Although school-based management takes many forms, its essence is school level autonomy plus participatory decision-making. This article discusses implications for budget, staffing, curriculum, and beyond. The key is substituting participation for authority. A sidebar presents research highlights. Includes 26 references. (MLH)

Tested conceptual model of context, processes, and outcomes of joint marital decision making of married couples (N=188) which specified spouses' process variables as individual-level measures and partners' consensus as a couple construct. Found context factor of spouses' emotional interdependence influenced both partners' coerciveness and degree…

A review of 200 documents describing site-based management in the United States, Canada, and Australia shows that this management style does not achieve its stated objectives to change school policy, broaden decision-making, and improve instruction or student achievement. Program viability, site conditions, and assessment issues are discussed. A…

Most decisions are made not by individuals but by groups. Knowing how the group process works and how information enters it can improve the quality of decisions, and can enhance the institutional researcher's role as data supplier and lead methodologist. (Author/MSE)

According to a 1987 survey of administrators in 154 exemplary middle schools, certain implementation strategies are essential to ensure success, including participatory decision-making, leadership and philosophical vision, windows of opportunity, staff development, and evaluation and public relations expertise. Postimplementation strategies are…

Overwhelmed by an unending stream of middle school offenders referred to his office, a new vice-principal decided to abandon his solitary shamanship and seek staff assistance. The result--a trained, 16-member student leadership group (assisted by faculty advisers) to orient other students and teachers to a vastly improved school ethic. (MLH)

When traditional approaches to literacy programs and learners are examined critically, a new participatory paradigm that recognizes learners' capacities to shape and control program development emerges. (Editor)

A national literacy effort built on participatory principles will require study of existing learner-centered theory and practice, resource development, research and development, training and networking, and careful planning. Literacy educators and learners must support each other to create a constituency for the participatory alternative. (Editor)

Proposes that cultural and role variables within organizations will predict the extent to which individuals hold a collective or individualistic approach to organizational life. Finds that effects of participation and allocation on organizational participants is moderated by the culture of the organization and the roles individuals play within the…

The current educational reform movement differs from past efforts primarily because of the greatly expanded role of teachers and their organizations in school management and improvement. This broader context of teaching is reflected in such innovations as participatory decision-making and school improvement teams with teachers as equal partners.…

Control of the budget function is at the heart of SBM. Only by accepting site-based budgeting can a district restore a sense of influence to those nearest the school and its students. Allowing individual schools to control the budgeting process should enhance staff responsiveness while returning decision-making power to the building level. (21…

Describes study that examined therapeutic alliance from the perspective of the involved client using phenomenological analysis. Three types of perceived alliance were identified: nurturant, insight-oriented, and collaborative. Findings suggest that some crucial features of the perceived working relationship are not accounted for in current…

School environments supporting inclusion require collaborative planning and program development. Inclusion is possible if the full community of parents, education personnel at all levels, policymakers, and community agencies join to make it a reality. Discusses observable benchmarks to be used to measure a school's progress in building these…

A General Motors-Toyota auto assembly plant demonstrates how hierarchy and standardization can improve productivity and motivate workers. The production system is strongly committed to the social context of work and focused on standards designed by workers themselves, giving continuous improvement a specific foundation. (SK)

School renovation projects, such as those undertaken by two Boston elementary schools, allow principals opportunity to influence quality and usefulness of renovated space as well as values expressed by school environment. Despite tight budgetary constraints, architects designed a series of vivid graphic images throughout Patrick O'Hearn School to…