School-based management (SBM) remains a "hot topic" in educational circles. This article explores the reality of SBM internationally. It focusses on the perceptions of selected Australian public secondary principals who reflect on the drivers and impediments affecting their capacity to lead school-based innovation. While broadly…

This study explored high school teachers' perceptions of the effects of standards-based grading (SBG) on planning, instruction, assessment, classroom management, and student behaviors. Findings indicated that despite some infidelity and an initial implementation dip, systemic (SBG) changes made teaching clearer, more purposeful, and more conducive…

To prepare school professional personnel to design and/or function within a system for systematic planning requires preparation programs that will provide them with more sophisticated planning skills that are typically found in current educational programs. (Author/MLF)

To manage its special education programs more efficiently, a large school district streamlined its student review process by centralizing its databank and careful teamwork. Success resulted from obtaining accurate statistics, planning and reviewing necessary activities, establishing a master calendar, securing participants' commitment, following…

Author discusses the four components of planning: need, interest, organization, and accountability as they relate to an alternative school. (Editor)

The principal is at the crossroads of accountability, writes this author, who feels that plans for change are best brought about (and perhaps only) through the building principal. (Editor)

True educational restructuring requires a vision of learning, examples of visionary school-level restructuring, and a coordinated plan at the local, state, and national levels for inviting and helping schools accept choice, responsibility, and accountability. One strategy calls for site-based flexibility and development of educational innovation…

Districts in communities experiencing population shifts are being challenged to address three concerns simultaneously: be responsive to the strengths and educational needs of students from increasingly diverse backgrounds, provide meaningful professional development for an expanding or contracting workforce to meet those needs, and ensure that…

Reviews the causes of reduction in force and notes the varying interests of affected parties. Suggests four ways to gain control over situations requiring reductions: understand the facts, formulate a fair and understandable plan, adopt methods reducing the impact of reductions, and make use of regional accrediting agencies. (PGD)