Initiative activities are fabricated problems that require the mental and physical cooperation of a group of 8 to 15 people. A typical activity is the electric fence, in which students are instructed to get everyone over a chest-high barrier without touching it or reaching through it. (Author/IRT)

Describes four systems for assessing administrative competencies, then compares them and comments on their strengths and weaknesses. The four are the Educational Leadership Appraisal, Georgia Principal Assessment System, Individual Learning Materials, and Special Education Supervisor Training. (Author/IRT)

While in general agreement with the Gallup Poll's expression of what is wrong with the schools, the North Carolina high school students surveyed see the major source of difficulty as lack of personal commitment by all those who are most closely involved in public education. (Author/IRT)

Examines the fate of 25 innovative instructional programs implemented in 1971-73 as a result of state legislation. Arrives at seven conclusions about why some programs (seven) were still in existence eight years later and why others were not. (IRT)

This evaluation of an in-service program for teachers included surveys before the program, immediately after, and six months after. It found a decline in the acceptability of the workshop to the teachers over time and showed that the program had no significant impact on their teaching. (IRT)

The controversies over textbook content common in the 1960s and 1970s have been resolved for the most part, but now a new debate over textbook quality is surfacing. The forces for change are led by instructional designers, advocates of educational rigor, and those urging preparation for tomorrow's technological world. (PGD)

Argues that only through understanding and improving the textbook adoption process can those interested in improving education influence the quality of textbooks printed and used. Presents some observations about the adoption process, makes recommendations for research, and suggests actions to take while waiting for research findings to come in.…

The similarities among comprehensive high schools in the United States promote equity and social integration rather than educational excellence. Increased specialization would encourage competition for students and provide schools with a sense of mission, two factors critical to developing strong faculties committed to improving education. (PGD)

Examines research and survey results, as well as reports of specific cases, to determine the popularity, effectiveness, impact on public schooling, and implications for handicapped, disruptive, and minority students of providing educational choice. Considers the current availability of options, competition from private schools, and constitutional…

Research into criminal activity in United States schools has provided evidence that helps explain students' and teachers' attitudes toward schools. Information on changes in disciplinary conditions is incomplete but suggests that discipline continues to be a major problem severely limiting educational efforts and that educators must take more…

Defends the Reagan Administration's policies encouraging more effective school disciplinary practices. Argues that the critics of these policies are ignoring both the rights of students who want to learn and the true extent of the discipline problem. (PGD)

The director of the National School Safety Center describes the operations of the center and joins three co-authors to discuss the relationship between school climate and school discipline. The authors define six conditions essential to positive climate and explore methods for involving local agencies in achieving these conditions. (PGD)

The National School Boards Association's executive director dismisses the idea that state initiatives will eliminate local control of education, as well as problems local boards have faced. He claims that those accepting this idea don't understand educational governance, the political traditions behind that governance, or the effectiveness of…

Analysis of changes in the graduation requirements, credit requirements, and curriculum in high school English in California since the adoption of minimum competency testing by state law during the 1976-77 legislative session suggests that statewide legislative mandates can have significant impact on school district programs and priorities. (PGD)

Reviews the United States Supreme Court's findings in "New Jersey vs. T.L.O.," a case hinging on the reasonableness of a school official's search of a student's purse. Cites several issues that remained unresolved after the decision and argues that the court could have been more helpful. (PGD)