This article outlines the types of school programs that will build on the strengths of educationally disadvantaged students, bring them into the mainstream, and prepare them for economic, political, and social participation. (MT)

The authors state that 50 percent of current participative work groups will dissolve. They focus on some of the actual problems associated with participative work group strategies. They discuss (1) macroorganizational issues, (2) organizational hierarchy, (3) climate of uncertainty, (4) leadership conflicts, and (5) microorganizational issues. (CH)

Teachers harbor extraordinary leadership capabilities--a major untapped rsource for improving U.S. schools. This article explains how principals can share leadership by articulating goals, entrusting and relinquishing authority, involving teachers in decision-making, assigning responsibilities wisely, sharing responsibility for both success and…

Borrowing from Madeline Hunter, school districts should define staff development as school- or district-wide efforts to improve the quality of teacher decision-making. This article outlines a six-step process (including needs assessment, brainstorming, strategic plannning, communicating plans, coaching for effectiveness, and periodic monitoring)…

Both school boards and parent teacher associations should have a systematic program for exchanging information and for involving parents in school policy-making processes. Responsibilities of each group are listed. (CB)

To offset declining enrollments, financial constraints, younger faculties, and high tenure ratios, some institutions are considering early retirement programs to facilitate faculty turnover. A University of Virginia faculty committee reviewed several early retirement options and selected a cost-effective bridging program with ample incentives and…

Discusses the founding of a post-World War I mass circulation periodical, PARENTS' MAGAZINE, aimed at educating parents in new child-rearing practices through research supported by the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial (LSRM) fund program. Also discusses unsuccessful efforts of two chief program officers to maintain control over magazine…

Outlines a participatory approach to social studies education called "skills-in-living." This approach defines schooling and classroom work not as preparation for life, but life itself and emphasizes the application of social science concepts and generalizations to the real life decision-making, participation, communication, interaction skills of…

Argues that administrations might better support teachers if they provided: (1) up-to-date technology, such as Xerox machines; (2) "guilt-free" time for curriculum work or special projects; and (3) more opportunities for teacher participation in school decision making. (KH)

Examines a recent trend in American businesses--workplace democracy--and what it means for education, with specific suggestions for classroom methodology. Discusses democracy in American businesses, education's role in preparing future business employees, and suggestions for business educators. (CT)

Describes dividing up the responsibilities of the department chairperson among senior members of the department, then reconsiders the profession and the state of the humanities. Discusses views advocating "excellence," cultural literacy, great books, and a core curriculum in the humanities. Identifies political tasks and continued…

Argues that community college administrators have placed too much time and hope in new management systems. Considers clarity of institutional goals, technological knowledge, decision making stability, and reliable information to be essential to effective management. Offers eight tactical rules for influencing institutional decisions. (DMM)

Examines existing structures in faculty-management relationships and presents a college-wide model for shared governance. Considers the roles of consultants and steering and area committees. Concludes that shared governance must be based on a commitment to trusting and cooperative relations between administrators and faculty. (DMM)

An interagency planning process, with citizen participation, for the shared use of educational facilities can lead to increased availability of educational facilities, enhanced revenue potential from building use, and improved facility design. (Author/MLF)

With parent and community input, the school board can develop policies that will prevent unnecessary conflicts and help resolve others involving controversial issues in the curriculum. (Author/DCS)