A study of two small-to-middle-sized midwestern school districts, each observed for over a year, shows that the negotiated order concept can provide a useful framework for viewing schools' organizational functions. According to the negotiated order concept, organizational relationships require constant negotiations concerning values, goals, rules,…

This paper deals with the events that led to a need for problem-solving measures in the Richmond, Virginia, Public Schools, and describes the planning strategies that have evolved since 1973. Events of the late 1960s and early 70s that had a major impact on the school system included three changes of superintendents (that brought three…

Examination of the relevant literature indicates that most studies of school structure and interpersonal relations have either been too narrow in scope, too theoretical, or too tied to the individual as the unit of analysis to support any conclusive generalizations. A search of the literature for appropriate variables to include in a more complex…

This paper examines the current state of parental involvement in site-based management (SBM) councils. It defines SBM as a formal alteration of the governance structure and as a form of decentralization that identifies the school as the primary unit of improvement. To assess SBM councils, surveys were mailed to 600 principals representing urban,…

This paper offers reflections on the collaborative development of a school/university partnership so as to provide insights into the inherent challenges and successes of such work. It focuses on The Learning Connections Lab (LCL), which began in 1997. The LCL was a partnership between St. Cloud State University and two elementary school sites. To…

This paper focuses on Frontier High School, a new school designed as an alternative to more traditional schools in its district. While the school is still clarifying its structure and philosophy, it is committed to "honoring diversity," defined in such terms as race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, alternative…

The model for school-linked services is based on the ideal of providing a coherent and seamless web among school professionals and other service agencies. However, schools are often organized around specialized functions that are not wholly aligned and coordinated in function and purpose. This paper examines the nature of schools as "aggregative"…

Gay youth enter high school with the knowledge that they are different and with the belief that heterosexuality is normal and that homosexuality is not normal. Also, gay youth enter high school with the belief that honesty and integrity are important personal values. Additionally, the gay youth enter high school without family knowledge of their…

The adoption of a school-based management/shared decision-making administrative process (SBM/SDM) was recommended for the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) school district in June 1990. Findings of a study that determined the attitudes of three non-Chapter 1 elementary school communities in Philadelphia toward the adoption of SBM/SDM are presented in…

Findings of a study that examined change in four elementary schools (members of large urban public school systems located in the south and southwest sections of the United States) from a conventional to a participatory model of school organization are presented in this paper. To compare teacher roles before and after implementation of the…

Prepared as background for participants in an exploratory conference, this paper examines whether school-business partnerships and other forms of business assistance are contributing to fundamental change and reform, in the education system. Five questions are investigated. (1) How are businesses currently working with public education? The four…

An account of the first year of Chicago's school reform effort as experienced in a predominantly Hispanic school is presented. The ethnicity of actors in each level of the restructuring effort is examined to develop an organizing framework to explain how interaction between these "layers" influences policy making and program…

The effects of large-scale improvement projects and the trend toward decentralization on the principal's role in primary and secondary schools in Belgium are explored in this paper. Particular focuses are on the ways in which sociopolitical change influences the nature of school-level leadership and on strategies that principals use in response to…

This study investigates the long-term effects of a school environment with characteristics that indicate invitational education is being realized at the institutional level on students from the University of Hawaii Laboratory High School (ULS). Students of many races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic levels study together in a program where all…

The five correlates of effective schools are as follow: (1) strong administrative leadership; (2) high expectations for all pupils; (3) safe and orderly climate; (4) strong instructional focus; and (5) frequent monitoring of pupil progress. This paper outlines a model for implementing effective school practices. One or more of these correlates…