The governor of Kentucky discusses how the quality of education both affects the quality of life in a state and is an incentive to private industries considering locating in a region. (MD)

The governor of Utah presents 13 challenges he has issued to Utah's educators. (MD)

Comments on current efforts to evaluate and improve United States schools, especially the conclusions and recommendations of national education reports, tendencies in responding to them, and issues inadequately addressed by them. Both equity and excellence are important, it is suggested, and excellence may be achieved through challenge of familiar…

Outlines the results of a national survey of employers on the quality of secondary education. Findings show the majority of employers surveyed did not feel the schools need improvement to fulfill their hiring needs. (MD)

The Quality Circle--an approach to problem solving and quality control now used in industry--can be used as well in educational situations. (JW)

In an era of increased public demands on schools and school leaders, reliance on values and principles is essential. Principals also need vision that comes from meditation and knowledge derived from building high quality educational programs for all American youth. The goal is helping each individual progress and find self-fulfillment in a free…

The issue of test utility in measuring what students actually know has stimulated movement toward alternative, more authentic (and expensive) assessment approaches. Norm-referenced and authentic tests can complement each other, if educators build on youngsters' existing skills. The District of Columbia Public Schools' D.C. 2000 project stresses…

The two models in Florida's Educational Quality Benchmark System represent a new way of thinking about developing schools' work culture. The Quality Performance System Model identifies nine dimensions of work within a quality system. The Change Process Model provides a theoretical framework for changing existing beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors…

Discusses the meaning of "democratization" and the changes that are necessary in our educational system for democratic principles to be realized in our schools. Includes a list of references. (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)

Outlines findings from a study by the United States Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement of successful school improvement programs. The findings are categorized under four stages: initiation, initial implementation, full implementation, and institutionalization. (MD)

The recent national report on the quality of education in the United States has noted the need for effective methods of evaluating teaching performance. These evaluations are best done by administrators. The pros and cons of various approaches to evaluation are discussed. Includes five references. (Author/MD)

Presents findings from the Research for Better Schools study of the 571 secondary schools that the United States Department of Education has chosen as "successful" schools demonstrating excellence. The study found that the formula is fairly simple and includes, clear goals, high expectations, and hard work. (MD)

Public leadership and public opinion have opened the door for school-business partnerships. Several successful programs are described. The private sector is anxious to help educators develop more effective schools. (MD)

Presents results of a New Mexico school survey that found the quality of education improved in schools as enrollment declined. (MD)