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Clearinghouse on Educational Policy and Management
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| College of Education · University of Oregon |
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Trends and Issues: Educational Governance
Local School BoardsJournal ArticlesEJ640889 EA539268Making Your Board a Strategic Force in Your District's Success. Author: Shultz, Susan F. Availability: One City Centre, Suite 200, 120 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, IN 47404-3925 ($30 annually for libraries; $6 individual copies). Tel: 812-855-8550; Fax: 847-562-8634. Journal Citation: School Business Affairs, v68 n1 p7-10 Jan 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0036-651X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL2002 Abstract: Describes several common mistakes made by school boards, for example, failing to create a comprehensive school charter and hiring too many paid consultants; asserts that boards must avoid these mistakes and adopt practices that contribute to the strategic governance of schools. (PKP) Descriptors: *Board of Education Role; Elementary Secondary Education; *Strategic Planning; *Success; EJ634845 EA538881 Disagreements, Factions, Quarrels--What's a School Board To Do? Author: Hardy, Lawrence Availability: Kluwer Academic Publisher, 101 Philip Dr., Assinippi Park, Norwell, MA 02061. Tel: 781-871-6600. Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v188 n11 p18-21 Nov 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055); Journal articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR2002 Abstract: School governance is not easy. Advice on keeping boards harmonious includes: don't keep secrets; trust your colleagues; watch out for mavericks; and set some rules-and follow them. A sidebar lists strategies for success. (MLF) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; *Collegiality; *Communication Problems; *Conflict Resolution; Educational Objectives; Elementary Secondary Education; Ethics; Meetings; *Peer Relationship; EJ627887 EA538402 School Board Blues: Only an Idealist-or a Masochist-Would Serve on the Board. Author: Good, Howard Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v188 n5 p49-50 May 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJDEC2001 Abstract: State education agencies mandate lofty goals and give school boards the fewest possible resources to achieve them. The board's role is not to lead educationally, but take punches for other institutions' failings. Local control exists in name only. Boards at least keep instinctive self-seeking within bounds. (MLH) Descriptors: *Administrative Problems; *Boards of Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Expectation; *Governance; *Politics of Education; Public Support; *Role Perception; School District Autonomy; *State Departments of Education EJ621342 EA538056 School Boards and Student Achievement: A Comparison of Governance in High- and Low-Achieving Districts. Availability: Journal Citation: ERS Spectrum, v30 n1 p38-40 Win 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0740-7874 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: CIJAUG2001 Abstract: Extensive on-site interviews in six Iowa school districts revealed that understandings and beliefs in three high-achieving school districts differed markedly from those in three low-achieving districts. The high-achieving districts had an "elevating" view of students, a focus on school renewal, and action-oriented goals. (MLH) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Goal Orientation; *Governance; *High Achievement; Interviews; *Low Achievement; *School Districts Identifiers: *Educational Renewal; Iowa EJ614583 EA537582 In the News. Author: Reece, Lauren Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v187 n1 p50-51 Sep 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR2001 Abstract: A board member in an Iowa district explains the importance of presenting 4-minute summaries of educational news and trends at board meetings. In choosing items for presentation, she considers relevance, context, perspective, terminology, awareness, and national political developments. (MLH) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; *Educational Trends; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; *Meetings; *Newsletters; *Oral Reading EJ599008 EA536682 Before the Board. Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v187 n1 p8,10,12,14 Jan 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL2000 Abstract: Summarizes research reports that discuss students' ignorance about U.S. government, document modest progress toward Goals 2000 objectives, suggest changing and/or limiting school boards' roles, enumerate major societal threats to children, and reveal parents' lack of knowledge about charter schools and vouchers. (MLH) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; Charter Schools; *Citizenship Responsibility; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; *Governmental Structure; Parent Attitudes; Social Problems; *Youth Problems Identifiers: *Goals 2000; *Knowledge Descriptive Terms: By the ASBJ Editors. EJ587682 EA536065 Us? Set Goals?: From Dysfunctional Board Relationships to Open, Honest Dialogue. Author: Bell, Ruth E.; Harris, Joseph W., Sr. Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v186 n7 p38-40 Jul 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN2000 Abstract: To survive a contentious, dysfunctional environment, interested school board members in a Pennsylvania community captured support from district leaders. A steering committee composed of the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and board president was formed. Establishing rules for brainstorming sessions and developing a "leadership profile" drastically improved board interactions. (MLH) Descriptors: Behavior Change; *Board Administrator Relationship; *Boards of Education; Brainstorming; *Change Strategies; *Communication Problems; Conflict Resolution; Elementary Secondary Education; Governance; *Interpersonal Competence; Leadership; *Meetings Identifiers: *Pennsylvania EJ575141 EA534996 My Life as a Chair. Author: Irvine, Joan Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v185 n10 p45-46 Oct 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL1999 Abstract: The real work of a board president or chair is developing working relationships with agencies, commissions, special interest groups, and especially the superintendent and other board members. Communication strategies include phone calls, small-group meetings, caucuses, e-mail, monthly meetings, letters, and notes. (MLF) Descriptors: *Board Administrator Relationship; Board of Education Policy; *Boards of Education; Communication Skills; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; *Leadership Responsibility; Meetings; Occupational Information; *Politics of Education; Public Schools; School Community Relationship; School Districts Target Audience: Policymakers EJ568540 EA534770 Learning to Serve. Author: Grady, Marilyn; Krumm, Bernita Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v185 n7 p36,43 Jul 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR1999 Abstract: Telephone interviews with 43 of the 50 state school board associations revealed that 10 states have mandatory training and 32 had voluntary training. The most frequently cited training activities were school board associations' annual conventions cited by 31 states. Suggests possible avenues of development in school board training. (MLF) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Professional Associations; *Professional Development; Public Schools; *Superintendents; *Training Identifiers: *National School Boards Association Target Audience: Policymakers EJ567334 EA534559 Then and Now. Author: Good, Howard Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v185 n5 p50-51 May 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJFEB1999 Abstract: A recently elected school board member discovers in an old book, "The Challenge of School Board Membership," by Daniel R. Davies and Fred W. Hosler, that despite the passage of 50 years, the basic operation of a school board has not changed much. (MLF) Descriptors: *Board of Education Role; *Boards of Education; *Educational History; Elementary Secondary Education; Governance; Public Schools Target Audience: Policymakers EJ566201 EA534492 Leaving a Legacy. Author: Banach, William J. Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v185 n4 p54-55 Apr 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN1999 Abstract: Most school board members and superintendents want to leave a lasting legacy to their district. To do this, they need to acknowledge that large-scale change is complex and takes time and that the system will outlast them. Board members can give their communities the gifts of vision, process, and competence. (MLF) Descriptors: *Board of Education Role; *Boards of Education; *Change Strategies; *Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Individual Development; *Long Range Planning; Public Schools; *Superintendents Target Audience: Policymakers; Administrators; Practitioners EJ560858 EA534247 Life After the Board. Governance. Author: Pitton, Debra E. Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal v185 n1 p37,47 Jan 1998 Publication Date: 1998-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Guides (055); Journal Articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJSEP1998 Abstract: Offers suggestions for former school board members who want to stay involved in the district. They can serve as critical friends, community liaisons, or cheerleader/resource persons. (LMI) Descriptors: *Administrator Role; Board Administrator Relationship; Board of Education Policy; *Boards of Education; *Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; *Politics of Education; *School Community Relationship EJ548993 EA533699 The Vanishing School Board. Author: Chalker, Donald M.; Haynes, Richard M. Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal v184 n9 p26-28 Sep 1997 Publication Date: 1997-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN1998 Abstract: Now that school boards have been replaced by parent advisory councils, there is virtually no local school governance in New Brunswick, Canada. Factors leading to school boards' demise include neglected democratic institutions, failure to understand local boards' needs, less qualified members, boards' failure to protect their special responsibilities, emphasis on trivia over substance, budgetary difficulties, and a changing social agenda. (MLH) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; Democratic Values; Elementary Secondary Education; *Failure; Financial Problems; Foreign Countries; *Governance; *Retrenchment; *Role; Social Change Identifiers: *New Brunswick; Parent Advisory Councils EJ538181 RC511739 Tomorrow's School Boards: The Issue of Underlying Values. Author: Peters, Frank Availability: Journal Citation: Education Canada v36 n4 p16-23 Win 1996 Publication Date: 1996-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0013-1253 Language: English Document Type: Information Analyses (070); Viewpoints (120); Journal Articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN1997 Abstract: Suggests that authority in educational decision making in Canada is simultaneously moving to the provincial level and to the individual school, thus making the school board an increasingly anachronistic and powerless body. Discusses contextual changes affecting perceptions and values of educational leadership, representation, and competence. (SV) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; Centralization; *Educational Trends; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; *Governance; *Politics of Education; School Based Management; Social Values Identifiers: *Canada; Educational