ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at Chicago elementary schools which seemed to be taking good advantage of the opportunities provided by reform. The passage of PA 85-1418 was widely heralded as a radical plan of parent and community empowerment over local schools. In most general terms, an effective partnership emerged within the actively restructuring schools among local professionals, parents, and the community. The experiences of the actively restructuring schools provide insight into the key ingredients and processes of a successful school development effort under Chicago's reform legislation. The chapter offers insights into how strong local democratic activity actually supports systemic restructuring. The Centre for School Improvement at the University of Chicago provided extensive organizational development support for the schools-within-a-school restructuring at Field. The chapter concludes with information on three key mechanisms—a recasting of the principal's role, expanding social support for change, and opening the flow of ideas.
