ERIC Number: ED366070
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1994
Pages: 85
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
High School Restructuring: A National Study. ERS Report.
Cawelti, Gordon
This document presents findings of a nationwide study that examined the extent to which American high schools are implementing various restructuring activities. A survey mailed to principals in all of the nation's 10,365 regionally accredited public and private high schools elicited a 33 percent response rate. Seven indicators of major school restructuring are identified: outcome-based education (OBE); alternative assessment; interdisciplinary teaching; school-based management (SBM); block scheduling; business/industry alliances; and use of modems. Findings indicate a trend toward more participative management and leadership at the school level (one-half of the respondents reported shared school governance). Approximately one-quarter of the schools had established OBE, which provides specific learner outcomes for graduation, and about one-half had developed plans for collaborative social services. However, many schools reported limited use of distance learning, modems, and multimedia systems; comprehensive staff development programs; and monetary personnel incentives. Only seven schools reported general use of all seven indicators of restructuring. In conclusion, the rate of change in the nation's high schools overall is highly variable, but on the whole, the traditional institution remains dominant. A total of 8 figures and 11 tables are included. Appendices outline the 5 major components and the 38 specific elements of restructuring and their definitions and give the demographics of responding schools in tabular form. (LMI)
Descriptors: Curriculum Development, Educational Assessment, Educational Change, Educational Improvement, Educational Technology, High Schools, Incentives, National Surveys, Participative Decision Making, School Based Management, School Business Relationship, School Community Programs, School Restructuring
Educational Research Service, 2000 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201 (Stock No. 0174; $40 nonsubscribers; $20 subscribers).
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Educational Research Service, Arlington, VA.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A