Leadership; Professionalization EJ525909 EA532078 Proactive about What? Author: Royer, Gene Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal v183 n6 p34,39 Jun 1996 Publication Date: 1996-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Viewpoints (120); Journal Articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJNOV1996 Abstract: School board members have a desire to be on top of the issues, except in communicating with the community. Board members can discuss with the community school policies that define values. (MLF) Descriptors: Accountability; *Board of Education Role; *Boards of Education; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; *Occupational Information; Public Schools; *School Community Relationship Target Audience: Policymakers EJ524354 EA532006 School Boards at Bay. Author: Harrington-Lueker, Donna Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal v183 n5 p18-22 May 1996 Publication Date: 1996-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Information Analyses (070); Journal Articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT1996 Abstract: In Massachusetts; Washington D.C.; New York City; Chicago; Baltimore; Cleveland; and a host of other big cities, challenges to both elected and appointed local school boards have become commonplace in the last year. Discusses the situation in Chicago. (MLF) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Boards of Education; *Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; *Politics of Education; Public Schools Identifiers: Local School Councils Target Audience: Policymakers EJ514649 EA530917 School Based Decision Making Councils and School Boards in Kentucky: Trusted Allies or Irreconcilable Foes? Author: Russo, Charles J. Availability: Journal Citation: West's Education Law Quarterly v4 n3 p398-412 Jul 1995 Publication Date: 1995-00-00 Language: English Document Type: Viewpoints (120); Journal Articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR1996 Abstract: As school-based decision making continues to be a popular governance option throughout the country, the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Kentucky in Bushee, upholding the power and autonomy of school councils in relation to school boards, may act as a bellwether to other locations. (119 footnotes) (MLF) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; Court Litigation; *Decentralization; *Decision Making; *Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Public Schools; *School Based Management; State Courts Identifiers: *Board of Education of Boone County v Bushee; Kentucky Education Reform Act 1990; *School Councils Target Audience: Policymakers EJ509909 EA530970 Let Your School Board Be a Lesson. Author: Keating, Tom Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal v182 n9 p41-42 Sep 1995 Publication Date: 1995-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Reports (142); Journal Articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN1996 Abstract: Although most textbooks teach federal and state political concepts effectively, they do not adequately explain the most popular form of direct democracy--the elected school board. Some boards are including students as nonvoting members; others have made communication a priority. An upstate New York district includes school boarding in a middle-level unit on local governance. (MLH) Descriptors: *Activism; *Boards of Education; *Citizenship Education; Elementary Secondary Education; *Politics; *Student Participation DocumentsED466827 EA031766Motion To Reconsider: Education Governance at a Crossroads. The Report of the NASBE Study Group on Education Governance. Institutional Author: National Association of State Boards of Education, Alexandria, VA.(BBB21902) Availability: National Association of State Boards of Education, 277 South Washington Street, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314 ($12; members $9.60). Tel: 703-684-4000; Fax: 703-836-2313; Web site: http://www.nasbe.org. Publication Date: October 1996 Language: English Document Type: Opinion papers (120); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB2003 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED459520 EA031470 Improving School Board Decision-Making: The Data Connection. Institutional Author: National School Boards Association, Alexandria, VA.(BBB23035) Availability: National Association of Elementary School Principals, 1615 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314-3483 (Order #ESTC, $24.95). Tel: 800-386-2377 (Toll Free); Fax: 800-396-2377 (Toll Free); Web site: http://www.naesp.org. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: 2001 Language: English Document Type: Book (010); Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2002 Abstract: This book is an easy-to-use guide for school boards in how to use data intelligently when evaluating student achievement, educational improvement, and school accountability. Its purpose is to encourage school boards to use data as a basis for their decision-making instead of speculation, perception, or limited observation. Board members can learn why using data is significant, what the different types of data are and how to interpret them, and how to involve and educate parents and community members in their governing efforts. Differences in how the superintendent and board members use data are presented in an easy-to-understand format. Each chapter concludes with a quiz to test understanding of the material and a hypothetical case study that examines how a typical school board might work with data to help resolve the complex and potentially controversial issue of a proposed change in start times for high school students. Questions are presented to stimulate thinking about the situation. The book concludes with a glossary of data-related terms, a bibliography, a list of Web sites, a list of outcomes from the January 2001 meeting of the National School Boards Foundation (NSBF), and NSBF contact information. (Contains 20 references.) (RT) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; Accountability; Administrators; *Board Administrator Relationship; *Boards of Education; *Data Analysis; Data Collection; Data Interpretation; *Decision Making; Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; *Superintendents; Descriptive Terms: Published by the National School Boards Foundation, an affiliate of the National School Boards Association. Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED459519 EA031469 The Key Work of School Boards Guidebook. Author: Gemberling, Katheryn W.; Smith, Carl W.; Villani, Joseph S. Institutional Author: National School Boards Association, Alexandria, VA.(BBB23035) Availability: NSBA Distribution Center, P.O. Box 161, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. (Item Number 09-140-GE: members, $16; nonmembers, $20). Tel: 800-706-6722 (Toll Free); Fax: 301-604-0158; Web Site: http://www.nsba.org; e-mail: info@nsba.org. Publication Date: 2000 ISBN: BN- 0-88364-242-5; Language: English Document Type: Book (010); Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2002 Descriptors: Academic Achievement; Administrator Guides; *Administrator Role; *Board Administrator Relationship; *Boards of Education; Elementary Secondary Education; *Occupational Information; *Superintendents; *Systems Approach; Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED456549 EA031249 Autonomous School Development: A Challenge for Everyone Involved. Author: Pol, Milan; Rabusicova, Milada Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Publication Date: September 1997 Language: English Pages: 10 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142); Speeches/meeting papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB2002 Abstract: The transition of the Czech school system from a centralized system to one where schools enjoy greater autonomy has not been smooth. Educators and administrators need to learn new skills in interacting with parents, community, and each other in an educational system that is becoming more decentralized. Several surveys were conducted to characterize this transition. This report describes new and problematic developments in the Czech educational system, such as the formation of school boards and boards of governors. School boards, meant to represent local communities, parents, and educators, appear to be too far from schools, too slow to react, and unable to play an important role in the system. Boards of governors, intended to evaluate school activity, develop the school's contact with the community, and defend the interests of the pupils, lack support from central, regional, and local governing bodies, which have adopted a "let's wait and see what happens" attitude. Communication problems need to be resolved at all levels of the educational system; accountability procedures need to be established at all levels; and trust needs to be established between parents and school personnel. Autonomous school development, only recently started in the Czech Republic, needs constant attention to take root. (Contains 11 references.) (RT) Descriptors: Administrative Change; *Boards of Education; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; *Governance; Government School Relationship; *School Based Management; School Community Relationship; School Organization; School Support Identifiers: *Czech Republic Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Erweiterte Autonomie fur Schule (Extended Autonomy of School) Conference (Nyiregyhaza, Hungary, August 31-September 6, 1997.) Geographic Source: Czech Republic ED439480 EA030276 Motivations for School Board Membership: Implications for Superintendents and District Accountability. Author: Mountford, Meredith; Brunner, C. Cryss Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Publication Date: October 1999 Language: English Pages: 25 Document Type: Reports--Research (143); Speeches/meeting papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIESEP2000 Abstract: This paper examines how motivations for school-board membership influence individual board member's agendas. It suggests the implications of individual agendas for board dynamics and superintendents when both must be accountable to state and federal mandates and their own district's desire to collaborate to improve academic achievement for all children. Data for the report were obtained through traditional qualitative methods. Ten school-board members (five males, five females) participated in open-ended interviews. Triangulation through interviews with the superintendents of the participants' districts and with colleagues of the participants was also performed. Interviews were supplemented with the examination of board minutes and voting patterns. Three key findings emerged from the study: (1) board members motivated by personal agendas were more likely to micromanage--an approach that appeared to inhibit collaborative processes and full board participation in decision making; (2) "reformers" were more likely to make decisions in a collaborative manner--sample board members who were placed in the reformer quadrant were more likely to empower others in decision making; and (3) some board members felt they had lost equal input and voice to single-issue board members, expressing concern that the personal-agenda board members pushed too hard for rapid change without considering all factors first. (Contains 24 references.) (RJM) Descriptors: Accountability; *Administrator Attitudes; Board Administrator Relationship; Board Candidates; *Boards of Education; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; *Participative Decision Making; *Politics of Education; Superintendents Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the University Council for Educational Administration (Minneapolis, MN, October 1999). Geographic Source: U.S.; Wisconsin ED433611 EA030027 Effective School Governance: A Look at Today's Practice and Tomorrow's Promise. Author: Resnick, Michael A. Institutional Author: Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO.