It is argued that studies of "school effects" must make a clear conceptual distinction between school and schooling as very different results may be obtained by research that does and does not maintain these conceptual and corresponding operational definitions. (Author/DB)

Cuban says schools reflect our society's fascination with fads, which increases their vulnerability to pressures from different constituencies. The most long-lasting innovations have avid supporters and equitable intent. Kindergarten and preschool education are prime examples. Policymakers' efforts to change classroom teaching practice usually…

There is a profound cultural chasm between K-12 and higher education. School Board members can play an important role in calling attention to interlevel connections. Major issues include equity factors and lack of congruence between the expanding state standards movement and college admissions and placement practices. (MLF)

This paper investigates the challenges that Uganda and England have faced in beginning to reestablish community participation in the governance of education. It investigates starting points for the possible development of school-governance systems in both countries. Outlined first are the formats for community involvement that have been adopted in…

This report discusses the conceptual framework and the decisions involved in the development of the directions and organizational structure of the Research and Public Service (RAPS) unit at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock (UALR). Fundamental considerations, such as the official authorization for UALR's public service role and questions…

The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) recently provided school improvement assistance to the Chicago Public Schools. As part of its work, the NWREL reviewed 39 national reform reports in order to summarize the research findings on effective principals and teachers, curriculum, equity, partnerships and responsibilities, parent…

A new theme in the old tension between centralization and decentralization in the governance and administration of Australian higher education is explored. The argument is that the various major attempts to restructure Australian education systems both in centralizing and decentralizing forces have gained new strength, and that the recent stated…

This study examines the organizational structures of schools and school systems using six complementary but distinct perspectives--societal, intentional, structural, analytical, portrait, and narrative--in order to ascertain the appropriateness of structural revision in relation to changes in Canadian society. Following an examination of the…

This position paper examines educational policies, school effectiveness, and responses to broader public policy concerns in the context of the special needs of early adolescence. The policy issues under consideration derive from a statewide comprehensive survey of educational trends in the middle grades and are addressed in a statewide Regents…

This fastback examines the instructional and administrative benefits of year-round education and describes schools currently operating on a year-round schedule. Instructional benefits of year-round education for gifted, average, and remedial students are cited in a brief introductory article. Other benefits, discussed in more detail, include…

Educational change does not occur overnight, but the introduction of information technology will initiate a chain reaction of changes in the curriculum, instruction, and organization of education. Research on the process of change both identifies factors involved in the introduction of innovations and suggests guidelines for educators. Two phases…

Conclusions reached by the Illinois State Board of Education Study, released in May 1985, that small schools are inferior and inefficient, that Illinois has too many schools, and that over half its schools should be closed seem to be an educational step backward. Without linking the two concepts, the study implies that school consolidation will…

Sets of values that affect higher education are discussed: social justice, competence, liberty, and loyalty. Social justice pertains to issues of equality and equity. Beyond access to education the interest in justice for students appears as a demand for uniform standards across a system. In addition, personnel and whole enterprises steadily…

Three perspectives from which to study the implementation of educational innovation are explored in this document. Using the comparative policy perspective, the author compares and analyzes federal programs supporting educational change in the United States and Australia. Noting that Australia is more homogeneous, centrally organized, and oriented…

Issues concerning the urban university in Great Britain, France, Sweden, Japan, and West Germany are considered in the five selected conference papers that make up this document. In "Analysis in Politics: The Regionalization of Swedish Higher Education," Rune Premfors discusses how Swedish regionalization of higher education used…