This paper discusses a series of questions that state policymakers can use to assess the systemic nature of their education reform efforts. Suggestions are offered for identifying the evidence of scope, coherence, and balance of reform. To assess the scope of reform, a first step is to determine if the performance-based standards provide the…

When Kentucky established a comprehensive reform of its schools in 1990, it targeted the nature of professional culture, norms, and activities in education. To explain this reform movement, a narrative analysis of research reports targeting various aspects of the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act is reported here. The focus is on identified…

This report suggests a framework for approaching and integrating adequacy as a cornerstone principle in developing a sound state school finance system. The text defines student performance-centered expectations for the education system and suggests that districts determine the educational capacity needed to allow each student reasonable…

Disparities in funding for education have resulted in lawsuits in more than 40 states since 1970. To better understand states' accomplishments in equalizing educational funding, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) examined factors surrounding funding gaps between poor and wealthy school districts. The GAO's analysis included every state except…

This paper reviews the actions of several state reform programs and examines the methods by which they funded or failed to fund their educational reform programs. Results of reform in seven states--California, New York, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina--are highlighted. Fiscal and political issues are also identified. Data…

Issues in transforming educational policy into practice are examined in this report, with a focus on the implementation of school-based decision making (SBDM). The importance of understanding change as a process is underscored in the introduction. The first section offers a definition of and the rationale for school-based decision making and…

A survey of Ohio rural superintendents examined their perceptions of the methods by which the State of Ohio Department of Education influences public school districts. The Power Perception Profile, which classifies power into seven categories, was completed by 63 rural, 53 suburban, and 42 urban Ohio superintendents with reference to the state…

This paper describes school restructuring efforts undertaken since 1991 in the Virginia Beach Public Schools (Virginia). These efforts are based on a resolution adopted by the school board in December 1991, which supported the implementation of school-based management and shared decision making. Several common restructuring themes were shared by…

This document presents the results of a mandated study of commercialism in the schools carried out by Washington State's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The study was prompted by the issues surrounding Channel One, a 12-minute televised news program designed for secondary school students that includes 2 minutes of commercials.…

Although California's real spending per pupil grew 13 percent between 1980-81 and 1990-91, real growth in educational spending here has not kept pace with the rest of the country. The reasons are complex, with many causes rooted in the state tax system design and the resulting school finance structure. This paper describes how and why California's…

Strategies utilized by district superintendents to implement school improvement plans in response to state-mandated change are examined in this report. Methodology involved document analysis of written plans and interviews with 30 Maine superintendents and assistant superintendents who were identified as successful developers of school improvement…

School leaders are finding that they are often not equipped to assume the responsibilities of their roles as principals and superintendents. Responding to the needs of educational executives are the "academies" that are funded, supported, and sometimes staffed by state education agencies. Today there is an increasing number of academy…

The role of state departments of education in rural education involves responsibilities, leadership, funding, regional assistance, and preparing for the future. It is the responsibility of the state department to act as a regulatory, governing, and operating agency and to distribute federal funds to areas of need. The state department can provide…

The major findings of nine State case studies on the effects and implementation of Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA) of 1981, are summarized and synthesized in this report. The States examined (Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington) were selected to…

The educational systems of the European Community Member States vary considerably and comprise a wealth of information about innovations in these nations. Tables on the employment and status of teachers in state schools in the European Community were compiled at the request of the Commission of the European Communities. The information collected…