The author contends that a voucher system including private schools would allow greater access to quality education and broaden curricular options while reducing the costs of central school administration and ultimately of welfare and crime. (DM)

Discusses the use of standardized achievement scores to measure the quality of practice-oriented school improvement activities in school districts. Focuses on four areas of concern: the multiple functions of schooling; documentation and data collection; real world complexities; and ethics. Recommends that cautions be taken against exclusive…

Analyzes teacher beliefs concerning academically at risk students in inner urban schools. Categorizes teacher beliefs on the following two dimensions: (1) whether teachers believe some type of instructional assistance could improve achievement or whether they ignore low performance; and (2) whether teachers assume the responsibility for improving…

Discusses studies showing that, contrary to the view overwhelmingly supported by research of over a decade and a half, some urban schools, through principal leadership, high teacher expectations, and rigorous academic programs, are able to raise the achievement of low-income students. (CMG)

Investigates the combination of expenditure and revenue problems facing central-city school districts. Examines educational overburden, related overburden, and cost differentials between central city and other types of districts. Also looks at tax capacity and efforts, and analyzes the effects of Federal and State activity on the problems of city…