A review of literature on state education governance, with a focus on strengthening the role of the state boards of education in policymaking, is presented in this report. Four themes include current recommendations of various groups, the context of governance, governance structures, and key actors in state education policymaking. Policy…

This paper examines primary issues influencing rural educational cooperatives. The paper highlights the benefits of rural cooperative formation and outlines the key points in creating effective rural interdistrict cooperatives. It is directed toward those who are interested in policy issues surrounding cooperative development and maintenance. The…

This study attempts to describe and assess the current state of selection and promotion systems for administrators in Ontario school boards and to develop an information base for parties involved with these procedures. The project also seeks to identify high quality procedures and ensure the elimination of bias and subjectivity in personnel…

The challenge for state boards of education is meeting their obligations to ensure a quality education for all children while considering parents' right to educate their children. The controversy over home instruction can be reduced to a discussion about compelling state interest. This document provides state board members with concise factual…

This study evaluates the process of desegregation in Buffalo City Public Schools and adds to educational change literature in two ways. First, it analyzes the initiation and implementation phases of school desegregation by describing how the innovation was shaped by participants to fit the system using it. Second, the technique of event analysis…

Many New Yorkers have given up on the public schools and on the chance for reform. However, the school system's new chancellor, Frank Macchiarola, seems to have both the necessary commitment to change and the administrative skills. Interim evaluations have been made of his performance, with the following results: (1) Staff Performance--good work…

The first step of this presentation, directed to school board members, is the recommendation of two publications on assessing school programs. The second step is to invite board members to make an indepth study of ninth grade algebra in order to get acquainted with the problem. The third stage of this presentation is to examine some alterable…

The evolution, changing role, and recent criticisms of Britain's University Grants Committee, the government agency charged with channelling funds to higher education institutions, are reviewed and discussed. The appropriateness of the concept and structure in a time of great educational change are specifically addressed. (MSE)

Focuses on the employment of women administrators by the New York City Board of Education from 1972 to 1981. Analyzes the influence of numerous difficulties--political, legislative, and administrative--on the effectiveness of Title IX. Concludes that, without revisions in policy design and management, the law is condemned to ineffectuality. (KH)

Discusses legal problems of a policy permitting the use of metal detectors to search students suspected of carrying concealed weapons. A wholesale search policy was challenged as a violation of students' rights, so the board adopted a selective search policy based on reasonable suspicion. (TE)

Outlines a strategy for simultaneously evaluating and motivating principals. Argues that principals should be recognized and treated as top level managers; they should be given reinforcement and recognition through a strong leadership development program. (TE)

When the charter school movement began in the early 1990's, one key set of players received little attention: the public entities that sponsor or authorize these unconventional schools. A charter is properly understood as a contract between two parties, the school operator and the authorizer. For the charter movement to succeed, both must do their…

Discusses a new alcohol education program offered to all the school boards in Ontario, Canada. Describes what initially seemed to be a simple process that became a series of barriers to overcome. Includes recommendations for future projects. (Author)

Teams of seasoned teachers and administrators were assigned to a group of low-performing North Carolina schools each year to work with the local faculty to help turn around these schools. Provides a description of the assistance teams, how they were developed, and how they work. (Author/MLF)

In June 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Vernonia (Oregon) School District's right to conduct random drug tests of its student athletes. The court balanced a seventh grader's privacy interest with the state's interest in curbing drug abuse among student athletes. Before adopting drug-testing policies, school boards should assess the local…