As secondary school leaders consider a shift toward standards-based grading (SBG) practices, they are no doubt weighing the odds of a successful implementation process. This research followed up on a study from 2014 to identify the challenges secondary school leaders experience when changing the currency of the classroom from points to learning.…

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…

This mixed-methods study focuses on school improvement planning in middle schools in east Tennessee. Utilizing the improvement plans of 17 middle schools and surveys that were administered to 493 teachers and 35 administrators, this study found that there was (A) an overemphasis on academic goals, (B) an overreliance on the use of…

Presents a field-developed and tested method of comprehensive planning for program/project development. (Author)

Future-oriented planning is necessary if schools are to succeed in upgrading contemporary education. (Author/LD)

Reports the results of a study examining the goal-setting process within the School Improvement Model, which evaluates relations between school goals and personal goals and between school goals and inservice interests. (MD)

A systems approach to curriculum evaluation can produce better alignment among written, taught, and tested curriculum. Data and information gathered through comprehensive curriculum evaluation can also be used to improve other core areas of the system: organization, instruction, assessment, and professional development. A systems approach ensures…

One school's experience - the good and the bad, the exciting and the frustrating - with year-round schooling is reported here. (Editor)

Non-threatening strategies for setting up an alternative school are discussed here. An alternative school is more likely to succeed if certain critical factors are observed, says this principal. (Editor)

Presents an outline--compiled from the latest research on effective instructional practice--for the development of instructional leadership in principals. Includes a guideline for the development of an instructional improvement plan. (MD)

If schools are to flourish in our changing society, members of the community need to be encouraged to support their schools. Outlines a public relations program that can be used to improve school-community relationships. (MD)

To implement curriculum changes successfully, five guidelines should be followed: changes should be research-based; successful innovation requires organizational changes; innovations must be feasible for the average teacher; implementation efforts must be organic, not bureaucratic; and a definite curriculum plan is essential. Guidelines for…

Describes a plan of action developed at an Illinois high school that involved staff in communicating needed improvement in curricular programs. (MD)

Maximum gain from teacher staff development programs can be assured through careful planning that accommodates novice and experienced teachers. Establishing clear student achievement goals linked to staff development is also important. Includes tables and references. (MD)