To implement shared decision-making, a Colorado school district needed three years to venture through the cage door, scare the cat away, and experience an increase in involvement from district constituents. Blocking can occur because of outdated policies reflecting centralized control, perceptions of the principal as prime manipulator, master…

Most schools do not include their staffs in decision making and problem solving. A system of governance is needed that makes use of the professional skills and knowledge of teachers, empowers them to identify and solve problems, and gives them a share in making decisions. (JD)

By giving teachers control over improving the curriculum, an Idaho school system has created a systemwide syllabus that guides each teacher in each subject and grade. (MLF)

Tests a model of the factors that influence groups to follow various paths as they make decisions. Uses three panels of contingency variables to predict properties of the group's developmental path. Finds that group decision paths and their properties can be predicted as a function of task and relational contingencies. (MS)

The present confrontational labor/management negotiations model mitigates against the development of a higher form of teacher professionalism. Current union and school management models are highly centralized governance systems. Collaborative planning must be instituted in a collegial manner to be successful. (MLH)

Discusses Kentucky's efforts to increase adult literacy through the New Books for New Readers program in which scholars were asked to write books emphasizing adult topics with a reading level of third to fifth grade. Describes the process through which the target audience is involved in the creation of books for the program. (KO)

The effect of number and type of consulted relationships on ethical decision making was assessed. Using an instrument developed by the authors, the Decision-Making Questionnaire, change in decision from a neutral condition to reassessment of the decision was measured, under one of six conditions. Significant results were found. (LKS)

Investigates if the characteristics of school boards and their administrative control explain variance among schools in academic achievement, based on a random sample of 133 Dutch school boards and 1 elementary school they oversee. Findings support the hypothesis, even after controlling for student background and school characteristics. The key is…

Provides an annotated bibliography of 11 ERIC documents and journal articles on the changing face of management within the community college, including materials on adapting to change, changing roles with administrative structures, and the appearance of new players in administrative activities. (MAB)

School leaders striving to comply with federal laws that mandate access to classrooms and playgrounds for children with disabilities can learn from the experiences of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School in Oak Park, Illinois. A sidebar summarizes schools' obligations to disability law and lists resources for more information on accessible…

Surveyed 67 teachers from small school districts to determine their level of interest in being involved in decision-making activities associated with 15 selected principalship-type duties. Activities attracting the highest level of interest relate to the teacher and the classroom such as discipline, curriculum, parents, expenditures, and class…

During 3-year period, Arizona junior high school's site-based team developed and implemented 10-step process for becoming middle school. They assessed the school and community, researched school reform, built a team, developed a mission statement, set goals and empowered staff members, established teaching teams, trained staff members and parents,…

A survey of general educators (n=194) revealed a general willingness to accept students with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders, contingent on mainstreaming modifications (such as availability and effectiveness of support personnel) and their participation in decision making. (Author/DB)

Provides an overview of Japanese management theory and suggests applications to library administration. Highlights include participative management; shared decision making; long-term objectives; organizational philosophy; staff training and human resource development; strategic planning; staffing issues; cooperation; quality control; and total…

Urges the design and implementation of strategies in academic libraries for the development of leadership potential. Discusses the components of organizations that lead to organizational maturity, and calls for library leaders with vision, skill, and commitment to nurture an organizational culture that emphasizes leadership development. (20…