The Self-Actualizing Case Method (SACM) fosters high trainee involvement by making the group responsible for all aspects of the case study, including its presentation, analysis, and peer evaluation. The authors discuss this teaching method and include a survey analysis of trainees' attitudes to SACM. (PD)

The author explains the particular relevance of participatory decision making for the Catholic school administrator, with reference to such organizational theories as McGregor's Theory Y and Maslow's hierarchy of human needs. (Author/SJL)

The author states that the classical authoritarian organizational model and managerial style are being replaced by participative and matrix forms of corporate activity. He focuses on setting tomorrow's norms in human resource development. (CT)

A method of developing, timing, and integrating information for sharing with diverse groups represented in university decision making is described. Systematic information sharing in institutions is needed to serve management, administrative, and planning functions, and to enhance understanding and support of these institutions by their…

The authors elaborate a strategy for public school improvement that involves (1) collaboration between teachers and administrators in planning and decision making and (2) decentralization of school administration. New roles for teacher unions and professional associations are described. (SK)

Under the leadership of a new president, Arkansas College engaged in a year-long evaluation and planning process. The "Small College Academic Management Project" (SCAMP), aimed at dispersing academic decision-making authority while maintaining the necessary decision-making accountability relationships, is described. (MLW)

The state and federal governments have recently mandated increased teacher participation in decisionmaking. Once a district has become open to this concept, the administration must help teachers to redefine their own role conceptions and to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to their new tasks. (Author/SJL)

The structure, implementation, and advantages of Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District's decentralized management and budgeting system are described. (SJL)

Examines differences and similarities in role conception between principals participating in a state-sponsored restructuring program (the Centennial School Program) and nonparticipating principals. Findings from a statewide survey of administrators show that CSP principals generally report practices and attitudes congruent with program elements.…

Examines school-based decision making, discussing its promise for urban settings, describing implementation of local control in New York and Detroit, highlighting decentralization effects in four locations, and making recommendations based on similarities and differences between and among sites that may be instructive to other urban settings…

The League of Peaceful Schools was formed in Nova Scotia to support schools committed to building a culture of peace. Guided by League facilitators, member schools offer children models for building healthy relationships through service learning and elders programs. Member schools develop discipline policies that are proactive instead of punitive,…

Empowerment evaluation helps people improve their programs using self-evaluation. Empowerment evaluation has three steps: establishing a mission; taking stock of the most significant activities; and planning for the future by establishing goals, strategies, and criteria for evidence. A NASA experiential program for small, distributed groups of…

Examines participation of minority representatives on local school-change teams in Kentucky and their feelings about the experience. Their reasons for dropping out indicate that minority parents do not feel accepted by the decision-making group (often because of perceptions of racism and classism) and lack the confidence to participate fully in…

Construction in and around a school building can be disruptive. With planning, communication, and a willingness to be creative, a school can run smoothly and construction can also be used as a learning opportunity for students. (MLF)

Democracy is deeply rooted in Japanese history but not in a form that is readily recognizable to Western observers. A study of student decision making in an elementary classroom found that student attitudes about what children should decide were shaped by students' prior experience of decision making, and that their style of decision making…