Proposes a framework for the practice of democratic decision making by teachers with their students, a framework developed through practice in educational institutions at all levels as well as in the community. The paper presents steps to take in moving toward the democratic ideal in a teacher-with-student class. (SM)

Examines school-based management as an effective strategy for optimizing the individual performance of teachers, students, and parents. Under school-based management, principals and teachers are given total responsibility for budgeting, selecting textbooks, scheduling, and hiring. This system provides flexibility in relationships with the broader…

Summarizes the steps and strategies taken to produce a comprehensive multiyear budget that functions as a financial forecast. Discusses the key concepts and components of an effective plan as well as the presentation and implementation of the plan. (seven figures) (MLF)

The applicability of employee-involvement approaches to the management of schools is explored, describing three approaches (parallel-suggestion involvement, job involvement, and high involvement). Design issues (technology; organizational structure; leadership; organizational boundaries, customer definition, and relation to stakeholder; measures;…

A class project to design a robe for the pastor of Church of England primary school was undertaken to give children a first-hand problem-solving experience and increase their involvement in the church activities. Much mathematics and communication was required to complete this cooperative learning task. (MDH)

A teacher reflects on what he learned from his students and educator Earl Kelley's writings, when 30 years ago as a beginning teacher, he attempted a democratic approach to teaching junior high school science and math. This approach encouraged student collaboration in the planning of learning activities, community projects, and student assessment.…

Examines Scotland's increasingly standardized national curriculum and testing reforms. Discusses centrally determined innovations, relationships between curriculum and assessment, reforms' effects on classroom, and teachers' role. Compares elements of encroaching "market model" reforms in England, Wales, and United States, suggesting…

Urges that teachers be allowed to play a more active role in school restructuring. Argues that democratic ideals cannot be taught by a school system that is not run democratically. Insists that proponents of restructuring and educational renewal must see as central the teachers' control over professional affairs. (DK)

Using telephone survey data from National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers representatives and information from official union publications and research reports, this article summarizes AFT and NEA perspectives on shared governance and administrator education programs in light of school restructuring efforts. The central…

Describes Indiana University's Teacher as Decision Maker Program, a graduate-level teacher education program offering middle/secondary school certification plus a master's degree. It serves individuals making career changes and is based on research in teacher education. Its theoretical framework integrates pedagogical schemata, professional…

Contends that teachers have an obligation to select classroom management strategies that help students develop skills for responsible citizenship. Asserts that involving students in participative decision making is essential to this process. Provides four guidelines and 17 subguidelines derived from classroom management research. (CFR)

Examines possible gender-related criteria for "good schools": (1) How far can schools counteract stereotypes of sex-role specific behavior? (2) How far do developments integrating parents take account of necessary changes in traditional gender-specific role patterns? (3) How do schools ensure equal participation by male and female…

A survey of 127 rural Kentucky school councils found that more parent members than teacher members held positive views about their school-council performance, and more teacher members than principals had such opinions. Members indicated main benefits to the school from council performance and main problems faced by school councils. Contains 22…

Instead of inviting public engagement, the current educational system reinforces a hierarchical, bureaucratic pattern that gives neither students nor parents an official voice. Today's parents are demanding, more market-oriented, and organizing on the Internet. Strategies for fully involving parents in improvements for the common good are…

Orem (Utah) High School is a suburban, predominantly white high school that consciously strives to create a welcoming atmosphere, where students are treated with respect, programs are varied and innovative, and fun and participative decision making are highly valued. The school's participation in the National Network for Educational Renewal has…