The relationship between schools and parents is examined. The absence of parent involvement is explained by the institutional character of most schools and the lack of effort by parents and schools. Schools must create more opportunities for parent involvement in vital issues such as decision making and the evaluation of principals. (VM)

Today's graduates must be able to graduate with a set of abilities that will last many decades. A university is seen as a conscious social artifact, and both students and faculty need to develop a long-term outlook. (MLW)

Presents the Public Library Association's planning model for strategic planning in public libraries. The development of the model is explained, the basic steps of the planning process are described, and improvements to the model are suggested. (CLB)

The study of work, the experience of work, and how work is organized does not constitute an category of study within the mainstream social sciences. Students need to be introduced to the varieties of capitalist and noncapitalist models or experiments and confront the debate over organizational form versus social context. (MLW)

This article summarizes findings and implications of recent reports on education. The following three guidelines should influence future educational planning: (1) well-educated teachers and effective instruction are basic to good school systems; (2) administrators play a crucial role; and (3) actors in the educational establishment must recognize…

Discusses quality circle programs in educational systems and describes a successful application of quality circles within a residential life program at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. Presents findings from program evaluation which focused on quality of committee products and which illustrated success of quality circle…

Describes how psychology faculty at the Community College of Allegheny County used the delphi technique to achieve consensus on 22 issues related to standardized course prerequisites and descriptions. Concludes that the technique provides a cost-effective method for geographically disbursed systems to reach concensus with advantages over meetings…

This article describes a management training model for school principals developed by the Pasco County (Florida) School District and the University of South Florida. The model is based on the theory that school development requires collaborative decision-making about goals and plans, staff and program development, and assessment activity. (TE)

Effective schools require strong leaders, but any school has a variety of leadership needs. Teachers are ideal instructional leaders, especially when encouraged to undertake such leadership and when willing to become responsible, accountable professionals. A classroom-alternative support team needs both the principal's managerial leadership and…

An elementary school-based team (SBT) problem-solving model is described. Intended to provide recommendations for initial screening, assessment, and instructional alternatives for students with learning problems in mainstreamed settings, the SBT is discussed in terms of benefits, potential problems, developmental sequence, functional processes,…

Explores areas of middle management in which community/junior college librarians could be more involved and productive (e.g., planning, coordination, and public relations). Offers guidelines for effective group decision making. (DMM)

A study covering an 18-year historical analysis of a school district dealing with intentional leadership and the decentralization of decision making is presented. (Author/CB)

Discusses the four major elements in participative management: an information system that provides timely feedback on organizational performance, systematic representation of employees at all levels, alignment around a vision that is shared by all, and the organizational leaders' belief in the creativity and responsibility of employees. (CT)

Characteristics of group facilitator are similar to those of information specialist as one who gathers information, clarifies questions, builds up and breaks down knowledge, presents balanced points of view, and defines problems and strategies for resolution. Information specialist has opportunity to meet organizational needs through traditional…

In 1984, the Utah legislature enacted a career ladder bill encouraging all local districts to develop plans for restructuring teachers' compensation and promotion options. An independent, bipartisan taskforce then created a statewide, decentralized model that increases educators' power, minimizes merit and staff differentiation, and fosters…