Explores the tension between professional control of schools through educational administrators and lay governance as provided by a board of education as this tension relates to issues of student diversity. New models of school governance are considered for their effects of teacher professionalism with respect to student diversity. A particular…

Investigated the inherent dilemma evident in attempts to promote decentralization in urban public schools by examining the situation in the Detroit (Michigan) school system. Results indicate that efforts at promoting decentralization may, over time, produce counterpressures to recentralize decision making. (Author/SLD)

Studied programmatic features associated with successful after-school programming at the Manchester Youth Development Center, an urban center with 25 years of experience. Identifies six salient elements in program success that might be used in holistic prevention and intervention planning. (SLD)

A narration of teaching experiences in an inner-city school in California is the basis for a proposed democratic educational platform that suggests ways to move beyond the despair and frustration of inner-city teaching without losing sight of the painful realities. Implications for teacher education are discussed. (SLD)

Describes a student affairs database developed especially for urban institutions of higher education. Such a database enables urban institutions to refer to comparison groups with similar characteristics. Specific examples of data use by chief student affairs officers and others are provided. (SLD)

Reports on the achievement of the first Waldorf public elementary school in Milwaukee (Wisconsin). Early experience indicates that Waldorf pedagogy, with its emphasis on the natural rhythms of everyday life, is an effective model for predominantly African American children in an inner city. (SLD)

Describes a study which focused on two aspects of the significance of employing parents as teachers aides in schools with educationally and socially disadvantaged children: (1) the problem of satisfying educational requirements; and (2) the approach of new career innovations to improve the community through the incorporation of paraprofessional…

An ethnographic study of two urban junior high schools in the beginning stages of school restructuring describes three culturally relevant teachers who create empowering educational experiences for low-achieving African American students. The restructuring process was not taking the wisdom of practice of these teachers sufficiently into account.…

Industrial change and the restructuring of employment opportunity in the nation's largest cities have created a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of resident workers. The "upskilling" of jobs must be met by the "upschooling" of the labor force through new partnerships among public schools and higher education…

Examines the characteristics of three successful urban-high-school literacy teachers. Results from interviews, literature reviews, and classroom observation reveal the following key characteristics: (1) an ability to engage students in innovative and meaningful literacy practices; (2) a high level of commitment; and (3) the perception of support…

Examines the effectiveness of paying teachers in large urban areas a salary differential, also known as "combat pay," for teaching at racially isolated or all-minority schools. In a sample of seven schools, "combat pay" is found to be ineffective in attracting or retaining high quality teachers. (CMG)

Explores potential changes in the power relationships among teachers and principals. Describes and analyzes the following models of teacher decision-making: (1) Instructional Leadership Teams; (2) Principals' Advisory Councils; (3) School Improvement Teams; and (4) Lead Teacher Committees. (FMW)

The approach of the School without Walls illustrates how collaborative curriculum can empower students and can address the problem that our schools do little to change power relations between students of elite families and those of minorities and low socioeconomic status. Data from a study of the school's student outcomes and a national study of…

Examines the student-discipline policies developed for an inner-city elementary school and grounded in a philosophy of developing individual locus of control. Recommendations for other schools are based on an interactionist theory of student discipline that sees schooling as a process promoting internal control. High expectations for all students…

Examines opposing trends in administration and policy that simultaneously influence the size and shape of American school systems. Consolidation has reduced the number of districts, while decentralization reduces the size of the school district by dividing it into smaller units. Twenty issues are identified for districts considering either option.…