American indicator systems of educational accountability generally focus on student outcomes. The next generation of indicator systems must address wider issues, such as social context and values, curriculum assessment, structure of schooling, and individual student differences. Administrative, technical, political, and financial issues in…

This paper provides an analysis of approaches to quality assurance and of the management of quality in general management literature and considers its application to public education systems. Key components of a fully integrated approach to quality assurance and quality management for school systems are listed. (SLD)

This paper considers conceptual alternatives for the development of information systems for management and planning in schools. Four problem areas which have been encountered in the introduction and implementation of such systems are identified, including lack of information, lack of understanding, lack of tools for the redress of problems, and…

The Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) is the most comprehensive reform legislation nationally, bringing substantial change to all levels of the educational system. A group of researchers who have spent time in schools in Kentucky and policy analysts knowledgeable about Kentucky and other state education reform efforts convened in October 1992…

Reviews the historical and political context of school reform, examining its problems and ambiguities as a policy and offering suggestions to minimize the risks of reform in urban schools. Concludes that state takeovers are detrimental because they do not address systemic problems in the affected school systems. Contains 51 references. (Author/SLD)

This review of selected literature examines the National Science Foundation's standards-based systemic reform theory in the context of research reported by science, mathematics, and urban education policy experts. This review is specifically concerned with viewing evidence of relationships among identified change variables that are associated with…

In consonance with previous articles advocating change in school psychology role/function change efforts, this article places the burden for change on individual practitioners. Offers preliminary suggestions for how to bring about change through strategies at multiple levels--college/university, professional organization, school…

In this introductory article, the main features of positive behavior support are described, including a prevention-focused continuum of support, proactive instructional approaches to teaching and improving social behaviors, conceptually sound and empirically validated practices, systems change to support effective practices, and data-based…

Despite an attractive set of premises, the article "Where Will...?" (this issue) fails to identify the reasons for school psychology's frustrations with role and function. Many wonderful ideas and blueprints have appeared in previous literature with little accompanying revolution in practice. The reasons for these failures are outlined. (Author)

When school psychologists adopt an organization development perspective they are acting on a cluster of related concepts: (1) that because schools are social organizations, school effectiveness depends on the school's organizational culture; (2) that attempts to institute educational reforms only work when the reforms and the school culture mesh;…

This state-of-the-art report on interactive video and instruction begins with a brief review of the current status of technology and technology transfer in schools. The nature of interactive video is then considered, including instructional applications of the technology and the components of an interactive video instructional system. Discussion…

A 9-month project examined the potential for technology to assist rural schools in their programs, identified exemplary programs using technology in rural school districts, and resulted in the production of a guide for rural administrators and teachers on successful uses of technology (issued separately). Technologies investigated included…

Describes application of instructional systems design, dialog design principles, and human factor considerations in developing the Pennsylvania Department of Education's computer-controlled intelligent videodisc system, which allows K-12 teachers to preview language arts television programs and overcome their technology anxiety. The top-down…

This paper outlines several policy and program suggestions for improving Connecticut's urban schools which build upon the States's current intiatives and incorporate the current research findings emanating from studies of effective schools. The author first provides a framework for his suggestions by reviewing research to delineate the…

Technology and structural change in education are inextricably linked. That is, schools generally need to change the way they do things to take full advantage of technology, and the use of technology tends to change what happens in schools. This report examines recent theory and practice of schools and school districts planning for educational…