Good Schools : What Makes Them Work. Education USA Special Report / Cindy Tursman.

Summarizing recent research, this seven-chapter report gives both characteristics and examples of effective schools and lists recommendations for achieving school effectiveness. Chapter 1 cites numerous recent studies to show that, in contradiction to earlier conclusions by James S. Coleman and Christopher Jencks, schools can be effective. Chapters 2 and 3 discuss a number of features of effective schools, including strong instructional leadership from principals, teacher effectiveness in managing the classroom and keeping students on task, a positive school climate, and curricula designed to meet students' specific educational needs. Examples of "maverick" schools in urban, suburban, and rural contexts, presented in chapters 4-6, illustrate how a wide variety of schools are effective, be they rich or poor, old or new, elementary or secondary, alternative or traditional, comprehensive or specialized, or vocational or academic. Chapter 7 reviews recommendations from educators, researchers, journalists, parents, and students for making schools effective. The recommendations involve school leadership and governance, staff skills, school expectations and monitoring of student performance, and community support. (RW)

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