Math education consultant Marilyn Burns finds that teachers ask her the same three questions so often she's named them "The Big Three": What can I do with students who finish their math work more quickly?, How can I free up time to work with kids who need extra help?, and How can I differentiate math learning experiences? Burns, who…

Lists eight effects that could result from the ruling in "Mozert v. Hawkins County Public Schools." These include widespread censorship, limitation of controversial topics, interference with management of instruction, and disruption of the school day. (MD)

Today private-sector partnerships and business involvement aimed at improving the educational system operate at several levels: (1) policy; (2) systemic educational improvements; (3) management assistance; (4) teacher training and development; and (5) classroom programs. Early intervention for the future work force is the motivating factor.…

Numerous school districts are experimenting with site-based management, gaining increased authority and responsibility while aiming to improve accountability and productivity. Some key elements include alternative resource allocation, expanded decision-making through teamwork, key advisory committee roles for parents and high schoolers, increased…

Important classroom management tasks occur during the first several weeks of the year, when the teacher establishes expectations about behavior and teaches the students the classroom procedures. (Author)

A recent employer survey sponsored by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills found that the skills new job entrants most need for success in the workplace--oral and written communication, time management, critical thinking, problem solving, personal accountability, and the ability to work effectively with others--are the areas in which recent…

According to the strategic management approach, the curriculum of a school system is a strategic statement of the system that determines how it selects activities, organizes its resources, and determines how well the system has performed its function within the overall policies it was constructed to implement. (Author/JM)

Supports B. Plowden and David Elkind's rationale for developmental early childhood education that considers children's unique learning modes. Describes four program elements: opportunities for developmental tasks, teachers' knowledge of children's development, concrete learning experiences, and appropriate setting. Discusses curriculum…

The top businesses are discovering that, to get high organizational performance, they must assign frontline workers duties and responsibilities that typically have been given only to management and senior professional personnel. To help schools catch up with a changing world economy, students should achieve a certain mastery level by age 16…

In one Colorado school district, site-based management creates ownership for those responsible for implementing decisions by involving them directly in the decision-making process. This article summarizes the district's mistakes and accomplishments in defining terms and roles, providing support and training, resolving conflict, and managing…

With political support, Total Quality Management principles can help urban schools redefine schools' role, purpose, and responsibilities; focus on continuous improvement; plan comprehensive leadership training; create staff development confronting staff attitudes and beliefs; use research- and practice-based information to guide policy and…

Summarizes a survey of 239 New Zealand elementary school educators. New Zealand's experience shows that national policymaking, which largely excludes school staff, still substantially influences everyday school operations. When site-based management occurs in a vacuum, devoid of interest, support, initiatives, and well-grounded information, school…

One of the most popular--but flawed--perspectives on the problem of ensuring teacher quality has to do with the control and accountability of the teaching force. According to this view, the obvious antidote to the ills of the education system is to increase the centralized control of schools and hold teachers more accountable. Proponents of this…

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimated that approximately 7.8 percent of U.S. children ages 4-17 are currently diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For decades, most educators, physicians, psychologists, and parents have thought of ADD/ADHD as…

Among the factors preventing effective curriculum management are that schools do not state their missions in specific terms or utilize their resources, and neglect systematic use of feedback. (Author/MLF)