The key to handling persistent challenges (increased accountability demands, unstable superintendencies, educator shortages, minority underachievement, and resistant high schools) is breaking down institutional barriers separating today's schools from their surrounding communities. Tapping human and cultural resources and offering better…

Education lacks scientifically sound studies, whether researchers are examining promotion versus retention, class-size effects, or private voucher schemes. American public schools have educated the world's most productive work force, test scores are rising, and more kids graduate than formerly. Educators should demand compelling evidence before…

In 1995-96, the Edmonton (Alberta) Public Schools' enterprising superintendent allocated most of the district's central-services funds (about $20 million) to schools. Schools may purchase services and products from the district or outside vendors and commit any amount on building-level program expenditures. Central cost-recovery strategies are…

The nation's school boards, as currently constituted and empowered, underlie most school governance problems. The superintendent frequently must sidestep the board in order to move the district forward. The experts (administrators) take marching orders from an educational laity. Superintendents should be intermediaries; principals need full…

As one Illinois district found, using educational technology cannot guarantee that students will learn any better. Educators must first change the classroom/school ambience, work within the new high-tech environment, apply appropriate tools for using technology effectively, and connect student achievement and technology usage. (MLH)

While arts facilities should be equipped with computers, color scanners, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) labs, connective video cameras, and appropriate software, music rooms still need pianos and visual art rooms need traditional art supplies. Dade County (Florida) Schools's pilot teacher assistance projects and arts-centered schools…

Researchers have found no stable relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement or other desirable behaviors. In psychological studies, the most self-assured subjects were more likely to want to harm someone. Healthy self-esteem comes from achievement. Schools should support and promote accomplishment over "feel-good"…

Accommodations are test-administration changes that do not change the underlying construct being measured. The Individuals with Disabilities legislation and regulations provide little guidance on implementing assessment accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Certain research-based checklists or rating scales help link…

Describes a Washington school district's eight-step process leading to the adoption of a districtwide reading program. Includes data collection, research analysis, skill tracing, and field-testing. (PKP)

Most school districts have long endorsed the school as a neighborhood anchor housing adult-education classes, recreation programs, and community events. Since the mideighties, service-oriented partnerships addressing student and family needs have grown exponentially. Partnerships in New York City, Montana, Washington State, and Rhode Island are…

Students' standardized test scores do little to gauge school program effectiveness. This article suggests that improving the data for monitoring schools, accounting for schools' varying financial picture, and relating outcomes to features capable of being changed will enhance program evaluation and school management. Some state efforts in this…

This article summarizes the School Management Model discussed in the author's book, "Improving School Performance." Effective communication, staff evaluation, and performance information are presented as keys to building teamwork and upgrading performance. Teacher merit pay is analyzed in light of the model. (MJL)

Improvement in educational quality requires raising the standards in administrator and teacher preparation and certification; increased tax support for public schools; aggressive teacher training recruitment programs; strong personnel evaluation programs in all school districts and colleges of education; and employment practices based on…

Compiles policies and styles that administrators can utilize to upgrade conditions in their schools. Includes an inservice worksheet, a checklist for students' evaluation of teachers, and a School Climate Assessment Test. (MLF)

Administrators are struggling to make the report cards sent home to parents more meaningful. Alternative ways to report student progress find more favor among educators than parents, as anecdotal evidence from several communities shows. Revamping attempts fail due to substantive problems with new reporting procedures or inept public-relations…