Examined effects of school socioeconomic status, student race/ethnicity, gender, family composition, and school organization on students' sense of belonging. For high SES schools, no statistically significant effects were obtained for the five variables; for low SES schools, statistically significant main effects were obtained for student gender,…

Summarizes a case study examining how a nongraded, multiage schooling structure differs from a traditional grade structure, based on participants' perceptions. The ungraded school studied used responsive instruction, fostered student leadership and collaboration, created a family of learners, and encouraged student independence and responsibility.…

Discusses changes in chemistry education from 1983 to 1988. Describes the past and present situation of chemistry education. Reports on current teacher education programs. (MVL)

Reports how the prolonged 1978 Levittown (New York) teachers strike initially depleted resources and created problems but proved to be the impetus for development of an effective school system. Reviews sources of conflict that led to the strike, reactions of community and teachers, and reforms focused on teacher empowerment. (FMW)

Proposes a conceptual framework based on research on planned organizational change, which can help groups within the school community identify inequity and create alternative organization patterns. Emphasizes critical issues, sub-groups within the school community, and problem-specific tasks. (FMW)

Analyzes and compares research on the Effective Schools Movement and the New York (New York) City School Improvement Project. Proposes a synthesis of the two traditions that can be used to implement equity-based educational innovations. (FMW)

A "10% solution" to systematic coordination of university collaborations with local schools involves a decentralized approach with incentives and a focus for coordination. The overall effect is that the institution lays out no additional cash, redirects funds to support coordination, and intensifies and focuses scattered efforts for…

A recent case study examined how the organizational changes from junior high to middle school influenced the science program for a large North Carolina school system, focusing on teacher preparation, time allocation, interdisciplinary instruction, equipment allocation, and information and leadership issues. Science instruction was enhanced under…

This article analyzes the purposes for which collaborative special education programs are established and outlines alternative structures for operationalizing the concept of collaboration in schools. These structures include the teacher assistance team, the child study/resource team, peer collaboration, behavioral consultation, collaborative…

Examined the relation of school leadership changes to school configuration (climate, structure, and student population characteristics), based on survey data from 122 elementary schools. Schools having changes in principals had greater use, more new and minority students, slightly lower scores on criterion-referenced tests, and less discipline.…

Examines how educators have overcome obstacles to school improvement and implemented recommendations in "Breaking Ranks" governing technology, personalization, and organization and time. Implementation often falters due to large enrollments, time factors, school goals, and traditional views of teacher roles, responsibilities, and…

Higher education has two primary purposes: (1) student learning for the improvement of self, family, employers, and society at large; and (2) knowledge generation, conservation, and dissemination for the advancement of everyone, now and in the future. To succeed in meeting these goals over the long term, colleges and universities: (1) have to be…

Designed to determine how children acquire beliefs about institutional roles and authority associated with them, this study focused on schools and the teacher's role. Students from France and Scotland aged between 7 and 11 years with contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds were interviewed, and class and national differences in beliefs were found.…

Implementation of educational innovations is considered from three policy perspectives: the political, the organizational, and the interactionist. In periods of educational decline, in terms of enrollments and expenditure, there is need to know how to support and encourage capacity building for change. (RL)

Describes a small school in the Ural mountains that has institutionalized an innovative pedagogical and administrative structure. The school has developed a close relationship with the parents and students and incorporated a great deal of local culture, folklore, and literature into its curriculum. Discusses the creation and implementation of…