An approach to educational change is derived from the field of organizational development. Change agents must be aware of their personal biases and preconceptions; initiate positive inquiry among all community stakeholders; incorporate community values into a well expressed vision; identify obstructions and catalysts; consider community…

Reviews the concept of reflective practice within the framework of experiential learning theory. Discusses ways in which reflective practice advances professional practice for teachers and administrators. Explores the implications of these ideas for professional education and for school reform. (JS)

Data are presented from an extended case study which focused on the differential power resources available to staff members within a school physical education department in England and on how these resources affected the quality of staff participation in the decision-making process related to curriculum change. (IAH)

Focuses on the importance of teacher involvement in designing evaluation plans, climate setting, and awareness raising within the school. Emphasizes teacher appraisal as a step in the development of human resources. Recommends negotiated change and supporting teacher autonomy, rather than legislated change. Supports collegial relationships as a…

Examines school reform implemented by Paulo Freire and the Workers' Party in Sao Paulo during 1989-92. Focuses on various institutional mechanisms created to support teachers' efforts to learn the skills necessary for realization of reform objectives. Appendices list reform objectives and outline phases and activities in a teacher-directed…

Reviews strategies used in the Columbus (Ohio) public schools to ensure that central office staff would be effective and supportive in implementing systemic reform. The implementation of the Effective Schools Process in the schools created a shift in the decision-making locus from the central office to local school sites. (SM)

Participants in the League of Professional Schools based at the University of Georgia discuss the effects of shared governance, a schoolwide instructional focus, and action research on 22 participating schools from various districts. The article explains factors that facilitated internal change and adjustments the league made in its operating…

Proposes a framework for the practice of democratic decision making by teachers with their students, a framework developed through practice in educational institutions at all levels as well as in the community. The paper presents steps to take in moving toward the democratic ideal in a teacher-with-student class. (SM)

Examines school-based management as an effective strategy for optimizing the individual performance of teachers, students, and parents. Under school-based management, principals and teachers are given total responsibility for budgeting, selecting textbooks, scheduling, and hiring. This system provides flexibility in relationships with the broader…

Summarizes the steps and strategies taken to produce a comprehensive multiyear budget that functions as a financial forecast. Discusses the key concepts and components of an effective plan as well as the presentation and implementation of the plan. (seven figures) (MLF)

The applicability of employee-involvement approaches to the management of schools is explored, describing three approaches (parallel-suggestion involvement, job involvement, and high involvement). Design issues (technology; organizational structure; leadership; organizational boundaries, customer definition, and relation to stakeholder; measures;…

A class project to design a robe for the pastor of Church of England primary school was undertaken to give children a first-hand problem-solving experience and increase their involvement in the church activities. Much mathematics and communication was required to complete this cooperative learning task. (MDH)

A teacher reflects on what he learned from his students and educator Earl Kelley's writings, when 30 years ago as a beginning teacher, he attempted a democratic approach to teaching junior high school science and math. This approach encouraged student collaboration in the planning of learning activities, community projects, and student assessment.…

Examines Scotland's increasingly standardized national curriculum and testing reforms. Discusses centrally determined innovations, relationships between curriculum and assessment, reforms' effects on classroom, and teachers' role. Compares elements of encroaching "market model" reforms in England, Wales, and United States, suggesting…

Urges that teachers be allowed to play a more active role in school restructuring. Argues that democratic ideals cannot be taught by a school system that is not run democratically. Insists that proponents of restructuring and educational renewal must see as central the teachers' control over professional affairs. (DK)