Peer review is one alternative for improving teacher evaluation and educational outcomes, offering teacher unions an expanded role in assuring teaching quality. It raises many issues for teachers and unions which need resolution if this shift in the authority relationship among teachers and between teachers and administrators is to be widely…

A study of the principal's role involved interviews of six headteachers of government and nongovernment secondary schools in Karachi, Pakistan, and reviews of five one-week activity diaries. Nongovernmental principals had more managerial freedom, but governmental principals operated under less personal control by their superiors. The latter used a…

Describes how Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon developed a matrix that identifies major assessment requirements and a calendar that shows the timing of activities necessary to meet these requirements. Discusses each assessment requirement as well as inconsistencies that exist between requirements. Contains one data table and 11 references.…

In Boston, City on a Hill Charter School's commitment to civic education challenges the notion that charter schools are inherently privatizing forces in public education reform. Through expanded choice, inclusive decision making, and localized accountability, charter schools can be a democratizing force that serves multiple publics, including…

Discusses the design and impact of Kentucky's statewide writing portfolio assessment. Describes how it was designed to influence writing instruction in Kentucky in positive ways. Evaluates its impact, noting progress toward overall goals, struggles with understanding "authentic audience," and the amazing staying power of the…

Many new, enthusiastic superintendents with backgrounds in business, law, and the military apply a service mentality and a results orientation. Profiles of Alan Bersin, John Stanford, Harold Levy, John Fryer, Brian Benzel, and Paul Vallas illustrate nontraditional leaders' challenges and accomplishments in the nation's largest school districts.…

A retired teacher and administrator advocates charter schools, but feels a solid research base is needed before rushing into them. Many charter school founders don't know what it takes to run the business aspect of schools, and Alaska's legislation has no oversight or accountability provisions. Charter schools need seasoned leadership,…

Over an 11-year period, Community School District in New York City amassed a strong record of successful school improvement in a diverse urban setting. Nesting learning communities and cognitive apprenticeships are keys to success. Principals are responsible for establishing a pervasive culture of learning and teaching in each school. (MLH)

Re-analyzes data from Florida public schools and offers a different perspective and alternative explanation for the pattern of test score improvements among low scoring schools in Florida. Shows that the most dramatic improvements were achieved by targeting a minimum passing score on the writing test. (SLD)

Since students possess intimate knowledge about their academic progress, they should be invited to participate in, or even lead, parent-teacher conferences. Interested middle schools should consider piloting their models, focus on the conference model process, have students identify personal goals, clearly define participants' roles, and evaluate…

Previous articles in this issue have provided the background for the new model for superintendent evaluation presented. The model recognizes the many facets of the superintendent's professional activities and attempts to encompass the evaluation of the superintendent's total performance. The flexible model will take on different forms as…

Computer-aided facilities management is a software program consisting of a relational database of facility information--such as occupancy, usage, student counts, etc.--attached to or merged with computerized floor plans. This program can integrate data with drawings, thereby allowing the development of "what if" scenarios. (MLF)

A model for evaluating the sustainability of educational reform involves examining the knowledge base, social and economic factors, underlying philosophy, and political aspects of the reform proposal; estimating the extensiveness and impact of the proposal on the educational system; and examining areas affected by reform such as curriculum and…

Explores ways to establish good communications with the public that will lead to credibility, support, and bond-referendum success. Lists 10 reasons why bond referendums fail. (LMI)

This article focuses on strategies that can be used to evolve an evidence-based practice. It describes methods for gathering research information, for reviewing studies critically, and for summarizing information for practice using a model supporting evidence-based practice. An example of the application of these strategies to early intervention…