Using Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" as a basis, the author offers an alternative to deficit model programing (catch-up classes for "deficient" students) and posits an approach to problem solving that depends on dialog and interaction. (WD)

When teachers strike, most people assume their grievance is money. But a recent survey of 18 Montana schools reveals that much teacher discontent stems from their lack of involvement in site-level decision making. A Faculty Senate Policy Committee is proposed to facilitate teacher participation in policy formulation. (SJL)

The "Essentials of Best Practice in Professional Development for Sustained Change Model" is based on recent research in professional development, adult learning theory, shared leadership, effective schools, and the change process. The model views increased student learning as the goal; schools as the unit of change; professional…

Lessons learned in the merger of two junior high schools, one predominantly black and one predominantly white, with a history of competition and distrust, illustrate the sense of community that can be developed with shared decision making and respect for cultural differences. Reducing ability grouping was vital in unifying the academic structures.…

The challenge of containing health-care costs continues despite a break from cost increases. Most experts would advise school employees to replace existing health plans with a triple-choice HMO plan using $10 copayments. Armed with quality data and a choice-based plan design, school business officials can improve their chances for long-term cost…

This article recounts the journey of a high school administrator to the concept of feminist administration. It offers a first definition of feminist administering through parallels with feminist pedagogy and makes some tentative suggestions about the application of the concept to the school restructuring movement. (IAH)

Uses the example of the takeover of the Chelsea (Massachusetts) public schools by Boston University to illustrate the problems of educational reform without the involvement of classroom teachers. Argues that no collaboration can be successful without the involvement of parents and teachers. (FMW)

School-site management alone cannot guarantee administrative decentralization or nonbureaucratic management of teachers. A collegial, professional work environment can only be created by adhering to a participatory managerial philosophy that respects teachers as professionals and decision-makers and considers the specific relationships arising…

The change process surrounding the introduction of an all-day kindergarten program in a small suburban school district is examined in this case study. Implications for adoption and implementation of early childhood programs in other school systems are discussed. (IAH)

Using problems associated with Spain's educational reform efforts as a point of departure, this article identifies and discusses a set of universal rules or principles that apply to the reform process. These principles relate to social context, pacing, resources, government and grassroots participation, and research. (IAH)

Presents a paradigm of community college governance that strengthens the well-being and self-esteem of faculty. The nine levels of the model focus on factors such as involving faculty in administration; providing opportunities for professional growth; and recognizing the primacy of the instructor in the classroom. (DMM)

Appraises community education as an approach to reforming local educational politics. The bureaucratic system of school governance is unresponsive to the multifaceted educational needs of contemporary communities. As parents regain a meaningful role in determining school practice, the community education process will restore their lost sense of…

Compares the problems faced in public education to those of U.S. industry during the past two decades. Points out that today's educational enterprise requires greater cooperation, communication, and commitment. Calls for the formation of a new partnership among education, business, and community. In place of separate reforms, advocates a new…

Foremost policy watcher at the Center for the Study of Teaching, Linda Darling-Hammond analyzes the effects of state and district policies on teachers in classrooms, favors full partnership for teachers in decision-making, and points out the importance of the knowledge base for the professionalization of teaching. (TE)

Following a review of the literature on parental involvement in school decision making, examines the background of current educational restructuring and parental involvement in school decision making in Western Australia. A case study of attitudes of primary school teachers in Western Australia about parental involvement is reported. (SLD)