This study investigated good governance issues in education system and management of secondary schools in Nigeria. The objectives of this study are to examine the relationship between resources management, accountability, participatory decision-making, and management of secondary schools in Nigeria. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested.…

This article examines the challenges in quality assurance in higher education in the context of Bangladesh through the lens of "managerial leadership." It focuses on unveiling the issues in management and leadership that affect quality performance at program level. The public universities of Bangladesh have remained outside any…

Several recent studies have examined the impacts of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) on school operations and student achievement. We complement that work by investigating the law's impacts on teachers' perceptions of their work environments and related job attitudes, including satisfaction and commitment to remain in teaching. Using four waves of the…

This issue of R&D Alert focuses on a perennial challenge in education and human development: how to make the most of information, whether test results, research findings, or other data. What happens with all the data generated by testing students? How is it ensured that the information is accurate, relevant, and timely? How do the results…

This article outlines the main assessment traditions in four countries -- England, France, Germany and the United States -- in order to explore the prospects for the integration of summative and formative functions of assessment during compulsory schooling. In England, teachers' judgments do feed into national assessments, at 7, 11, 14 and 16, but…

This article provides an introduction to some major principles of contract administration from a lawyer's point of view. The ten principles discussed should enable a contract administrator to be more successful in ensuring timely completion of contracts by contractors. (MT)

Discusses how computer-assisted career counselors can become more accountable for their services by using intensive research designs. Presents overview of computer-assisted career guidance (CACG) and discusses relevance of scientist-practitioner model. Presents applicable single-subject research, including simple and complex phase changes,…

What is the state of the art and science with regard to professional development for principals? What is the status of principal professional development in the four-state region of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia? This policy paper attempts to answer these two questions through a review of the literature, seven interviews, and a…

Notes that publication of "A Nation at Risk" sparked new wave of school reform with emphasis on educational accountability. Examines current accountability movement in terms of its historical antecedents and federal- versus state-level initiatives and requirements. Explores assumptions underlying educational accountability movement. Proposes…

A conversation with James Stigler, professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, about how to improve professional development for teachers. (PKP)

That No Child Left Behind (NCLB) places unprecedented demands on districts and schools to improve student performance is trite and a truism. That NCLB places unprecedented demands on the design and productive use of accountability systems may be less well appreciated. In this article, the author considers how accountability is supposed to work to…

Argues that instead of raising academic standards, high-stakes testing has weakened them. (PKP)

The authors describe the current state of educational reform in the United States. They state that significant progress has been made, but much remains to be accomplished, especially in the inner cities. Topics discussed include the "Lake Wobegon effect" and accountability. (CH)

Although subject to modification by political, funding, and popular considerations, the audit review of psychiatric facilities is seen as a useful step in providing quality care. (CM)

Discusses respective roles and responsibilities of public and private sectors in corrections field. Describes service contracting and use of private sector for rehabilitation programs carried out in community. Maintains the importance of assuring accountability and assessing the value of services, and the legitimacy of cooperation and…