To implement school restructuring, midcareer administrators must change their role conceptions. This article examines literature concerning the major issues of socialization to a role conception (including definitions, sources, and socialization mechanisms for changing role conceptions) and presents a research agenda focused on two reform…

An in-depth analysis is presented of four secondary social studies departments that have made structural changes in school organization while promoting higher order thinking. In these departments, certain organizational structures, combined with clear curricular emphases, appear to be associated with higher levels of classroom thoughtfulness. (SLD)

The papers in this special issue view teachers and their ongoing development as central to Canada's educational restructuring efforts. This introductory article presents snapshots of the Canadian educational system, teachers' professional lives and careers, and Canadian teacher education strategies and briefly examines the policy-making…

School restructuring means forging a collaborative relationship between the central office and local schools. Outlines the differences between a traditional and a restructured central office. (MLF)

Considers the debate about permitting parents to choose which public school they want their children to attend. Proponents argue that competition would bring improved management and instruction and more efficient resource allocation. Opponents fear effects of special interest groups and possible harm from subjecting teachers and curricula to the…

Accompanied by restructuring, the new technologies may transform schooling because of their power, versatility, portability, and ease of use. Restructuring can effect change if the requisite ingredients (an invitation, authority and flexibility, access to knowledge, and time) are present. Technology aids restructuring by inviting change,…

Many educators are quick to insult the skill and hard work of teachers such as Abdulalim Shabazz and Jaime Escalante by labeling them "charismatic." Deep restructuring means drawing up an appropriate vision of human potential, of aiming for the stars and tapping the vast capabilities of children and the teachers who serve them. (three…

A 20-item quiz to help school boards understand Total Quality Management (TQM) and whether they agree philosophically with TQM's tenets such as quality, continuous improvement, and employee empowerment. (MLF)

The 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act catapulted a "backwater" state to leadership prominence in structural reform. Grounded on school-readiness and community-involvement precepts, KERA links schools and social service agencies and provides family resource/youth services centers to coordinate social service delivery for preschool…

Alternative assessments have sometimes been used for such purposes as external control of schools. Equitable use of alternatives such as performance-based assessment depends on top-down support for bottom-up reform, careful design, and how well assessment is interwoven with the goals of authentic school reform and effective teaching. (SK)

Educational reform offers the possibility of effecting change in both educational policy and practice that can result in increased personal empowerment for teachers. However, changes brought about by school reform will result in increased levels of perceived stress for practitioners. Consequently, planners need to consider the role and value of…

Synthesizes evidence from three independent studies of conditions fostering organizational learning in schools conducted in different contexts, but using comparable methods. The purpose was to identify such conditions from state, district, and school sources, relying on qualitative data from 111 teachers in 14 schools. Collegial atmosphere and…

Analyzes how the social interactional approach of computer-supported collaborative learning meshes with the Finnish school environment. Discusses what aspects of Finnish educational culture, and particularly communication culture, support or hinder the restructuring of educational practices according to cognitive principles of learning and…

Examines the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Ac,t noting the law's alignment with standards-based reforms and new provisions in four areas: individualized education programs, state performance goals, student assessments, and funding. Discusses content standards and the general education curriculum, case studies of…

Examines the trend toward institutional amalgamation and the establishment of cross-institutional consortia in higher education in China and explores policy issues connected with this trend. Uses national data and a case study of a consortium in Beijing. (SLD)