Public school leaders often find themselves caught between groups with passionately held--but widely varying--views regarding the appropriate role for religion in public schools. Tensions are heightened by the growth of well-funded special interest groups inclined to litigate anywhere a test case arises. By reviewing the most recent judicial…

Examines challenges that high school department chairpersons faced while changing to a 4 x 4 block schedule. Finds that chairpersons experienced multiple learning curves and increased tensions between departmental and teaching responsibilities, problems exacerbated by reduced release time. Recommends aligning job descriptions with procedures,…

Author reviews Student Use of Unscheduled Time,'' by Walter J. Foley, Gordon C. Harr, and Larry Smiley (Iowa Educational Information Center), and Comparing Block Scheduling and Traditional Scheduling on Student Achievement and Attitudes,'' by Adrian P. Van Mondrans, James L. Schott, and Denny G. French (paper presented at the convention of the…

In 1989, the state of Texas implemented a broad initiative to improve instruction through using technology. A survey of teachers in the Fort Worth Independent School District identified four factors (time, training, technology availability, and teacher-type tasks) critical to technology integration. The district offers Trainer Institute, Bootcamp,…

A project team's success variables are autonomy, outward focus, accountability, and dependence. Administrators can prevent committee-it is by allowing teams to pick their own leaders; communicating who has "chartered" the team; establishing clear goals, decision-making expectations, and time-lines; advocating consensus; and providing…

Strategies for fostering educational use of technology include (1) creating an environment supporting exploration of information technologies, (2) providing teacher incentives, and (3) developing teacher learning opportunities. (MD)