Compares two methods of measuring bureaucratic structure, Hall's organizational inventory and the University of Aston (England) approach, and tests them using data from 55 public high schools in New Jersey. Factor analysis reveals four underlying dimensions of school structure, including organizational control, rational specialization, system…

The analytic framework suggests that strategies employed by teachers arise within the context of the school organization. The organization provides dilemmas and imperatives, possibilities and opportunities which explain the existence of certain strategies in the classroom. (Author/KC)

Considers the concept of time in relation to teaching history and suggests that approaches should be based on Piaget's theory of the learning process in terms of space, time, and causality. Suggests that the rigid school structure runs counter to the educational objectives of the history teacher. (KC)

Accommodating a variety of wishes by establishing unique schools can help solve some of the current conflicts and also alleviate some of the pressure on school systems caused by forcing everyone to adjust to the one-school model. (MM)

Discusses the need for a common discourse about interdisciplinary needs in order to meet library users' needs. Considers why and how interdisciplinary activities emerge, what form they take, and where they are located in institutions. Also discusses knowledge representation. (Contains 78 references.) (Author/LRW)

Analyzed existing relationships between medical schools and clinical enterprises to develop models of these relationships. Four conceptual models were identified: (1) "single ownership, owned integrated system"; (2) "general partner"; (3) "limited partner"; and (4) "wholly owned, subsidiary." The advantages and disadvantages of each model are…

Explored the implementation of middle level reform components in both high- and low-performing middle schools, seeking to identify factors linked to student achievement. Found that organizational health, which includes academic focus, teacher affiliation, and resource support, more directly influences student performance than simple implementation…

To help establish clear, comprehensive communication channels with the school community, principals must recognize the primary dangers to good communication and periodically conduct teacher polls or surveys depicting the human realities of the school organization. Such surveys will not explain or improve low morale, but can serve as a springboard…

School systems might know the words to the "middle school reform rag" (preadolescent's unique learning needs), but haven't put the words to music. A Johns Hopkins study recently found that innovative programs are scarce and that middle schoolers typically receive either a warmed-over elementary education or a pseudo-high school education. (MLH)

Identifies five building blocks of school restructuring forming the foundation for comprehensive educational change. Identifies four overarching restructuring issues, including administrative and teacher leadership, the dilemma of process versus content, balancing student and teacher needs, and achieving a balance between action and reflection.…

W. Edwards Deming's concepts offer an integrated approach to quality schooling. Three barriers must be overcome: fear of industrial models, poor knowledge of workers and work processes, and unquestioned beliefs. Instead, educators must develop community understanding and commitment, establish business-education partnerships, and manage schools as…

The evidence does not support Chubb and Moe's conclusions that current methods of school governance are responsible for poor student achievement. Organization and other variables (such as family background and student ability) combined account for less than 5 percent of student achievement variations. Market principles applied to education could…

Presents information concerning the range of external interruptions experienced by junior high school teachers. Examines the ways in which interruptions become disruptions. Provides suggestions on how to manage these interruptions and discusses the difference between "proactive" and "reactive" class management. Finds that size…

The development of the paper-and-pencil instrument called the Organizational Culture Assessment Inventory (OCAI) is based on the theory of organizational culture. Recent literature and organizational analysis are combined with Schein's model of organizational culture to provide the background for metaphorical analysis of organizational culture…

A preliminary analysis of the Organizational Culture Assessment Inventory yielded four root metaphors descriptive of the type of culture likely to be found in public schools: the family, the machine, the circus, and the "little shop of horrors." (10 references) (SI)