Report of a study from Israel that reveals that SBM positively affects teachers' commitment to the profession and students' academic achievement, and negatively affects their commitment to the school and students' social well-being. Further, teachers' autonomy remained unchanged after SBM was introduced. (Contains 4 figures, a questionnaire, and…

Educators should encourage the "small is beautiful" approach to school improvement because it mobilizes a powerful "inside out" process instrumental to organizational effectiveness. As a study of two rural Vermont high schools shows, creative ways are needed to channel and maximize innovation without dampening the dynamics of…

An analysis is provided of whether good teaching of worthwhile content to all students is better promoted by standard-setting initiatives or through leaving teachers alone. Alternative courses of action are reviewed that might make external standard-setting activities matters of persuasion, not issues of compliance. (SLD)

Reports a study of concepts of professionalism among secondary-school teachers in India and England. Suggests the meaning of "professionalism" in India may not necessarily involve the same notions of autonomy or power that it does in England. Proposes this is a residue of the Indian colonial experience. (DHP)

Three levels of autonomy--strategic, administrative, and operational--fit together in a school system. Management strategies that foster teacher autonomy include professional development activities, mentorship, dual career ladder, and project management. (MLF)

From a sample of 1,000 New York attorneys, data from 553 men and 129 women suggest that professional autonomy depends on social capital arrangements that assume overtime, open-ended work demands, and release from private obligations. Access to time is qualitatively different for men and women, especially married women with children. (SK)

Defines cataloging management; describes cataloging work flow basics; discusses current issues such as outsourcing, job duties, cataloging Internet resources, and online catalogs; and predicts the future role of cataloging managers. A simplified cataloging work flow chart and cataloging management exercise with a sample solution are presented in…

This article examines the interplay between universities and governments, within the context of recent changes in the Australian higher education system. The Australian government is urged to fund institutions adequately and encourage diversity. Australian universities are urged to defend their autonomy and distinctive educational missions. (DB)

To test R. E. Callahan's (1962) theory about superintendents' vulnerability to interest groups, the career of E. C. Hartwell is examined. Hartwell's career in three cities (1914-22) demonstrates the power that a superintendent could acquire and wield. (SLD)

School effectiveness, rather than distribution of power, is the key school reform issue. The structure of shared decision making should be driven by what administrators and teachers believe is important for kids. In a recently restructured San Diego community school, the principal's primary function as chief executive officer is "keeper of…

Two normative interpretations, professionalism and democracy, are advanced for research that argues for such school reform as decentralized management, a team approach to school operation, and more autonomy for teachers. It is argued that a democratic conception is distinguishable from, and preferable to, a conception of teachers as professionals.…

The current emphasis on accountability, standards, and assessment is missing one important dimension--connection to a sense of values and beliefs. In California, standards are stifling creativity and flexibility; standard-setting is too politicized; test scores are eclipsing democratic values; and cash rewards won't necessarily improve student…

Examined teachers' experiences in charter and public schools to investigate how deregulation policies affected teaching conditions. Results indicated that the most autonomous schools (charter schools) were not necessarily favored by teachers. Greater autonomy for teachers was accomplished by expanded roles and responsibilities in deregulated…

Analyzes recent Slovenian elementary school legislation, considering its influence on elementary school teachers. This legislation is based on the belief that teachers must learn to feel confident with their own decision making. The paper outlines proposals for restructuring elementary education generated by the Restructuring Primary Teachers'…

Educators have long recognized the negative pedagogical effects of the strong centralization, curricular uniformity, and fragmentation that characterizes Israel's equity-driven education system. A recent experiment with site-based management at nine elementary schools may increase teacher and parental involvement, improve school climate, and…