Describes a method for effecting change used with large secondary schools. Workshop participants explored the value of experiential, participative approaches to change and considered how what they bring to a situation can be creatively integrated with what is found in the changed situation. (JOW)

This book suggests that a solution to schools' lack of comprehensive literacy programs may be found through innovations in collaborative decision making about curriculum and instruction. It provides analyses of collaborative efforts, multiple ways to think about collaboration and its implementation, and examples of collaborative projects. After an…

In the 1970s a new form of outdoor trip programming appeared. Known as "common adventure," its best known trait is the absence of a designated leader. In 1970, Gary Grimm, the University of Oregon's first outdoor program coordinator, laid out the key principles: self-directed learning, formation of groups of people with similar interests…

This study examined collaborative planning and decision making in a grade level team of elementary teachers during team meetings. Fourteen teachers in a suburban district participated over 3 years. Participants were predominantly white and female and ranged from first-year to experienced teachers. Teachers were observed during regular weekly team…

Describes the successful program implemented at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis (Indiana) for increasing the participation of parents, students, and teachers in school governance. Identifies new roles performed by teachers, administrators, parents, and students and notes two dramatic results of the program's first year. (PGD)

Discusses management theories and reports on a study establishing that, if managers are exposed to modern human resources management theories through a series of training programs, they will adopt a participative leadership style, and that this style will be reflected in their attitudes and the perceptions of their subordinates. (Author/IRT)

Explores the assumption that teachers want to participate in schoolwide decision making by constructing a typology of teachers. Characterizes four types of teachers: empowered, disenfranchised, involved (those that do not want to participate, but do), and disengaged. Analysis of teachers' differences and similarities on demographic and attitudinal…

Fostering self-determination is the defining focus of empowerment evaluation, but this type of evaluation overlaps participatory, collaborative, stakeholder-involving, and utilization-focused approaches to evaluation. It becomes critical to distinguish empowerment evaluation from other approaches as the field debates its boundaries and…

A Waconia, Minnesota superintendent involved in constructing a new high school found that designing a successful music suite depended on building community support, understanding the music suite's special needs, and managing compromise and communication. A participative planning process allowed considerable input on decisions concerning acoustics,…

Total Quality Management in Education is a systems model that involves internal and external stakeholders in developing practices, establishing partnership teams, enhancing individual growth, and increasing communication. Walk the Talk in Texas is an example of successful application of the model. (SK)

Reviews relevant literature on systemic change and community participation. Explores leadership styles of principals in four community-minded middle schools. Administrators should be aware of their individual leadership styles and their effects on others' behavior. Principals wishing to foster empowerment in schools should move toward a…

Discusses research in three Australian secondary schools planning to implement school-based decision-making and planning procedures as part of a "corporate-managerialist" restructuring program. Results showed that secondary schools are open social systems comprised of complex relationship patterns. A unitary view of secondary schools is…

A case study of how students have a voice in a school community. Describes the governance system and the ways students participate. Positive results have included a sense of ownership and pride, cooperative adult-student relationships, and the development of greater responsibility and citizenship. An appendix contains the school constitution. (MLF)

The underlying values and principles of the "common adventure" model are presented. Features of a common adventure trip include a group of individuals working cooperatively toward mutual goals and sharing expenses, decision making, and responsibilities equitably. The common adventure model is contrasted with adventure education,…

The traditional multinational approach to business strategy and human resource management, as well as the global approach, are not effective in a world no longer insular. A transnational approach requires global strategy and perspective, local responsiveness and flexibility, teamwork, shared responsibility, and empowered and innovative workers.…