A department chairperson who is a transformational leader creates a shared commitment to the quality of college teaching. Improving the overall teaching effectiveness in the department, improving the quality of performance of those who are poor teachers, motivating alienated tenured faculty, and motivating burned-out faculty members are discussed.…

The praxis orientation is proposed as an approach to school-based evaluation that enables professionals to understand power relationships and act toward empowerment of the local school community. The orientation is offered as an alternative to the positivist power-control approach, which is critiqued. (TJH)

Assesses the role of the composition director in writing programs. Argues that the composition director should be a tenured professor and should possess full administrative control over all aspects of the writing program. (RAE)

Examined family cohesion and power in relation to depressive affect, social self-concept, and behavioral restraint in young adolescents. Cohesion and power were examined within the context of parent-child and mother-father relationships. The cohesive nature of family relationships affected adjustment more consistently for girls than boys, whereas…

Access to power and recognition of the currents of political life represent the greatest challenge to positioning for the public library and its leader. Clear vision is vital for navigating a multitude of constituencies. The director's hierarchical position may or may not be of value in the quest to fulfill the library's goals. (Author/KRN)

The role of institutional research in a college or university is closely related to the values, beliefs, and practices of those in authority. Institutional research has traditionally perpetuated asymmetrical power relations and subordination of some groups. However, institutional research can also be designed to promote cultural democracy by…

Faced with declining enrollment and a $17-million budget gap, Northeastern University (Massachusetts) rejected easy solutions in favor of radical change. The resulting restructuring process, which included development of a partnership with faculty rather than imposition of change by administration, has been successful and is now seen as a model.…

The growth of personal autonomy was studies in a reflective, inquiry-oriented teacher education program, analyzing how often beginning teachers displayed critical reflection when their self-directed seminar focused on authority. Findings indicated the nondirective seminar devoted to promoting personal autonomy and collaboration did not meet…

This study of the composition and operation of both "top down" and "participative" school management teams in 18 Israeli elementary schools considers (1) how management teams are organized, solve problems, and make decisions; and (2) how the operation of the management team influences school effectiveness. No relationship…

Discusses responses to a 1990 survey of 21 Chief Librarians of medium-sized public libraries in Ontario regarding experiences working with the Library Board. Topics addressed include the powers and role of the board, balance and limits of power, informing the board, working with the municipality, the working relationship, clarifying expectations,…

Evaluates "Law in a Free Society," a curriculum project of the Center for Civic Education. Details the contents of 11 lessons from the upper elementary school (Level IV) units on justice and 10 lessons from the secondary school (Level VI) units concerning authority. Offers an example of the program's "Exercises in…

The rhetoric of current blueprints for (Australian) school reform must be scrutinized to ensure a power redistribution furthering improved outcomes for more students, particularly the least advantaged. A desirable social justice outcome might be achieved through blending equality aspects ensured by the old centralized system with the progressive…

Surveys 100 K-9 teachers in 1 school district striving to institute whole language. Examines teachers' perceptions of power, their professional background and personal literacy habits, and some current classroom activities to help determine some of the conflict in implementing whole-language classrooms. (SR)

Examines the evolving role of parents in school decision making. Discusses the history of the parent-school relationship during the 20th century, categories of parent involvement, class and gender biases within the power structure, influence of principal's leadership style, needs for parent and educator reeducation, and development of true…

Understanding the conventions and culture of the academic marketplace can help candidates navigate the system and overcome barriers presented by the unwritten code of career mobility. Research on academic administrative career paths and the American Council on Education Fellows Program suggests issues to consider in career development. (MSE)