(BBB00544) Availability: ECS Distribution Center, 707 17th Street, Suite 2700, Denver, CO 80202-3427 (Stock No. SI-99-7; $5.00 prepaid, plus postage and handling). Tel: 303-299-3692; Web site: http://www.ecs.org . Publication Date: January 1999 Language: English Pages: 34 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB2000 Abstract: This paper examines one aspect of school governance--the role of the school board--which historically has governed education at the local level. It discusses the basic and unique functions of school boards in American education, as well as their effectiveness in meeting the rigors of a changing society. The discussion is presented in four parts: (1) the significance and benefits of local school-board governance as currently established; (2) the major attributes of good school-board governance, including examples of school boards that are providing leadership to raise student achievement; (3) why local school boards are preferable to alternatives that have been suggested; and (4) how the state, as a governance partner, can strengthen the capacity of local school boards to govern and lead. Whereas the paper specifically deals with the school-board role, it recognizes that education governance operates in a broader context that embraces the state and federal levels. It also recognizes that school boards are not monolithic institutions. It details how a good local school board will set a vision, focus on student learning and achievement, provide a structure for success, advocate for education, and involve the community. (RJM) Descriptors: *Board of Education Role; Boards of Education; *Educational Administration; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; School Administration; School Effectiveness; School Policy Descriptive Terms: For related documents, see EA 030 023-026. Geographic Source: U.S.; Colorado ED413676 EA028783 Team Leadership: School Boards at Work. Author: Rosenberger, Michal K. Availability: Technomic Publishing Company, Inc., 851 New Holland Ave., Box 3535, Lancaster, PA 17604; phone: 717-291-5609; toll-free: 800-233-9936; fax: 717-295-4538; e-mail: marketing@techpub.com; World Wide Web: http://www.techpub.com ($34.95). Publication Date: 1997-00-00 Copy Availibility: Document Not Available from EDRS. ISBN: ISBN-1-56676-5269 Language: English Pages: 170 Document Type: Book(s) (010); Guides (050) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR1998 Abstract: Local school boards are responsible for the two most important issues in most people's lives--their money and their children. Why do school boards fail to develop into high-performance teams? Why do they often work as micromanagers rather than as moral and cultural leaders of their communities? This book explores the current state of board governance, identifies challenges to school boards, and describes opportunities to overcome them. The book contains questions to ask when allocating and budgeting resources and when dealing with pressure groups. Most chapters conclude with a board self-evaluation questionnaire. Following the introduction, chapter 1 addresses the challenges to educational governance (personal, social, organizational, political). Chapter 2 explains the political context of school governance. Chapters 3 through 5 address personal and group-interaction challenges, and chapter 6 discusses strategies for developing and maintaining harmonious relationships. Chapters 7 through 9 discuss meeting management and such governance tools as policies, budgeting, and long-range planning. Chapter 10 describes sociopolitical issues that boards need to understand to act as advocates for educational reform. Suggestions for developing better boards are summarized in chapter 11. Six figures, an index, and a list of educational associations and publishers are included. (Contains 75 references). (LMI) Descriptors: *Board of Education Role; *Boards of Education; *Cooperative Planning; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; Group Dynamics; *Interprofessional Relationship; Meetings; *Politics of Education; Public Relations; Staff Development Level: 3 Geographic Source: U.S.; Pennsylvania ED403645 EA028179 New School Governance: The School Board and Its Future. Author: Sewall, Angela Maynard Availability: Publication Date: 1996-11-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 11 Document Type: Speeches, Conference Papers (150); Viewpoints (120) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1997 Abstract: Public dissatisfaction with school boards, which started building in the 1980s with the publication of A Nation At Risk, is now evidenced by calls for national standards and accountability measures. This paper presents an overview of the changing school board and how some boards have reformed themselves. The paper discusses ways in which legislative initiatives and court decisions threaten the traditional role of school boards and the administration. It describes school-board reforms suggested by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Governors' Association and situations in which boards have been replaced. In some cases state takeover of boards has been due to mismanagement or charter schools that weakened boards' authority. Problems with traditional school boards include frequent member turnover, isolation from government entities that provide social services, individual members' agendas, and isolation from the realities of schools. The paper highlights situations in which the school board was replaced with a business board (Chicago School District) or with school-site councils (Kentucky and Boston). School boards must retrain, reform, and redirect efforts to produce stability within school districts; utilize action research and strategic planning in order to improve student achievement and behavior; and