Middle schools are here to stay. The overriding purpose of middle-level education continues to be that of providing programs based on the unique characteristics, needs, and interests of middle-level students. (Author/TE)

The possibility of redesigning the work experiences of faculty members in an effort to enhance their motivation, productivity, and personal and work satisfactions is examined. One approach to work redesign, job characteristics theory, is described. Several strategies are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Four contingency theories of leadership are explored and contrasted. Predictions of leader types and leader behaviors that would follow from each are counterposed. External functions of the leader and interactions with organizational members who are not subordinates are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Reviews teacher stress as it has been described in literature since the 1930s, and suggests that proposed solutions place too much responsibility on teacher attitudes and not enough on school environment and organization. (CJM)

The author spent a year on the administrative council of a French PTA. She discusses the centralization of French education, from testing to teaching methods. Reforms since 1968 include prohibition of homework. Problems of school space, facilities, and construction are noted. (CHK)

School district size is important to policymakers and educators who need to determine the most effective way to structure school organization. For more than 40 years, a growing body of research has focused on the relationship between school size and school effectiveness (Monk & Plecki, 1999). Early studies did not address the effect of school…

The American public schools need a total revamping of structure, philosophy, pedagogy, and professionalism. This book is part of a series that explains why significant changes are needed and how changes can be made given the present constitutional authority. Part 1 introduces the causes and effects of the malfunctioning of the typical school…

This paper examines the phenomenon of private-practice teachers in public schools. It helps frame the debates surrounding market-driven reforms that are aimed at freeing schools from bureaucratic control and raises several questions about the potential impact of private-practice teachers. It asks whether market-driven reforms within public schools…

New American Schools (NAS) was formed in 1991 to create and develop whole-school designs that would be adopted by schools throughout the country in order to improve student performance. This book is a retrospective on NAS and draws together the finding from RAND research. Chapter 1, the introduction, gives an overview of NAS, RAND's purpose and…

This book describes changes that must be made in central-office administration to facilitate the movement to site-based management. It is intended for educational administrators in central administration or for those who are planning to work as superintendents, business managers, or supervisors of curriculum and instruction. The book covers all…

This manual is intended as a resource guide for school councils in Arizona. The state created school site-based councils to bring together parents, the community, administrators, teachers, and students to form a decision-making body that can empower all stakeholders. The guide details the process of school councils as it relates to Arizona…

Describes a study designed to determine the level of achievement attained on two referents of scientific literacy by graduating seniors from Missouri Public High Schools as indicated by scores on the Sequential Tests of Educational Progress: Science, and the Wisconsin Inventory of Science Processes. (JR)

To explore arguments on the role of the school in the system of social stratification, the role of the political system is discussed in light of two theories of organizational evolution and a three phase interpretation of American educational history. (KM)

Presents a feminist case against the elementary school by summarizing existing documentation in this area. Shows the limits of a liberal approach to sexism and suggests directions for future analysis and activity. (Author/DN)