Author/MT)

Praises David Kearns' article in the same "Kappan" issue for characterizing schooling as a failed monopoly and supporting development of educational research capacity and tax support. Adequate funding is the key; whereas the private sector will spend over $6,060 yearly to train one employee, public schools spend only about $3,500 yearly…

This study compares the effects of single-sex and coeducational secondary schooling. Results indicate that single-sex schools deliver specific advantages to their students, especially female students. Single-sex schools may facilitate adolescent academic development by providing an environment where social and academic concerns are separated.…

When teachers and administrators are willing to plan carefully--and to consider parents' concerns and children's needs--it is possible to house preschool classes in elementary facilities. The Hebrew Foundation School in Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec, addressed each of these considerations in developing a sound preschool program. (NEC)

Considers the problems inherent in British secondary school organization, the resistance to change built into the organizational systems, and possible organizational concepts that could serve the same general purposes (curricular oversight and student services) while adapting more successfully to changing needs and conditions. (PGD)

Background information, the structure of the Chinese school system, preservice training of teachers, and the professional life of teachers are each discussed. Observations made during the visit of mathematics educators to China in 1983 are intermingled. (MNS)

Describes an effective community education program for Pearl High School in Nashville (TN) that involved the consideration of five factors (community involvement, personal needs, organizational needs, perceptions, and expectations) in a successful effort to unify the school. (SB)

The finding reported previously in this journal (EJ 265 763), that elementary schools conform more to the image of the rational bureaucracy while secondary schools fit that of the anarchy or loosely coupled system, is reinforced and extended using a large sample, more reliable measures, and more elaborate techniques. (Author)

An analysis of three research studies which examined the movement towards comprehensive schooling in Great Britain shows that the answer to the question "has it worked" can be yes or no, depending on the selection of data and of statistical techniques. (RM)

The responses of full-time teachers and persons who received teaching certificates but are employed in other occupations were compared to observe differences in attitudes towards job lock-in, advancement prospects, and commitment to teaching. Implications for teacher incentive systems and the organizational structure of schools are presented.…

Although it's true that effective school leaders focus on research, data, and statistics, the reality is that much of school leadership is also about how you handle personal relationships. That's why "The Art of School Leadership" is a must-read for any experienced or aspiring principal. Using concrete examples from his nearly 30 years of…