Considers school governing bodies' role, drawing on data from ongoing research into the privatized inspection process recently introduced in all English and Welsh schools. Discusses governors' role in school improvement, particularly in "failing" or "special-measure" schools. Governors should support headteachers' change…

Research suggests four different metaphors of schools as organizations: (1) factory; (2) family; (3) jungle; and (4) cathedral. Each implies a leadership role and an ethical responsibility for board members. Integrating all four images might help provide a better map of the board's governance task and improve the board's ability to make wise…

Within an historical and theoretical framework, this book explores the inherent tension that exists between educational experts and laypeople. The book offers an overview of policy levels and participants involved. Then it examines the policy-making process in local school districts, including proposal development, executive recommendation,…

Historically, the Supreme Court responds to the majority of cases brought before it with a decision or commentary that directs one or both of the parties on what to do--whether reparations by judgment, delivery of specific property, incarceration, or cessation of doing something. In May 1954, when the school segregation cases of "Brown"…

This paper explores the politics of various types of teacher compensation reforms, with a particular focus on pay for performance. It examines the political positions taken by the nations two teachers' unions, the extent to which these reflect the preferences of teachers, and how both influence the decisions by localities to implement reforms. New…

This case, which was inspired by actual events, describes the efforts of a district to create a culture of accountability for professional employee practice and behavior. In the midst of new district leaders and a shift in district priorities, numerous situations test the fortitude, organizational knowledge, ethical commitments, and political…

The Gaston County (North Carolina) board and superintendent have developed a board self-evaluation questionnaire and a community questionnaire to improve the board's effectiveness as a policy-making body. The 30-item community questionnaire is appended. (MLF)

In the 2004-2005 school year, District of Columbia (D.C.) charter schools enrolled more than 15,000 students, or approximately 21 percent of D.C.?s public school population--one of the highest proportions in the nation. Charter schools are public schools that are exempt from certain regulations in exchange for accountability in improving student…

For this study we analyzed the content of school board improvement plans in relation to the Achievement-Indicators-Policy (AIP) model of educational accountability (Nagy, Demeris, & van Barneveld, 2000). We identified areas of congruence and incongruence between the plans and the model. Results suggested that the content of the improvement…

This report, part of the "Challenge to Lead" education goals series, documents the continued progress of SREB [Southern Regional Education Board] states in preparing early grades students for success in the middle grades--and beyond. It analyzes scores on state assessments and the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) and…

The Internet is a valuable educational tool being utilized in many classrooms today. However, Internet and computer policies restrict and limit how the Internet and computer can be used in a school. An Internet and computer policy typically limits students to use the Internet and computer for educational purposes. If a student violates this policy…

This study evaluates a large urban district's standards-based promotion policy decisions against a model-driven classification. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to explore factors related to grade retention at both the student and school level. Statistical results indicate that using students' next year achievement test scores as…

The findings from part 3 of the seventh annual American School Board Journal survey of school board members are reported. Board members were asked about policy changes made in the areas of graduation requirements, financial incentives for teachers, and instructional time. (TE)

The selection of a superintendent is the most important decision a school board will make. With that premise established, this brief study examines the superintendent search process and the state of the superintendent applicant pool. Data were gathered from 30 practicing search consultants who responded to a mailed questionnaire. The key findings…

Legislation has directed schools to convene school councils that typically address issues related to curriculum, instruction, budget, and governance as one means to improve schooling. However, the expectation for improved schools through this involvement remains a challenge. The study examined issues connected to council operation in two large…