The Quest For Quality Education

This book investigates and analyses critical issues in education reform and discusses possible pitfalls in the current global drive to promote excellence. Instead of documenting the successes and frustrations encountered by education reformers in specific jurisdictions, this book aims to offer directions for education reformers, and sets out to be prescriptive rather than descriptive. While the cases covered here are focused on Hong Kong, they are no less useful in throwing light upon the direction of education reform all over the world. The first section of the volume, “Conceptual Framework”, provides the theoretical underpinnings for the design and implementation of education reform. The next two sections, “Reform of Tertiary Education” and “Experiments, Dilemmas, and Risks in Secondary Schools” look at reform at the tertiary and secondary levels in greater detail. The final section, “Ideals vs. Reality: the Interplay of Diverse Interests and Diverse Perceptions”, looks at the conflicting goals and perceptions of different “stakeholders”, with a concluding chapter that summarizes the main lessons to be learnt. This book will be of interest to scholars, educators, parents, policymakers, politicians, and all who are concerned about our younger generation and their future. “The editors, Lok Sang Ho, Paul Morris and Yue-ping Chung are to be congratulated on producing a volume which is both hard-hitting and insightful about education reforms in Hong Kong. The range of experiences of the contributing authors contribute to a most interesting mix of perspectives about education reform. The focus is squarely on Hong Kong, in terms of general policy and reform issues, followed by more specific chapters dealing with issues of graduate teachers, English as a medium of instruction, and the role of the media. However, the issues raised are very applicable to many countries. This book is a valuable contribution to the literature on education reform.” —Professor Colin J. Marsh, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia

This work includes a thorough treatment of the roles of our organiztional culture and leadership that provide the seedbed for quality work life. The values encapsulated in the organizational value structure will determine the way operations are conducted. The operational conditions deal with the creation of a safe, heathy and motivating environment. Management is fast becoming of vital importance in all industries but particularly in mining and manufacturing. Quality of work life is not the sole responsibility of an organization and its management structures. The individual must accept part of the responsibility. This book provides extensive guidance on issues such as preparation to deal with change through the development of transformational intelligence, self-management skills and personal financial management. This book is the among the first in South Africa and one of few in the world to provide a holistic overview of the creation, development and maintenance of quality of work life (QWLO) in organizations.

CAN AMERICA'S PUBLIC SCHOOL STUNDENTS RANK AMONG THE WORLD'S HIGHEST ACHIEVERS? After leading Valley Christian Schools from the brink of closure to become one of the premier faith-based schools in the nation, Dr. Clifford Daugherty wondered: Could the QUEST for Excellence bring the same kind of transformation to struggling, underfunded public schools? Quest for Quality Education describes a remarkable growing partnership between the strongest professional achievers in our communities and their neighborhood schools a collaboration that changes everyone involved. The accounts inside will take you around the globe, into outer space, and to the ocean depths. See how proven QUEST for Excellence principles in business can ignite the pursuit of excellence for students. Join Clifford Daugherty and Danny Kim on their amazing journey. From their hilltop campus overlooking Silicon Valley, this Christian school is helping to renew a passion for learning in America s public schools. Quest for Quality Education...is a must-read for educators and parents. DR. ED SILVOSO, Transform Our WorldLearn how you can help bring goodness, peace, and joy to the schoolchildren in your communityDiscover how to acquire resources for your neighborhood schools, public or privateReclaim the powerful legacy of America s Founding Fathers through the self-evident truths described in the Declaration of IndependencePonder the true nature of excellence, and how Light, Life, and Learning can transform any school, of any size, anywhere

TEACHER ASSESSMENT AND THE QUEST FOR TEACHER QUALITY Teacher Assessment and the Quest for Teacher Quality is an essential resource that provides school leaders, administrators, and teacher educators with a wide range of perspectives on the complex issue of teacher quality. The book examines assessment in the context of preparation, licensure, hiring, tenure, and even dismissal and explores a wealth of relevant topics. Comprehensive in scope, the handbook includes contributions from leading experts in the field of teacher quality and teacher assessment. This important book contains basic information on a variety of approaches to teacher assessment and teacher quality topics including the science and psychology of teacher selection, performance-based assessments, and hiring decisions. In addition, the contributors explore the role of formative assessments in new teacher induction, assessing for teacher tenure, various approaches to annual performance assessments, assessing teacher contributions to student achievement, and the law regarding teacher dismissals. The expert authors also tackle broader assessment issues including the interpretation of assessments, standards for teacher evaluation, and the inherent dilemma posed by measuring the quality of teaching. For the goal of ensuring quality teaching for all our students, Teacher Assessment and the Quest for Teacher Quality is an important resource and a lasting contribution to the literature on the topic.