Explores the impact of grade configuration decisions on the number and size of elementary, middle, and high schools needed. Discusses various trends regarding placement of sixth grade, ninth grade, and preschool classes and the resurgence of K-8 and K-12 models. (EV)

The success of preventive and intervention programs for youth violence hinges upon recognizing and modifying aspects of school climate, teacher/school personnel interactions with students, and school structure. Several of these aspects are identified in this article and suggestions for improving the educational environment to prevent the…

Develops conceptual framework to explore the impact of teacher-led development work, defined as strategic action initiated and sustained by teachers to improve instruction and student learning. Discusses impact of the framework on teachers, on the school as an organization, and on student learning. Includes evidence of impact and applications for…

Teacher collegial groups (TCGs) may be a structure capable of promoting much-needed professional dialogue among teachers. This article frames TCGs within the organization development perspective, explains how one principal implemented a TCG in her school, and analyzes how the process affected a school's organizational culture. Includes 24…

Education must disengage from current accountancy concerns and serve learners now and in their real contexts. The massive efficiency of our industrialized apparatus for processing people in formal education prevents us from recognizing that a new approach is needed to satisfy tomorrow's uncertain and unlimited requirements. An international…

Applauds Anne Raywid's critique of the ASCD's "Public Schools of Choice" monograph in the same "Educational Leadership" issue for advocating the revitalization of public schools and the creation of more democratic governance structures. However, parental choice will be meaningless unless school norms and teacher-student work relationships are…

Despite ongoing school improvement efforts, there are more factors at work to stabilize schools than to change them. Stabilizing factors pervade school organization, curriculum context, unadventuresome textbooks, teacher isolation, and standardized testing practices. Educational innovation is predicated on change in form, content, and goals and…

Shows how a grassroots, interracial coalition is working to restructure Chicago Public Schools. Under the new Illinois legislation, Chicago's present school board will be disbanded, teachers will be hired by merit, principals will lack tenure, and education rebates to facilitate school choice may be available. Includes three references. (MLH)

Argues that the divisive departmental structure of American universities and the resulting torpidity and negative attitudes among faculty are limiting the capacity of universities to transmit culture to their students. (DMM)

Neither hyperrationalist nor decentralist reform strategies will seriously improve educational quality. Successful reform strategies incorporate three dimensions: the authorized movement, regional or localist responses, and conversation, involving changes in school rhetoric. States must create a context for developing organizational competence at…

The government-funded studies in this special "Kappan" section show that changing one aspect of the educational system is extraordinarily difficult. The system is allergic to change, teachers are inadequately prepared, and attitudes are key to the intractability problem. Cooperative and productive learning should be overarching concerns.…

The Teacher Job Questionnaire distributed to 3,150 elementary teachers received 31 percent response identifying teacher job interests and characteristics. Results demonstrate that it is critical for policymakers, administrators, teachers, and teacher educators to recognize the effects of their decisions on the design of teaching jobs and outcomes…

Discusses problems of uncertainty and imperfect information that affect organizational choices for schools. Develops two models suggesting that schools, whether public or private, resemble each other while offering diverse curricula and outcomes. Considers the question of institutional choice by applying transaction cost economics to the options…

Argues that fieldworkers' difficulties in gaining access to public schools for research can be resolved by examining the schools' organizational logic. Compares public and religious schools to show how access problems and strategies to overcome them vary with schools' organizational features. Offers examples from research conducted at midwestern…

Middle school transition brings with it considerable change for those involved. Using corporate and industrial management theories and practices presents a rationale for wholesale and comprehensive educational change. (six references) (MLF)