School leaders today are making important decisions regarding education innovations based on published average effect sizes, even though few understand exactly how effect sizes are calculated or what they mean. This article explains how average effect sizes are determined in meta-analyses and the importance of including measures of variability…

Describes the National Diffusion Network, a federally-sponsored program that identifies successful educational practices and then helps other schools locate and adopt them. (IRT)

Presents a model for schools based on the transmission of algorithms (a set of problem-solving procedures) through computers. Sample lesson series are provided, as well as a description of special teacher qualifications required and the benefits of such a program. (Author/WD)

Catalogues past experience in haphazard curriculum planning and offers suggestions for ensuring that curriculum design occurs through logical, orderly, and comprehensive planning. (Author/WD)

Describes a Cluster Plus plan that groups middle school students into two clusters on each grade level according to ability. This arrangement retains vertical organization into core curriculum areas (mathematics, social studies, English, and science), while allowing flexible regrouping through horizontal team teaching. (MLH)

Describes a professional development system focusing on seven specific instructional strategies that was developed and implemented at an inner-city high school in San Diego, California. Reports improvement in student achievement. (PKP)

Based on a study of change facilitation in eight high schools, this article debunks three common myths concerning administrative organization as an obstacle to managing high school change. Tentative guidelines are provided to help determined managers cure stagnation and thwart bureaucratic intransigency. (MLH)

When Gorbachev came to power in 1985, he and his supporters signaled educators that schools were free to concentrate on education instead of enforcing dogma. Soviet secondary school principals are discarding old Bolshevist roles, including those of Marxist-Leninist-Communist watchdog and carrier of Communist command directives. Principals also…

A case study of a once declining and troubled vocational school that is now a new, comprehensive high school. (Author)

School districts need a comprehensive, long-range blueprint for their total operation. The goal-competency-objective hierarchy allows them to become systematic in design and operation. (Author)

Traditional school administrative policy often establishes the structure and organization of the school first; from this structure, the program and curriculum then follow. By contrast, a case study is offered of an educational change as support for the reverse sequence, whereby the school program can be the determiner of school organization. (CJH)

Describes a cross-disciplinary peer teaching program to improve high school teachers' writing skills. The 16-week program succeeded because of four main ingredients: administrative support, a long-term commitment to improving student writing, an onsite, inservice design, and incentives for teacher involvement. (MLH)

Virginia's high schools are restructuring the state school system. Using the 4 x 4 schedule, four high schools are offering all students up to a year of postsecondary study beyond the full high school program. Postsecondary scholarships will make this world-class education available to all well-disciplined students who attend regularly and learn…

Describes the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, a free, residential two-year program affiliated with the University of North Carolina. The school accommodates 400 students and features an outstanding faculty, impressive facilities, a selective admission policy, rigorous graduation requirements, and a mentor program. (MLH)

The current educational format emphasizes learning for grades, for future reward, or to avoid punishment. To promote learning for its own sake and a better understanding of society, secondary schools need to become dynamic learning and living centers where all students, teachers, and administrators are engaged cooperatively in integrated, active…