ERIC Number: ED216453
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1982-Mar-20
Pages: 35
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Japanese Form of Management: Will It Work in American High Schools?
McColly, William
Through participation in a Kettering Foundation project, the Lawrence North High School in suburban Indianapolis (Indiana) has successfully implemented a number of the management practices that apparently underlie the productivity of Japanese businesses. Led by the principal, the school has committed itself to four basic concepts from the Japanese model: allowing all affected persons a share in the decision-making process, developing a spirit of trust at all levels within the school, establishing a clearly stated mission, and focusing on continuous improvement. The school's specific goals for school improvement include involving parents in education, fostering self-direction in students, and encouraging use of community resources. An advisement homeroom cluster organization provides for close communication among and involvement of teachers, counselors, students, parents, and administrators in school activities and decisions. A program to train the staff in group problem-solving and decision-making skills has also been developed. The project appears to have led in its first two years of existence to improved attendance by both students and teachers, better communication and participation among all parties, successful new programs for students, and reduced vandalism. (Author/PGD)
Descriptors: Administrative Principles, Community Involvement, Educational Administration, Educational Change, Educational Improvement, Educational Objectives, High Schools, Independent Study, Management Teams, Parent Participation, Participative Decision Making, Student Participation, Student Responsibility
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Descriptive; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Charles F. Kettering Foundation, Dayton, OH.
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A