It has long been assumed that schools which were "effective" with respect to one set of outcomes (usually academic performance) were generally more "effective" in relation to others. This article reviews the last three decades of British evidence across a range of affective, social and other non-cognitive outcomes including:…

This article reports on a study of teachers in New South Wales (Australia) and their practices surrounding outcomes assessment and reporting, which took place in 2003 and 2004 as a follow-up to a major study in 1995. The study explored whether the main focus of a teacher's work involves planning, teaching, assessing, rewarding and sharing in their…

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…

Educational reform depends more on clearly defined missions and operational efficiency than on improved teacher quality. This article defines adequacy, equality, equity, and efficiency; examines numerous production function studies of teacher characteristics and policy and administrative structures; and summarizes seven policy implications.…

Based on a literature review, this report provides an overview of charter schools. A total of 52 studies of operating charter schools and documents exploring the origins of the charter school concept were reviewed. The report covers the following topics: why and how people create a charter school; charter schools' autonomy compared with public…

This bulletin is the result of a personal study of a number of Danish elementary rural schools, made during the winter and spring of 1913. Sufficient time was spent in the different schools, in a study of their organization and administration, to insure accuracy of impression. These filed studies were later verified, so far as possible, in the…

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.…

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…

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…

A summary of the school restructuring movement and an outline of strategies for implementation are presented. The underlying principles of restructuring are included in four broad strategies, which include school-based management, teacher empowerment, voice/choice, and teaching for understanding. New responsibilities for state policymakers include…

The current condition of educational finance in Ontario and the factors influencing efforts at finance reform are examined in this report. Five key issues confronting school finance in Ontario are reviewed first: inequities caused by variations in district wealth; the failure of provincial support to keep pace with expenditures; the loss of…

Information on the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Aid of the University of Delaware is presented, based on a 1979-80 program review for the Council on Program Evaluation (COPE). The office's location in the University of Delaware's organization, sources of funding for the office, its major goals and purposes, and past and future…

The policy implications of proposed K-8 grade level reorganization in Providence, Rhode Island are explored in this report. Included are the following: (1) a survey of the current status of elementary and middle school organization, facilities, composition, and curriculum in Providence; (2) an assessment of achievement and social-psychological…

The national educational research agenda outlined in the National Academy of Education's report focuses on the following areas: (1) active learning over the lifespan; (2) assessment; (3) bolstering achievement of underserved, minority, and impoverished groups; (4) school organization; and (5) connection to teachers/teaching. Recommendations are…

In January 1982, the Wake County Board of Education adopted The Schools of Choice Programs. The stated objectives of the Programs were: (1) to improve facility utilization systemwide, (2) to establish a consistent organizational pattern of schools (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12) county-wide, (3) to racially balance student populations of schools, (4) to…