develop coherent agendas centered around the achievement of all students and an effective evaluation system. Contains 17 references. (LMI) Descriptors: *Board of Education Policy; *Board of Education Role; *Boards of Education; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governing Boards; *Organizational Change; School Administration; School Districts Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-South Educational Research Association (Tuscaloosa, AL, November 6-8, 1996). Level: 1 Geographic Source: U.S.; Arkansas ED396449 EA027699 Interest Groups and the Shift from Appointed to Elected School Boards. Author: Feuerstein, Abe Availability: Publication Date: 1996-04-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 38 Document Type: Reports (143); Speeches, Conference Papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIENOV1996 Abstract: Public schools in America are often at the center of controversy over conflicting values and interests. This paper explores three areas of conflict that surfaced in a Virginia community as it shifted from an appointed to an elected school board. The first section explores the three areas of conflict: (1) conflict over what is taught in school; (2) conflict regarding the operation of educational institutions; and (3) conflict surrounding the cost of public education. The second section reviews literature in the fields of sociology and political science that pertains to group theory and the political process. The third section tells the story of the Virginia county's first school board elections. The final section explores the activity of interest groups in the county and points to possible areas of change due to elected boards. Data were gathered through interviews with key members of local educational interest groups, recently defeated school board members, and recent school board candidates. The case illustrates how group formation reinforced Truman's (1951) understanding of group equilibrium, illustrates the role of interest groups in converting citizen demands into policy outputs, and shows how elections act as access channels to school policymaking. Members of certain interest groups believed that elected boards would be more responsive to their demands. Three tables are included. The appendix contains methodological notes. (LMI) Descriptors: Board of Education Role; *Boards of Education; *Conflict; Conservatism; Controversial Issues (Course Content); Democracy; *Elections; Elementary Secondary Education; Governance; *Local Issues; Political Issues; Political Science; *Politics of Education; *Public Education; School Policy; Social Theories Identifiers: *Interest Groups; Virginia Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (New York, NY, April 8-12, 1996). Level: 1 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED393182 EA027438 School Boards' Legal Status--Holding the Course or in Jeopardy? Author: Wessely, Michael Institutional Author: National School Boards Association, Alexandria, VA. Availability: Journal Citation: Updating School Board Policies v27 n1 p1-4 Feb 1996 Publication Date: 1996-02-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. ISSN: ISSN-1081-8286 Language: English Pages: 6 Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Guides (055) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG1996 Abstract: This article examines the trend to eliminate school boards and place school districts under local or state government control. It outlines general problems that may lead to legal actions against school districts and suggests activities for integrating public viewpoints into school governance. (LMI) Descriptors: *Board of Education Role; *Boards of Education; Educational Finance; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; Parent Participation; *School District Autonomy; School Policy; State Action; *State School District Relationship; Stress Management; Suicide Level: 1 Target Audience: Administrators; Practitioners Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED383110 EA026769 School Board Members' Perceptions of the Future: Patterns and Implications. Author: Webber, Charles F. Availability: Publication Date: 1995-05-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 37 Document Type: Reports (143); Tests, Evaluation Instruments (160) Journal Announcement: RIEOCT1995 Abstract: This paper presents findings of a study that attempted to predict the future concerns of a sample of Canadian school board members. The three-round Delphi study was conducted by mail with a random sample of 350 school board members in a western Canadian province. The response rate was 39 percent. Participants predicted that their future top priorities would include finance, student behavior, quality assurance, and employment preparation for students. They assigned low priorities to issues of gender and teacher-work overload. Nine themes that emerged from the board members' predicted concerns centered around educational governance, accountability, program-delivery models, societal change, school security, the educational welfare of students, educational finance, teacher development, and curricular content. These themes infer a generalized belief structure to which board members appear to subscribe. It is suggested that: (1) education will become increasingly politicized; (2) teachers will see little professional/economic advancement and an increased workload; (3) social issues will receive low priority from boards of education; and (4) low-cost innovative teaching models and strong disciplinary measures will receive school-board support. Two tables are included. The appendix contains a copy of the concerns inventory. (LMI) Descriptors: Board of Education Role; *Boards of Education; Delphi Technique; *Educational Trends; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; *Futures (of Society); Opinions; *Prediction; Trend Analysis Identifiers: *Canada Level: 1 Geographic Source: Canada; Alberta |