This paper presents an array of structural configurations that invite new consideration of the necessary conditions for developing systemic school reform; first by reviewing the current literature, and then by examining thirty-six existing partnerships as structural configurations, an exploratory typology for the analysis of successful…

This article presents findings from multiple years of evaluation of STEM-focused school-university partnerships. In addition to developing the three empirically grounded models of structural partnership configurations for project effectiveness, the CSEP team used these models to examine partnership projects for their characteristic collaborative…

Standardized academic testing, under-performing schools, demands for high standards in America's schools and current levels of student dropouts have resulted in renewed calls for "getting tough on student retention." The push for student retention is demanded by school boards and others in spite of the overwhelming research evidence that student…

The focus of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) on accountability created a high stakes educational environment. Although accountability is an important goal, guidance on how schools go about building the capacity to effectively accomplish the goals set in NCLB was not part of the legislation. This article supports the premise that a skillful balance of…

School principals sift through a milieu of data, perceptions, and circumstances to determine which teachers are worthy of contract renewal. This paper provides a review of the research on the role that teacher dispositions play in principals' decision-making regarding contract renewals, as well as a theoretical perspective on the implications for…

The purpose of this qualitative, narrative study was to investigate the role of the superintendent in leading the district to be more culturally proficient, resulting in the narrowing of the achievement gap in culturally diverse small districts. Eight superintendents of small school districts were purposefully selected based on their district size…

The current study emphasizes the significance of the positive job experiences that promote individuals' satisfaction on the job and the potential contribution of the transformational leadership style for the shaping of these experiences. Questionnaires were administered to elementary school teachers in five of the six districts comprising the…

Oplatka demonstrates the process of self-renewal that was experienced by Israeli mid-career teachers subsequent to the arrival of a new woman principal and discusses contextual and biographical determinants of the process. He says that most teachers felt stagnated and even frustrated during the middle of their career cycle. He also stresses that…

Teachers must learn to learn, and thereby develop their abilities to engage in ongoing learning so as to survive and thrive in turbulent and uncertain learning environments. Here, Schechterl discuss the importance of collective retrospective learning as an inbuilt vehicle in the ongoing pursuit toward learning schools. They also explore on the…

Eckman examines the similarities and differences between how males and females experience the role of being a high school principal. He also provides insights into the high school principalship that can be useful to both males and females who might consider the position as a career choice.

Examines factors, such as leadership style, that influence teachers' attraction to the principalship. Advocates changes in principal's role. (Contains 29 references.)(PKP)

Briefly reviews Dewey's theory of moral inquiry and his thoughts on the deliberative process, and then explores the importance of communal deliberation in overcoming complex problems. The negotiation of various perspectives in communal deliberations is applied to the leader's role--especially to administrative work in schools. (Contains 50…

Explores impact of expanded boundary-spanning role of Connecticut superintendents on their ability to function as educational leaders. (Contains 24 references.) (PKP)

Investigates the assistance needed and provided in the Kentucky Principal Intern Program, a statewide induction program for new principals and assistant principals. Uses quantitative and qualitative methods to examine primary work responsibility, job readiness, growth needs, and the assistance provided to administrators participating in the…

Qualitative study involving the attitudes of 12 Northwest superintendents (four each from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho)toward site-based management. Finds among other things that in most cases school-based management has had little influence on the centralization of authority and control by the superintendent. (Contains 16 references.) (PKP)