Addresses the problem of how schools should cut their curricula to make room for state-mandated additions, such as AIDS education. Recommends state guidelines for allocating time and assessing the effect that teaching new curricular content will have on an existing curriculum. (TE)

Even mentioning data analysis puts many educators on edge; they fear that in data discussions, their performance will be judged. And, the authors note, it's a human trait to look for the source of a problem in the behavior of people involved rather than the system surrounding those people--what some call the Fundamental Attribution Error. When…

In 1994, the Institute for Responsive Education launched the Responsive Schools Project (involving 14 schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico; Flambeau, Wisconsin; Harts, West Virginia; and Chicago) to ask parents, teachers, administrators, and high-school students about educational reform goals. Respondents' divergent viewpoints underscore the…

Kentucky's school-based decision-making councils now function in 66% of the state's schools. Since 1991-92, these schools have learned that their councils must represent their local constituencies, gain the support of local political structures, shun legalism, concentrate on substantive education issues, and develop a democratically based…

After joining a statewide project to encourage continuous improvement in education, the City of Burlington (New Jersey) Public Schools tackled high school attendance problems, using a seven-step process based on defining reasons for improvement, assessing the current situation, performing a cause-and-effect analysis, formulating countermeasures…

Research studies on educational reform show that moving from reform to quality education through centrally designed reform movements (such as clearer legislation or other strategies) is inherently limited. Reform is most likely to succeed when schools are stimulated to change and provided with appropriate assistance and when schools receive enough…

A Virginia Department of Education survey of urban, suburban, and rural schools using block scheduling revealed fewer disciplinary problems, a strong teacher preference for this format over traditional scheduling, and positive effects on standardized test scores in reading and mathematics. When time is used well in schools, school climate improves…

Deming's quality-focused principles contradict Taylor's top-down, authoritarian industrial model. Deming advises educators to fix the system instead of blaming individual teachers for student apathy and low achievement. In the new paradigm, education will be a process that encourages continual progress through improving one's abilities, expanding…

A school district technology director offers 10 strategies to help schools make the most of their technology dollar. These include using effective budgeting techniques, taking advantage of the buying power of groups, practicing sustainable technology, purchasing the right tool for the right job, taking advantage of free software, using cloud…

Like all early college high schools, Clear Horizons Early College High School in Houston, Texas, tries to help its students earn a high school diploma and a two-year associate's degree simultaneously through taking dual credit courses while in high school. Although many of the school's students were successful, Clear Horizon's leaders realized…

Describes Lake Washington (Washington) School District's master plan to balance building-based decision-making and administrative input, encourage collegiality, and respond positively to change. For each building, the district master plan is mirrored by a locally developed master plan. Each teacher is also developing a classroom plan. (MLH)

Interest in staff development for principals bodes well for teachers and students. By engaging in and modeling learning, principals can create a community of learners. (MLF)

Describes a Time Awareness Program initiated at a Kansas City, Missouri, elementary school to address time wastage problems involved with starting the day, changing subjects, and attending assemblies. The key to successful learning is to allow teachers to teach all day without breaking the teaching/learning cycle. (MLH)

Since humans change from the inside, it is more valuable for administrators to try to change themselves than to prescribe staff development for others. Principals can cooperate in self-development programs by participating in principals' centers being established around the country. (PGD)

In Anchorage, Alaska, aspiring principals are getting on-the-job experience through a two-year intern program that facilitates long range planning by enabling the district to test and mold its future administrators. Interns serve as administrative assistants, troubleshooters, and participates in instructional supervision and policy decision. (TE)