The organization of the Community College of Vermont illustrates that a lateral authority structure and mutually supportive subsystems are necessary to manage a noncampus institution. (Author)

The promotion of educational reform by Perren Baker and the members of his Education Department in Alberta, Canada, are discussed. The important task he undertook, the upgrading of the rural educational system of Alberta, was not immediately successful but his efforts paved the way for William Aberhart, who was able to reorganize rural school…

Two approaches to psychological consultation were combined for school staff development and improved organizational functioning: data feedback with group discussion. The staffing team revised its procedures to utilize time of teachers and special services personnel more efficiently, to improve staffing team morale, and to provide better services…

This article briefly interprets the major findings of Peters and Waterman's themes about corporate excellence; describes the theoretical framework of two outcome-based education programs; discusses the messages common to excellence in management and in education; and interprets key elements in the emerging excellence paradigm. (JL)

This study collected exploratory data on a group of organizational adjustment variables (procedural, personnel, process, structural, and strategic) among a group of schools and school districts. Results provide a preliminary basis for suggesting that the adaptive organizational behavior of schools and school districts may be influenced by…

Compares results of a survey of chief psychologists in medical schools to results of a similar survey reported in 1978. Reports that changes in bylaws of university-affiliated hospitals have enabled psychologists to be members of the active medical staff and that progress has been made in achieving departmental status for psychology. (KH)

This study examined whether staff development programs exercised by the state can effectively touch competencies of local school staff. A staff development program for special education teachers in Maryland was efficacious only in imparting knowledge related to procedures that ensured legal compliance, and effects were strongest among…

Criticism is leveled at various government task force suggestions to reorganize the educational system. Commissions make abstract recommendations without having to face the realities of the classroom. Fundamental changes from within the school are necessary. (DF)

The interview with Theodore Sizer, author of a recent book focusing on American high schools, students, and teachers, notes problems with educational organization and recommends new roles for teachers as educational coaches, altered teaching loads, new student activities, diplomas based on achievement, and curriculum simplification. (SB)

Reports results of a poll of 900 Minnesota high school students regarding various educational issues and relates results to the findings in "A Nation at Risk." Includes a student letter to the education committee of the Minnesota legislature. (SB)

A principal responds negatively to "A Nation at Risk" and more positively to the Carnegie Foundation's "High School." He describes how the alternative Jefferson County (CO) Open High School puts some of the Carnegie Foundation's recommendations into practice and details the school curriculum, class atmosphere, apprenticeships,…

Magnet schools strive to draw students voluntarily to racially mixed settings by offering diversified educational opportunities. The impact of magnet schools on the political and organizational processes of a school system are discussed. (DF)

An analysis of data showed that British students in local education authorities which have retained selection to a greater or lesser extent did not achieve better examination results than students in those authorities which have gone fully comprehensive. (RM)

Using communication theory, the author questions to what extent the future of education should be controlled and to what extent emergent and incidental learning should dictate change. (GW)

This report presents a literature review and conceptual model summarizing the influence of peer effects on learning outcomes. The report describes the approach to the review and provides a theoretical account of the environments, mechanisms, and processes that mediate learning among peers. It then summarizes the literature on compositional effects…