A study covering an 18-year historical analysis of a school district dealing with intentional leadership and the decentralization of decision making is presented. (Author/CB)

Discusses the four major elements in participative management: an information system that provides timely feedback on organizational performance, systematic representation of employees at all levels, alignment around a vision that is shared by all, and the organizational leaders' belief in the creativity and responsibility of employees. (CT)

Characteristics of group facilitator are similar to those of information specialist as one who gathers information, clarifies questions, builds up and breaks down knowledge, presents balanced points of view, and defines problems and strategies for resolution. Information specialist has opportunity to meet organizational needs through traditional…

In 1984, the Utah legislature enacted a career ladder bill encouraging all local districts to develop plans for restructuring teachers' compensation and promotion options. An independent, bipartisan taskforce then created a statewide, decentralized model that increases educators' power, minimizes merit and staff differentiation, and fosters…

Examines the nature and extent of behavioral changes exhibited by participants of an action oriented environmental program which focused on Lake Michigan's water quality. Outlines the program's objectives and assesses long-term behavioral modifications resulting from involvement in the decision-making process. (ML)

Describes the development of a written policy of school conduct and discipline for a school district with students in grades K-6. Focuses on the district's efforts to incorporate student input in policy formation by conducting meetings between student representatives and the school superintendent. (KH)

Reviews the history of citizens' advisory councils and the attitudes toward them, the uses to which they are put, common problems they pose for principals, and their potential for contributing to the schools. Notes that principals usually view such councils negatively, and that principals' attitudes determine council effectiveness. (PGD)

The City Magnet School in Lowell, Massachusetts, involves parents in policymaking, the principal and teachers in curriculum-setting and budgeting, and the kindergarten to eighth-grade students in defining the design and operation of the simulated "real world" society that forms the context in which the school's educational efforts occur.…

Argues that teachers lack a sense of professional responsibility for the poor condition of education because they have little say over the standards that govern them. Describes a year-long internship (the "Toledo Plan") for those entering teaching, with experienced teachers controlling personnel decisions. Reports on the plan's successes…

The City School is a K-8 magnet school in Lowell, Massachusetts. Student, teacher, and parent participation in the school's curriculum and governance have resulted in a strong sense of ownership and an effective and exciting educational environment. (GC)

To obtain far-reaching results from educational change, it is necessary to keep purposes and processes balanced and to apply the six-step Purpose Identification Model to the perceived problem, thus bringing a more meaningful relationship between purposes and processes. (Author/DCS)

Central Michigan University's Chamber of Commerce/University Business Education Services Committee has been revitalized by the committee's decision in 1982 to share program-generating responsibility with more than 900 university faculty members and administrators. The numerous successful programs that have resulted, including faculty-conducted…

British secondary school department heads surveyed generally wanted a higher level of participation in decision making, especially in the areas of resource allocation, budgeting, use of community funds, and school curriculum design. Improved communication, better decisions, and greater commitment to organizational policy are identified as probable…

Following a summary of traditional views on organizational effectiveness, the author describes relativistic, developmental, power, and social justice approaches that appeal to the various interests of organizational participants or constituents. Affirming the advantages of social justice based theories, the article then proposes an alternative…

The use of advisory committees is well established in the public school system. The purpose of advisory committees is to provide leadership, guidance and technical assistance to maintain, improve and develop quality career and technical education programs. This manual is written for those planning to form new advisory technical skills committees,…