Discusses the importance of organization beliefs, values, and ideology to the internal environment of the organization. Applies the idea of culture development within the system to the workings of schools. Discusses how rites move from the individual to the organization and eventually affect the effectiveness of the organization. (JS)

The results of this study suggest that problems involving students' feelings of control of environment and academic achievement can be resolved within the context of the school. (Author/SF)

This study indicates that students in city schools who themselves come from disadvantaged backgrounds are far less likely than those in any other type of community to enjoy the advantages of a school whose income and achievement are at the high or medium level. (Author/AM)

Although self-esteem is generally not related to educational aspirations, the relationship is important among students in segregated communities. Here ethnic homogeneity makes adolescents rely heavily on their self-image for the formation of educational plans. This case study of Oriental Jews in Israel is applicable to minority communities in the…

This article emphasizes the following points concerning policies of the Detroit Board of Education: (1) conflicts over religion and education have been part of politics since 1842; (2) these conflicts were political rather than consitutional; and (3) until 1948 decisions regarding religion were based on "institutional" considerations…

School culture emerges from educational research as the most critical theme for changing secondary schools. Educational problem solving to change school culture must be carried out in individual school buildings rather than at centralized locations. The district offices must aid this site authority with moral support and technical assistance. (VM)

The history of school social work is presented with an emphasis on its value for at risk students in urban schools. These services have maximized equal educational opportunity with both cognitive and affective outcomes. The service works best when the social worker works in collaboration with school personnel. (VM)

Presents two concepts for changing and expanding the perspective of schools (elementary schools in particular): (i) the school as guarantor of an environment through which the student is treated as an individual; and (ii) the school as a guarantor of learning by the student. (RJ)

Reviews several ethnographic studies that focused on classroom processes which exclude or discriminate against minority group children. Discusses how an ethnographic approach, which considers the social context of learning, can provide more insight than have studies focusing on academic achievement and environmental determinants. (GC)

Black students from St. Louis (Missouri) voluntarily attend White suburban schools. Their rate of suspension is double the rate for White students. Strategies for lowering this rate are offered in the following five categories: (1) communicating standards; (2) instruction and classroom management; (3) human relations and staff development; (4)…

Used data provided by Boston's election department to examine the high level of racial polarization around the issue of an elected versus appointed school board. Although the appointed board voted more favorably on issues concerning African Americans, blacks were disturbed by the loss of four elected positions and opposed to the appointed board's…

Analyzes two paths to creating a broad community support network to enhance urban education reform. The first is a mayoral path, exemplified by Boston, in which the mayor assumes political and fiscal responsibility for school reform. The second is a corporate path, exemplified by Pittsburgh in the 1980s, in which the private sector establishes a…

Focuses on the change in political and social orientations experienced by teachers who voluntarily stress a participatory approach to social studies education, encouraging active student involvement in the community. (Author/SF)

Thirty elementary school principals in a large urban school system were interviewed. They identified a pattern of strategies for identifying, managing, and possibly dismissing, borderline incompetent teachers. (LHW)

Evaluates the immediate impact of court decisions and new legislation against the financial needs of large city school districts, concluding that reforms of the 1970s show a trend toward a minimum state financed support level supplemented at local option by a narrow discretionary range aided by the state through a power equalizing formula.…