The article describes accomplishments of an advisory panel for exceptional students in one Florida school district. The process of identifying and resolving problems is described in the context of specific issues such as placement of minority students in special education, graduation procedures, and evaluation of the individualized education…

Presents a preliminary assessment model focusing on the normative dilemmas of dual-career couples in regard to career development. Developmental areas and normative dilemmas in careers, gender roles, and marriage-family are discussed, and normative themes enumerated. The assessment model shows how career events and interpersonal-family…

Pressure for curriculum change comes from many sources--the federal and state government and individuals at the local level. Principals are responsible for balancing these pressures to ensure curricular integrity and coherence. After reviewing various pressures, this article explores principals' options for envisioning curriculum. (MLH)

Discusses the impact of information technologies on the academic environment and the need to manage changes in information services, and presents managerial strategies for information services in support and strategic positions. Problems unique to the academic environment are identified and possible solutions are suggested. (CLB)

Suggests that first-time young collaborators are likely to struggle for control of their writing group and for control of the common text. They are ultimately likely to accept the leadership of the group member who makes best use of other member's skills. Focuses on problem-solving skills. (Author/RWB)

The key to an employee-supported evaluation system is involving a significant majority of those affected in the planning process. This article describes the development of a new evaluation system for 200 administrators and supervisiors based on attitude surveys and a large administrator-dominated steering committee. (MLH)

The manager of a corporate library describes five strategies for special libraries to increase services and resources without increasing staff or budgets: automation, reorganization, using temporarily available employees, using in-house services, and participatory management. (Author/EM)

In Hammond, IN, the hierarchical structure of authority typical of most school districts is on its way out. With school based committees making more decisions, teachers are having a say in all matters that affect them and their students. Includes an interview with teacher and union leader, Patrick O'Rourke (Author/LHW)

Decision making was studied in 55 public secondary schools in New Jersey. Aston's methodology was used and showed that principals who shared decison making had teachers who were more loyal, satisfied, and described the authority structure as less rigid. A distinction was made between delegated and joint decison making. (author/dc).

Describes problems in faculty evaluation and performance appraisal and presents assumptions and features of newer alternative faculty evaluation systems. A strategy for developing systems which is based on organizational change theory is discussed. This system involves use of committees and structured phases for faculty input. (MBR)

Education reform has wrongly focused on teacher motivation and rewards, when the organizational system itself is at fault. Research shows that effective school management hinges on increased individual discretion and decision-making opportunities for teachers and less controlling behavior by administrators. Ten characteristics of effective…

Proposes a faculty retreat as an opportunity to approach decision-making through consensus-building strategies. Identifies four decision-making stages and outlines techniques to be used at each stage. (JM)

Describes a study of: (1) Illinois community college faculty's impact on institutional decisions regarding personnel status, academic operations, administrator selection, financial planning and policy, and professional duties; (2) the impact of collective bargaining on faculty's decision-making role; and (3) the relationship between contextual…

Advocates using unassigned, student-generated topics for writing assignments. (EL)

The simultaneous presence of faculty growth and a sense of faculty community can help a good school really shine. This article explores ways in which a school environment supporting these two factors can be developed and maintained, using the private Sidwell Friends Lower School in Washington, D.C., as an example. (PGD)