Presents an example of putting environmental education at the heart of schooling, of using the multisensory power of the arts and nature to drive learning, and of participatory democracy as a central concern in the life of the school. (MKR)

Discusses the importance of participatory management in early childhood programs to achieve trust and commitment to organizational goals as well as to meet individual needs. Provides a framework for understanding shared decision making by examining types of decisions in the early childhood setting and levels of participation. Suggests strategies…

In organizations that have adopted the "quality" prescription (empowerment, participation, teams), supervisors and workers are being trained to lead and facilitate team meetings. The effectiveness of work teams depends heavily on the effectiveness of the facilitator. (JOW)

Examines role sender (faculty) perceptions of nonacademic staff involvement in four major university governance areas, considering the possible effects of faculty rank, institutional type, and nonacademic staff type. Results suggest limited governance roles for nonacademic employees in complex organizations where faculty are primary role-senders…

Involving subordinates in decisions may improve decision quality and acceptance when participation fits situational constraints. This article develops a participative decision-making theory that suggests which conditions favor subordinate (teacher) involvement and describes the administrator's appropriate role, which also depends on the situation.…

Educators at Bowling Green State University found that trying to apply a corporate model of strategic planning in a college environment was very difficult. This article recommends choosing metaphors carefully, anticipating undesirable side effects, and creating a need to know. Using noncorporate metaphorical models may prove effective. (six…

Used Jungian psychodynamics in investigation of participative community planning to enhance interpersonal cooperation, initiated primarily to aid the economic revival of Montana. Used search conference technique with Jungian psychodynamics and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to achieve better understanding of group economic revitalization.…

Employee involvement (EI) activities were established by management to create more meaningful work for employees and to make companies more competitive. What is missing is a clear method to link the problems of an organization with the appropriate EI activity. (JOW)

As a site-based, participatory management project being implemented in 15 schools throughout Delaware, RE:Learning is a natural extension of the collegial relationships established over the past 10 years between local schools and districts and the State Department of Public Instruction. Success hinges on a periodic school review process and a…

Reviews the independent living movement from its inception after World War II. Discusses current issues pertinent to rural independent living, funding sources, the role of research and training centers, and the outlook on crucial independent living issues for the 1990s. Emphasizes the concept of "consumer control" (participative decision…

Four years ago, a very small group of teachers at a Stockton, California, high school recognized that the school must make some dramatic changes in curriculum, governance, and educational philosophies. This article shares pitfalls and surprises encountered in teachers' struggle to create a climate for change and implement their new vision. (seven…

The key element in parental involvement is a sense of parent-school partnership. Parents can participate as decision makers, helpers, and coeducators. Facilitating parental involvement means removing five barriers: distance between parents and teachers, lack of teacher training, race and class biases, limited views of parental involvement, and…

Explains the use of proper collaboration when planning and designing an athletic facility. Consultation with the coach and athletic staff is stressed along with an explanation of administrating the planning process. An example of one school's answer to balancing athletics and academics is provided. (GR)

Focuses on whether a collective mind forms in large-group writing in the workplace. Discusses "collective form" in two senses. Describes how group leaders prominently displayed a task completion check-off chart that, in a downsizing environment, helped both to coordinate group activity and to encourage completion. Discusses pedagogical…

Offers an overview of what it means to educate for a democratic life in the elementary school. Discusses three guiding questions: How can educators work together so that everyone benefits?; What is already known about the democratic process and what else should educators find out?; and Is everyone included in trying to solve this problem? (SR)