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This study investigates the economic impact of a "turnaround" school on real property values in its surrounding community as related to the argument introduced by Tiebout in 1956 correlating local public goods, in this case school success, to housing-location decision making. Using single-family home sales found on the Multiple Listing System and data from the Realist Tax Record, we found property values in the school's catchment area were higher than in nearby neighborhoods feeding other public schools; houses were selling closer to their initial asking price and were on the market for shorter times than in comparable neighborhoods. (Contains 2 tables, 2 figures, and 4 notes.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to revisit a successful school to see how the principal had sustained success over time. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses a case study research design similar to the 2005 report. Findings: The old findings revealed a principal who had used direction setting, developing people and redesigning the organization, as well as the enabling principles of accountability, caring and learning to turn around a failing, high poverty urban school. The new findings revealed that, while the same core practices and enabling principles were still in place, a significant change in governance structure had been required to sustain the school's success. Specifically, the school converted from a traditional public school to a charter school in order to protect investments made in teacher professional development. The resulting initiatives, introduced to stem teacher turnover, led to the emergence of greater teacher leadership and professional self-renewal processes that sustained the school's success. Originality/value: The paper adds to the literature on sustaining school success and the utility of governance change. (Contains 1 table.)

This article provides a cross-national perspective on successful school principalship in three countries derived from an analysis of case studies in the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP). The ISSPP aims to investigate the characteristics, processes and effects of successful school leadership across eight countries (i.e. Australia, Canada, England, the United States, China, Denmark, Sweden and Norway). Examples from the USA, Norway and China (Shanghai) were selected to illustrate cross-national differences related to the societal purposes of education, the structure and funding of different national educational systems and the influence of particular governmental educational policies (i.e. accountability-oriented policies) on the leadership practices of individual school principals. Variations in selection criteria and research procedures were also noted. Recommendations for further research using a cultural framework include analysing multiethnic schools to identify culturally specific leadership practices as well as developing further ISSPP case studies in non-Western contexts. (Contains 1 note.)

This article draws on findings from a larger international study and the literature to examine successful principals of challenging high-poverty schools in the USA, England, and Australia. Specifically, this article reports case-study findings for 13 challenging schools, 4 each in the USA and Australia and 5 in England. Findings from this study indicate that successful principals used similar leadership practices and traits to make a difference and improve student performance in very challenging schools. These findings extend previous research conducted in single-nation contexts. The presentation of findings also considers differences in the role of the principal, the school context, and larger national policies. The article concludes with implications for leadership training and future research. (Contains 3 tables.)

This study examined the beliefs and practices of three principals during whose tenure their high-poverty urban elementary schools experienced improved student achievement. A two-stage, multiple case-study methodology was employed. First, New York State Education Department (NYSED) school report card data were analyzed to identify case-study sites. Three high-need elementary schools whose student achievement scores improved after the arrival of the current principal were selected for study. Next, a multiperspective interview protocol was utilized to triangulate the perceptions of the administrators, teachers, members of support staffs, parents, and students at each of the three sites to understand how their respective principal contributed to the school's success. Findings revealed that all three principals responded to the challenges of their high-poverty communities by establishing safe, nurturing environments for children and adults; setting high expectations for student performance, and holding everyone--students, faculty, staff, parents, and themselves--accountable for meeting those expectations. Although different in personal style, all three set clear directions for the school and then influenced members of the school community to begin moving in that direction, in great measure by modeling the behaviors and practices they desired. The article concludes with recommendations about the preparation and practices of school leaders who serve or aspire to serve in high-need communities. (Contains 7 tables.)

Describes a contractually negotiated income/leisure substitution provision commonly used in Canada. The deferred-salary leave plan gives teachers greater control over their work lives by letting them set aside monies to underwrite future leaves of absence. The plan may help teachers alleviate job stress, offset increased demands of reform initiatives, and enlarge policymakers' conceptions of staff development. (23 references) (MLH)

Discusses the Texas Supreme Court's upholding of a 1987 trial court decision that declared the Texas public school finance system unconstitutional. Summarizes remedies and requirements for equalizing resources, providing adequate resources to spur productivity, and structuring the system to conserve the considerable dollars required for equity and adequacy. (53 references) (MLH)

Defines absenteeism and characteristic patterns, discusses two competing views of employee absence behavior, applies Steers and Rhodes' process model of employee attendance to teaching, and examines two unsuccessful attendance incentive plans. Districts are advised to avoid quick fixes and develop clear guidelines, computerize teacher attendance data, and provide regular reporting and feedback. (26 references) (MLH)

Uses data from a national survey of educational administrators to identify deficiencies in administrator preparation that are particularly troublesome in rural schools. Reports differences in experience, salaries, and job satisfaction among rural, urban, and suburban administrators. Contains 18 references. (SV)

A typology is developed of the dimensions along which a teacher's contribution can be assessed and a pay plan projected that emphasizes each of these dimensions. Several issues cutting across various pay-reform proposals are discussed, notably the balance between rewarding veteran and novice teachers, and its effect on teacher recruitment. (RDN)

Accompanied by several charts and tables, this study examines differential salary increments for veteran and novice teachers in 43 New York State school districts. Awarding larger percentage increments to experienced rather than to beginning employees is less common in comparable professions and may discourage new teaching recruits. Includes 17 references. (MLH)

Teacher retention rates in New York from 1974 though 1984 were studied in 57 school districts that used alternative practices of internal salary distribution. These districts were categorized by relative attractiveness of salaries offered entry-level, midcareer, and senior teachers. Data revealed positive correlations between district retention rates and salary improvements, along with regional and gender-related differences. (TE)

Compares behaviors of superintendents in two neighboring small, rural school districts, one of which had exceptional student achievement. Concludes that the effective rural superintendent exhibits many of the behaviors observed in effective inner-city principals, and may be the pivotal figure in promoting effective rural education. (SV)

Pay incentives effectively motivate teachers in a suburban school district in New York State to reduce their rates of absence, particularly the number of sick days used. This suggests clearer perspectives on teacher absence. (BJV)

Examines the informal administrative career path leading from the rural school district to "big league" urban and suburban areas. Reviews research emphasizing the importance of the superintendent in effective rural districts. Suggests a subsidized preparation program specifically for rural administrator candidates, involving an intensive rural internship. Contains 13 references. (SV)

Examines the relationship between changes in school districts' regional entry-level salary rankings and teacher recruitment in a poor region in Central New York State and in wealthy, suburban Nassau County. When districts improved their entry-level salary ranking, they subsequently improved their ability to attract the region's most highly educated candidates. Includes 14 footnotes. (MLH)

Examines a school district's experience with property revaluation that produced a 33 percent increase in the school taxes of some residential property owners. When small segments of different municipalities comprise the same school district, revaluation may shift the local tax burden. District administrators should prepare for potential changes. (MLF)