The process for establishing a climate and a framework that promote school-based reform is complex. Describes the steps a typical but fictitious district takes to build support for change. (MLF)

Discusses the concept of a "literacy of thoughtfulness" for all students, characterized by the ability to think critically and creatively, to solve problems, exercise judgment, access, assimilate, and apply information, and communicate effectively with others. Suggests that thoughtfulness is inescapably bound up with culture. (KEH)

Twenty-first century principals will play a vital role in curriculum and staff development. Principals must be prepared to revitalize teachers' energies by mastering and using powerful, research-based strategies, including establishing a common vision, focusing on instructional improvement and accountability, creating a collegial, participatory…

Examines the current societal and educational context for change in public schools. Notes conditions that create roadblocks to school reform, including fiscal constraints, deteriorating home environment, teacher and administrator stress, expanding services, and diversity in schools. Briefly reviews change literature. (55 references) (MLF)

The article explores the consequences of new systems of shared decision making and governance for the assessment of principals, presenting case studies of two Chicago-area school districts that made substantial progress expanding teachers' professional roles in school- and district-level governance. (SM)

After delineating wider context of Coalition of Essential Schools restructuring in Illinois, paper explores principal's changing role in four schools immersed in restructuring process. Factors inhibiting role changes in shared governance system were lack of stability, support, trust, and commitment. Factors promoting change were new conceptions of…

Describes the results of a needs analysis conducted to determine the requirements of teachers who wish to restructure their classrooms. The development of Strategic Teaching Frameworks, a hypermedia system to aid teachers and administrators in adopting new approaches to teaching, is explained; and tools and resources needed for change are…

First step toward creating staff interest in and capacity for change is realizing things could be wrong. Second is recognizing growth-inhibiting factors, such as narrow job and role definitions, evasion of responsibility, focus on events instead of long-term patterns, intellectual isolation and quick fixes, and structural fragmentation. True…

The major transformation demanded by third-wave educational reform is replacing an incrementalist, ameliorist, and improvement orientation with dramatic new visions of schooling and society. According to Bela Banathy, the images (or designs) must be revolutionary, whereas the processes for attaining them must be evolutionary. "Design…

This article develops two perspectives on the Regular Education Initiative, the first drawing on two decades of research and practice to document and discuss understandings about school improvement. The second draws on the current movement to restructure schools. A reformist partnership between classroom teachers and special education is proposed.…

Today's calls for school restructuring demand a greater response than piecemeal tinkering. The impetus for total organizational change started over 30 years ago in Japan as industrial leaders adapted W. Edwards Deming's beliefs and strategies concerning psychology, systems, perceptual theoretical frameworks, and causes of variation. Quality…

Reports on a conference that examined the need for models of effective programs for limited-English-proficient secondary students, research and development on pedagogical approaches to teaching related issues, involvement by educators and researchers in school restructuring and reform, better accountability and assessment, and attention to…

Martin Haberman, a distinguished teacher educator who helped shape American educational reforms for 35 years, explains his current research interests and concerns. He favors development of "star teachers," alternative teacher certification programs, restructured schooling for six million urban children in poverty, and gentle teaching strategies.…

Explores policy issues related to structural changes in upper secondary education that have occurred with the 20-year increase in secondary and third-level school enrollment rates in Taiwan. Analysis suggests that a more unified secondary system must be established with better public funding and better articulation of all school types with the…

Teachers' perceptions of support provided for implementation of the New American Schools models in the Memphis City (Tennessee) school district are examined in relation to the effectiveness of these models. Via questionnaires and focus group interviews, teachers indicated professional development, teacher collaboration, and resources to be…