Discusses a group problem-solving method in conflict resolution which consists of three phases: problem identification (four steps); analysis (two steps); and synthesis (three steps). A matrix format for evaluating alternative solutions in terms of essential and desirable criteria or conditions, with a complete analysis of each step, is included.…

This report summarizes key implementation lessons from the six-city Community Change for Youth Development (CCYD) initiative, which investigated whether providing neighborhoods a framework of ideas (core concepts) would speed the process and increase the effectiveness of neighborhood-wide, resident-involvement initiatives aimed at assisting all…

This participant's manual presents materials for a national conference (May 2002) on youth leadership development within organizations of disabled individuals. Introductory material includes the conference agenda, information about the trainers, and information about the sponsoring organizations, the Independent Living Research Utilization Program…

Criticizes the Job-Training Partnership Act of 1982 (JTPA) for failing to provide an active role for young people in shaping, rather than simply consuming, its services. Describes ways in which youth can contribute to training programs and calls for elected officials and planning groups to encourage such participation. (GC)

Principals' use of the curriculum council to develop the professional management function and establish a position of educational leadership is recommended. Additional benefits would include improved communications with staff and increased professional collegiality. (MJL)

The authors emphasize that, although the "Education for All Handicapped Children Act" provides for inclusion of students in the individual education program (IEP) meeting, few parents and students are aware of the possibility. Suggestion are made for parents and school personnel about ways to include students. (MC)

Reviews the concepts and assumptions underlying the Scanlon Plan, an approach to organizational development based on participatory management. The approach is summarized using four concepts (identity, participation, equity, and managerial competence) which can create a climate of mutual respect and confidence. (JAC)

Examines practical and ethical arguments which support the trend of allowing teachers increased participation in decision making. Concludes that both the practical arguments, based on the promise of increased educational productivity, and the ethical arguments, based on the doctrine of workplace democracy, must be considered in policy formation.…

For agricultural educators, the key to quality programs in adverse times lies in creative and participatory management. (SK)

A study of 55 New Jersey schools revealed that 35 principals shared none of the decision-making authority with subordinates. In 17 of the schools, half or fewer of the decisions were made by subordinates. Teacher contracts and recent legal rulings were cited as factors discouraging delegation of authority. (MLF)

An alternative conceptual framework to the traditional hierarchical bureaucratic picture of organizations is the "organized anarchy." How collective decisions are made, what university administrators can do to influence the input, process, and outcome of anarchic decision making, and points of leverage are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Explores educational facilities issues from the personal perspective of being both an educator and an owner. Topics discussed include aligning curriculum and instruction with facilities design, green school rating systems, the relationship between facilities and achievement, longitudinal facilities research, post-occupancy evaluation, and…

Discusses how student affairs needs to be an active participant in campus decisions about corporate outsourcing partnerships to ensure that the effects of these relationships on student life are considered. (Contains 24 references.) (GCP)

Describes three lessons school districts have learned about the use of small groups to provide feedback from parents and other community members on major decisions involving education policy and practice: Encourage truly broad-based, large-scale participation; provide structure for small-group discussions; and ask participants to take action, not…

Summarizes a 1992-93 qualitative study examining how three private elementary schools used a shared-governance structure for involving participants in school-improvement efforts. Since private schools must solve their own problems and define educational directions, they benefit from autonomy. They survive by establishing a voluntary community with…