Maintains that the issue of school autonomy is being discussed widely in Germany. Describes autonomy as greater independence within a framework of tasks that still must be defined and accounted for politically and legally. Examines possible consequences of school autonomy, including responsibility for results. (CFR)

Methods of teacher evaluation in public school districts in Ohio were studied in a 272-district sample. Comparison of data with seven theoretical models from the literature on teacher evaluation indicates that 84 percent of responding districts use a traditional Trait Model (teaching in terms of traits) to evaluate the teacher. (SLD)

Drawing from general experience and specific examples from the New Beginnings program in San Diego (California), outlines roles and responsibilities for school superintendents, board members, principals, and teachers involved in implementing school-linked services. Calls for increased accountability to measure progress toward defined goals. (SLD)

Describes planning backwards, the Coalition of Essential Schools' educational policymaking strategy for high schools. The article discusses five possible dilemmas in planning backwards: outcomes or exhibitions, local or remote authority, rigid or flexible standards, apartness or authenticity in assessment, and curriculum scaffolds built of courses…

Analyzes why the current complex of social institutions and systems does not effectively serve poor children, highlighting the lack of early or preventative help for families and inappropriate organizational structure. Offers a series of five principles for a new foundation based on prevention, comprehensiveness, continuity, and accountability.…

The role of increased teacher unionization during the current period of reform in Australian education is examined critically. It is argued that conventional industrial-style unionization is not supportive of educational values and that a more inclusive model of educational accountability is needed. (Author/MSE)

Examines the British government's goal of introducing criterion-referenced, formative student evaluation in primary schools. Reports on a case study in which the reliability of a Standard Assessment Task was examined in three second-grade classrooms. Questions whether or not the decision to drop the task from the test was correct. (CFR)

Discusses a study of 11 high school physical educators, their teaching, and their programs, drawing conclusions about their work based on the findings of similar research. The article includes implications for high school physical education, staff development, and physical education teacher education. (SM)

Examines education-related strategies endorsed by a committee mandated to develop a plan of action to secure Canada's future economic and social well-being. Describes current educational attempts to meet objectives that involve balancing equity, efficiency, and effectiveness with social, economic, and educational concerns. (LP)

Contends that sound professional judgment and conduct depend upon sound ethical judgment and conduct. The article examines ethics and professional judgment from the perspective of making ethical executive and administrative decisions rather than of classroom instruction and evaluation. Steps toward making educational practice more rational and…

A survey of the educational outcomes of master's programs in social work (64 responses) found that knowledge acquisition is generally evaluated course-by-course, with traditional methods; qualifying examinations for advanced study are not common; and only a third of institutions conduct comprehensive examinations. Accountability implications are…

Implementation of schoolwide projects in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) illustrates some of the conceptual problems associated with the Hawkins Stafford accountability amendments to the Chapter 1 supplementary education program. Unintended negative consequences are discussed, and recommendations are made to overcome these problems, including the…

Intent of "A Nation at Risk" was to call attention to erosion of students' family lives, not to excoriate teachers. Reforms affecting only six hours of children's daily lives cannot succeed. Schools must reach out to help parents, and child-care workers become skilled at incidental (informal) teaching. Other concerns include technology,…

Describes two state-mandated programs for institutional accountability in New Jersey (i.e., Basic Skills Assessment Program and College Outcomes Evaluation Program), which function through cooperation between the state's higher education agency and its colleges and universities. Highlights research objectives, procedures, responsibilities,…

In the new health care environment, academic health center (AHC) faculty must transcend the outdated view that the roles of scholar, scientist, and healer are in opposition to those of leader and manager. If AHCs are to survive and prosper through their current cultural transition, faculty must understand all these roles as part of their…