Reviews "Preparing School Administrators for Democratic Authority" by Richard A. Quantz et al. Because education is political, administrators need a historical perspective on how dominant traditions have evolved as well as on the impact of the disenfranchised on education in the past. Calls for more insight from a feminist perspective.…

Tests whether previous experimental findings on the use of power hold for actual organizational interactions among employees in three Canadian organizations. Uses the critical incident method. Finds cooperative goals are associated with the exchange of resources, strengthened work relationships, and productivity. (NL)

Conducted comparative case study of organizational climates in two prisons Findings from 149 staff members and 442 inmates revealed that flattening organizational structure without decentralizing authority seemed to have negative effects on staff supervisory relations and job satisfaction. Inmates reported better quality of life and more effective…

Uses qualitative research methods (interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis) to determine whether a rural midwestern high school's restructuring process serves particular values and silences others. Findings showed lack of consideration for social power and student identity issues. Basic restructuring elements (outcome-based…

Explores the various leadership models (structural-functional, open-systems, cultural-pluralism, interpersonal, and political) used to illuminate headteachers' work and considers the problems faced by leaders in professionally staffed organizations. School leadership activities center on managing organizational cultures and the external…

Recognizes that consumerist approaches to education are seductive and agrees that choice and standards are positive ingredients of educational provision. However, argues that official writing on school choice is decontextualized, ignoring the impact of social class, gender, and race. Discusses the personal and social impacts of each of these…

Based on an ethnographic project, this article examines ways that the Indian middle class, with its easy access to English, represents an inner circle of power and privilege that is inaccessible to particular groups of people in India. Certain institutional and teaching practices keep English out of reach of lower income and lower-caste groups and…

Focuses on girls' education through observations of two teachers believed to be moving toward creating a moral framework for structuring humane treatment, respectful social relations, and authentic learning for all students. Concludes with recommendations for how teachers can assume moral authority to create inclusive, caring, and participatory…

Role of boardroom table shape in college/university governing board decision making is considered. Boards are urged to consider whether boardroom table and room design accurately reflect institutional/group culture and whether they lead to information sharing and collaboration. A semicircular table design is seen as directing energy toward a…

Evaluates professionalism in contemporary context and suggests ways to enhance educational institutions' learning capability. The new professionalism stresses use of democratic collaboration to confront bureaucratic constraints and disciplinary power in an uncertain age. New professionals must self-consciously create and recreate collaborative…

In a case involving parents' claims that a Louisiana district's uniform policy violated their children's 14th Amendment right to free speech, Fifth Circuit Judge Robert Parker sided with the school board. The board's legitimate interests in regulating student behavior outweighed students' legitimate interests concerning clothing choices. (MLH)

Reviews an anthology that provides undergraduate and graduate students with theoretical and practical discussion on various ideological convictions in the fields of multiculturalism and bilingual education. Discusses theoretical conflicts and ideologies affecting the field of multiculturalism, and the more immediate effects of politics on teaching…

Examines deteriorating living conditions, health, and education in Africa, and increased economic dependence of African governments on international "donors" demanding "structural adjustment" policies that reduce public expenditures. Discusses arrogant triumphalism of the United States and international financial institutions,…

Reviews the literature on world-system theory and critical thinking about class relations to examine differences in thinking about the responses of subordinate actors to hegemony. Suggests an agency-oriented agenda for world-system inquiry in comparative education that focuses on resistance and accommodation by periphery students and educators to…

Describes the authors' experience co-chairing a writing department. Identifies seven key areas where the sharing of writing program administrator duties has resulted in personal, departmental, or institutional benefits. Discusses workload and professional identity, the politics of writing programs, co-directing as post-bureaucratic practice, and…