During the last five years, the Prince George's County (Maryland) public school system has brought about dramatic improvements in the academic achievement of at-risk students, offering strong evidence that public education can succeed for all children. This report describes how Prince George's County accomplished this turnaround through a process…

This report outlines the Seattle Public Schools' high School program, with an emphasis on preparation for college and employment. Part I describes the seminar, held in 1982-83, which generated this report. It explains that recommendations contained in this report will become guidelines for schools as they move towards the district's goal of…

The Dallas (Texas) Independent School District has developed an assessment system that is fully integrated into its learning system, which also includes planning, instruction, and accountability. This paper describes the learning system in Dallas in terms of a four-part model: planning, instruction, assessment, and accountability. Following this,…

This paper discusses the impact that recent educational reforms by the New Zealand government had on Maori individuals involved in community decision-making processes, focusing on one predominantly Maori rural community. Three strands of recent educational change in New Zealand are the move to self-managing institutions; ongoing debate over…

In recent years there has been a substantial change in the way education is structured, financed, and managed in Australia. The move toward more self-management is now a feature of all Australian systems. In the state of Victoria, current decentralization has been a way to generate improved student outcomes, of a way to reduce the amount of…

In Australia as in many other countries, the idea of decentralization of education is an idea being widely adopted. However, it is not clear whether this has resulted in improved student achievement. A review of international research on decentralization provides clear indications that it cannot be asserted that a decentralized system, in itself,…

Inspired by the gains in student achievement realized by the small schools movement in New York City, the Oakland Unified School District (California) has proposed creating a network of 10 new, small autonomous (NSA) schools over the next 3 years. School size will range between 250 and 500 students, depending on grade level. "Autonomous"…

This paper reports on an examination of the effects of leadership practices on student achievement. It includes a meta-analysis of nearly every available study since the 1970s, including doctoral dissertations, that indicated it examined the effects of leadership on student achievement. From a total of more than 5,000 studies, 70 met the…

Analyzes findings from a 3-year study of 10 racially mixed schools that decided to reduce ability grouping. Discovers that decentralized decision making and local control inhibit systemic reform because the micropolitics of autonomous schools will act as an obstructionist influence. (MJP)

Argues that the "new managerialism" approach to educational management in Scotland, with its emphasis on performance monitoring, diverts attention away from the core concerns of educational delivery and incurs significant bureaucratic costs. An alternative model, which is based on collegiality and democracy, focuses on professionalism,…

Examines the potential consequences for Scottish local education authorities of current social and political trends and Conservative government policies, particularly devolution of managerial functions to the schools. Discusses the effect of school performance indicators and parental choice on educational equity. Contains 38 references. (SV)

Presents a case study of the impact of school-based development planning on a small, disadvantaged rural elementary school in New South Wales. Although this collaborative approach increased parent participation and ownership in the school, more demands were placed on staff, particularly the teaching principal. Additional resources are essential…

Reviews Kentucky's efforts to increase family and community involvement in its public school reform. These efforts include a new structure for the traditional elementary school; Family Resource Centers; and school-based decision making. Also shares some parents' perspectives on how these changes are shaping their children's school experiences. (BB)

A 1993 National Study of High School Restructuring surveyed principals of 3,380 high schools concerning restructuring elements being used. Although 10-15% of U.S. schools are being restructured, few are simultaneously employing key elements (performance standards, authentic assessment, interdisciplinary curriculum, school-based decision making,…

Massachusetts' public education system has a long history of excellence and high regard. Recently, a declining economy, changed demographics, and a conservative government have placed the commonwealth's schools in crisis. This article describes recent state educational reforms, particularly funding and programmatic initiatives, highlighting 1985…