While history helps to trace the development of the American public school as a bureaucratic institution and the role of teachers within that institution, a more sociological view helps to clarify the authority relationships within the school and the teacher's role within that structure. It is the teacher's willingness to claim autonomy based…

In a study on school effectiveness, a random sample of more than 10,000 teachers from 538 high schools were surveyed to examine the climate of American high schools. Based on teacher reports, school climate measures were developed and related to schools and teachers. Methodology and results are discussed. (JL)

In a school district free from district and state educational mandates, teachers have the freedom and responsibility to develop their own curricula accordingly. Examples of teacher developed materials are described. (JL)

Reviews the formation of the Australian Institute of Librarians, which was forwarded in 1937 and dissolved in 1949, and the achievements of its founders. Particular attention is paid to the inaugural meeting, conferences, and the importance of branches of the institute. (19 notes with references) (Author/CLB)

Ways in which the fragile nature of the authority to teach can be damaged or disturbed are explored. Teachers need to reflect on specific classroom practices and consider how patterns of expectation may condition their effective authority. (CB)

Several indirect methods of encouraging change in teaching behaviors are offered to assist supervisors in guiding teachers toward professional autonomy. (DF)

The concept of teacher education as professional preparation for a career is explored in this article. Through the study of educational foundations, the teacher develops abilities of self-criticism or "second thinking." Personal autonomy is achieved through academic and methodological knowledge. (DF)

This guide provides descriptive annotations of 481 sources relevant to the topic of academic freedom. The focus is on postsecondary education in the United States and on items published after 1940, although some entries are for earlier sources. Sources are grouped by category into these chapters: (1) "Academic Freedom--Philosophy"; (2) "Academic…

This paper is based on a study of two high schools in Maine that achieved outstanding and consistent gains in English, math, and science over a 5-year period. Three strands of inquiry were used for the study: surveys, interviews, and observations. A multiple-perspective approach was used to integrate the information so as to evaluate the…

This paper reports on a qualitative study of principals' perceptions of the impact of high-stakes testing on empowerment. The data were obtained from interviews with 26 "empowered" principals in select schools participating in the South Florida Annenberg Challenge. Three questions were addressed: (1) To what degree does a school's…

This book describes secondary school teachers' achievements and innovations, examining the historical and political contexts of curriculum development and control in the United Kingdom and analyzing the values and beliefs that have shaped the reforms in schools and colleges over the last 2 decades. It considers the extent to which these changes…

Professional debate over curriculum reform has shifted focus from content to procedural and organization issues. Government intervention to "teacher-proof" curriculum materials has further undercut teacher and curriculum workers' professionalism. Conflicts and compromise arising from social movements and pressures have shaped curriculum…

Current dominant modes of teacher evaluation separate knowing and doing, foster one-way communication between evaluator and teacher, bolster hierarchies, encourage unwholesome competitive relations, and detach teachers and students from their cultural experiences. An educative model is proposed as a replacement, featuring a dialogical relationship…

Culls the opinions of reform thinkers, school executives, and teacher union officials to provide an inside look at what teacher empowerment means for the schools. A sidebar summarizes the 1986 Carnegie report's key recommendations and union-led reform initiatives. Another sidebar provides trust-building tips. (MLH)

Critiques demeaning attitudes toward adult literacy learners implicit in the practices of major literacy programs and examines underlying assumptions about the nature of literacy in light of recent studies. Argues that literacy professionals must confront political and institutional barriers to effective literacy education and offers an…