Describes research testing the hypothesis that complex technologies (or teaching methods) generate more complex organizational structures. Uses two sets of longitudinal data from San Francisco elementary schools. (CK)

Focuses on different kinds of school and classroom organization for teaching reading at the preschool and primary levels. (AEA)

Describes a house, multi-grade-level organization in which six or more educational specialists form a team whose primary concern is fulfilling the scholastic needs of the approximately 120 individual students for whom they share responsibility. (For availability, see EA 507 405.) (Author/IRT)

Because they fail to set consistent goals or direct funds toward solving systemic problems, U.S. schools are not structured productively. A productive educational system would focus all its energies on a limited number of clearly defined, stable goals and align its functions to achieve them. Productive school leaders would establish standards,…

Refutes an article that appeared in the August issue of "The American School Board Journal," which argued that middle-level education provides a rationale for consolidating rural schools. Presents research findings and describes the middle-level philosophy to show that developmentally responsive middle-level schools do not foster school…

Examines new forms of school organization that do not fit traditional definitions of public and private schools. Three case studies explore critical features of the public-private distinction, highlighting the fuzzy boundaries between schools that are clearly public and schools that are clearly private, and contending that their shared…

Explores the impact of grade configuration decisions on the number and size of elementary, middle, and high schools needed. Discusses various trends regarding placement of sixth grade, ninth grade, and preschool classes and the resurgence of K-8 and K-12 models. (EV)

The success of preventive and intervention programs for youth violence hinges upon recognizing and modifying aspects of school climate, teacher/school personnel interactions with students, and school structure. Several of these aspects are identified in this article and suggestions for improving the educational environment to prevent the…

Develops conceptual framework to explore the impact of teacher-led development work, defined as strategic action initiated and sustained by teachers to improve instruction and student learning. Discusses impact of the framework on teachers, on the school as an organization, and on student learning. Includes evidence of impact and applications for…

Teacher collegial groups (TCGs) may be a structure capable of promoting much-needed professional dialogue among teachers. This article frames TCGs within the organization development perspective, explains how one principal implemented a TCG in her school, and analyzes how the process affected a school's organizational culture. Includes 24…

Education must disengage from current accountancy concerns and serve learners now and in their real contexts. The massive efficiency of our industrialized apparatus for processing people in formal education prevents us from recognizing that a new approach is needed to satisfy tomorrow's uncertain and unlimited requirements. An international…

Applauds Anne Raywid's critique of the ASCD's "Public Schools of Choice" monograph in the same "Educational Leadership" issue for advocating the revitalization of public schools and the creation of more democratic governance structures. However, parental choice will be meaningless unless school norms and teacher-student work relationships are…

Despite ongoing school improvement efforts, there are more factors at work to stabilize schools than to change them. Stabilizing factors pervade school organization, curriculum context, unadventuresome textbooks, teacher isolation, and standardized testing practices. Educational innovation is predicated on change in form, content, and goals and…

Shows how a grassroots, interracial coalition is working to restructure Chicago Public Schools. Under the new Illinois legislation, Chicago's present school board will be disbanded, teachers will be hired by merit, principals will lack tenure, and education rebates to facilitate school choice may be available. Includes three references. (MLH)

Argues that the divisive departmental structure of American universities and the resulting torpidity and negative attitudes among faculty are limiting the capacity of universities to transmit culture to their students. (DMM)