Many programs advocated by civic organizations, parents, and education officials are bringing about positive results in the quality of instruction and services for students in New York City. This report describes the complex process of school improvement as it actually occurred in 10 schools. Members of the Educational Priorities Panel interviewed…

How implementation of the middle schools concept affects student attainment of the purposes of middle grades education was studied in Georgia. Focuses were on academic achievement, the cost effectiveness of the Middle School Program, and any modifications needed to improve middle grades education. This study finds that students who attend schools…

This paper provides an update on how some new charter schools have fared during the first year of operation under Pennsylvania's charter school legislation (PA Act 22, June 1997). Data should facilitate an examination of the degree to which the legislation supports or inhibits the entrepreneurial school reform practice of charter schools. Twenty…

This book is part of a series of case studies that demonstrate better ways to educate Ohio's students. The case study is part of the Transforming Learning Communities (TLC) Project, designed to support significant school-reform efforts among Ohio's elementary, middle, and high schools. This report describes the implementation of an innovative…

In 1995, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) launched the High-Poverty Schools Initiative. It focuses on building the capacity of state education agency officials and their local partners to implement various federal education programs aimed at improving outcomes for students in high-poverty schools. The overall initiative goal is…

Examines some key ideas behind the learning organization and explains why the concept is so powerful in contemporary contexts. Identifies various types of learning organizations, and suggests an analytical technique for relating styles of organizational learning to the environmental context. The key to becoming a learning organization is…

Solid research evidence links smaller schools to fewer discipline problems, lower dropout rates, higher student participation levels, and steadier academic progress. Large buildings are no obstacle. Creating small schools requires top administrators to lend impetus and support, facilitate teacher volunteer groups, develop clear policies, adjust…

Data from 24 restructuring elementary, middle, and high schools are used to examine teacher empowerment in schools with at least four years of experience with decentralized or school-based management. Findings suggest that empowerment is an important but not sufficient condition of change that does affect teaching quality and student performance.…

Discusses ideas and strategies to ensure risk management in early childhood settings. Suggests that current trends in early childhood education lead to the reevaluation of risk factors. Notes that risk management today includes not only inspecting playgrounds and classrooms and implementing the latest public health guidelines but also staying…

Using the Kite (a framework for school development) as a diagnostic tool can help schools identify barriers to reform efforts by constructing an authentic picture of the school which can be measured against the qualities and practices of a learner centered environment. The paper describes organizational theories supporting the model. (SM)

In Singapore, national survival necessitated an early fundamental restructuring of the educational system, followed by a period of fine tuning, or repair. By the early 1980s, Singapore had developed a highly efficient education system that met the needs of a rapidly industrializing economy. Since the mid-1980s' recession, Singapore has redefined…

Two elementary schools were studied over two years of a schoolwide program to improve service delivery to students with behavior problems. Program components included an advisory committee, schoolwide organizational practices, schoolwide classroom management intervention, and individual behavioral interventions. Target students displayed improved…

This introductory article to the special issue addresses the school restructuring movement, with its increasing emphasis on inclusion and school unification, and recent efforts to localize and integrate various categorical health and social services programs affecting children and families. The movement's philosophical premise is examined and…

Examines Hong Kong's educational system following reversion to the jurisdiction of mainland China in 1997. Presents an overview of the education system, education and schooling in a post-colonial context, school curriculum reform, improving student assessment mechanisms, enhancing access and equity, improving teacher education and professionalism,…

Author (Kentucky governor) describes new educational reform policy objectives. Emphasizes decentralization and outcome-based educational model. Describes 1989 court mandate for comprehensive school restructuring. Describes state's educational reform process, new goals, procedures, and programs. Examines court's role in education reform process and…