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)

Central office administrators are increasingly expected to be planners and facilitators. To succeed in their new roles, administrators must do long-range planning; be expert, customer-driven, and proactive; offer friendly criticism; generate new services and discontinue others; develop facilitation skills; and help schools exchange unnecessary…

After an I/D/E/A conference on 4MAT learning styles, a Colorado school district developed a site-based staff development program with numerous spinoff offerings and applications. Teachers are using the 4MAT process to restructure curriculum and assess student learning in innovative ways. (MLH)

Although the District of Columbia school board requested additional study on student performance in schools where private firms currently have contracts, the superintendent explains his rationale for requesting private management for some 10 to 15 schools. (MLF)

Replicates a 1980 study of Wisconsin junior high and middle school teachers that investigated the extent of teacher involvement in schoolwide and instructional issues, teachers' interest and expertise in decision issues, and teachers' job satisfaction. After a decade of explicit attention to enhanced teacher professionalism and empowerment,…

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…

Discusses an investigation into factors affecting planning effectiveness in Hong Kong self-managing schools. An analysis of survey data from schools participating in the School Management Initiative scheme shows that principal's support and resource support are significant factors in predicting positive planning outcomes. Explores flexible…

Since inception of Britain's 1988 Education Reform Act, key responsibilities have devolved from local education authorities to school governing bodies. In a recent study, the 27 governors interviewed perceived governing bodies as accountable. Individual administrators felt more accountable to parents than to LEAs or inspection agencies. (26…

In a school-based decision-making environment, a primary role of central office leadership is preparing school councils to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Challenges include reluctant participants, time constraints, the tendency to administer, and legal complexities. A Kentucky school district has developed a forum where…

Examines 22 case studies of schools in four North American school districts to assess process and outcomes of school-based-management reforms, guided by a theoretical model. Schools exhibited positive changes in two areas: decision-making processes and school culture. Strategic and operational reforms, individual behavior, and school quality were…

Investigates teacher empowerment in high schools that had school councils over varying time periods. Participants taught in a state mandating an inclusive school governance process. A School Participant Empowerment Scale measured empowerment over six subscales: decision making, autonomy, self-efficacy, professional growth, status, and impact.…

Reports on how schools selected projects to propose to a competitive grant-awarding program for school-based management projects. The meta-evaluation of the evaluations by 17 schools explores criteria school evaluations should meet. (SLD)

A review of research on innovative school reform for urban minority students is presented with a focus on school-based management (SBM). Through participation in SBM minority parents can improve the education and success levels of their children. Their involvement can be enhanced with the assistance of properly prepared principals. (MMU)

Purchasing in the Edmonton, Alberta, Public Schools focuses on delivering service that is driven by and sensitive to the customers. Purchasing Services respond to site-based decision making, and the Distribution Centre--a central stores operation--ensures the district the best value for dollars expended. (MLF)

The Italian education system was built on Napoleonic and Prussian models, with considerable power vested in the central government and many formal and legal controls. In 1994, after a 20-year failed experiment with governing school councils, the Minister of Education proposed reforms based on notions of autonomy. The current minister also favors…