The National Academy of Education (NAEd) undertook this consensus report on the evaluation and improvement of teacher preparation programs (TPPs). Specifically, this consensus report aims to (1) identify and disseminate best practices for evaluating and improving TPPs to promote teacher effectiveness and student achievement; (2) provide…

TransferBOOST (Bachelor's Opportunity Options that are Straightforward and Transparent) is a multi-year state-level initiative developed to provide students with affordable, quality, well-supported two- to four-year pathways. For every 100 students who enroll in community colleges, 31 students transfer to a four-year institution. Of those, only 15…

The relatively new phenomenon of using search committees is described as the result of state and federal legislation, a more participatory approach to college administration, and an enlarged pool of qualified candidates. Committee functions include recruiting and screening candidates, checking references, handling interviews, and making…

The purpose of this paper is to define a rationale for use in the refinements of daily curriculum operations in a school district, and establish a general understanding about policy and non-policy matters in curriculum. It is concluded that the area of curriculum should be guided by written policies which demonstrate that appropriate attention has…

The work of a committee of college institutional researchers to create a professional code of ethics is chronicled, and the code's structure is described briefly. Issues encountered in and assumptions underlying the effort are discussed, including the rationale for such a code, definition of technical standards, terminology, and scope. (MSE)

This publication covers the fundamentals of planning a college or university presidential inauguration. The guide's 10 chapters are based in part on a survey of colleges and universities that appointed new presidents between January 1990 and January 1992. The first chapter offers five rules for "getting your act together": you should…

The small school system of Genoa City, Wisconsin, developed a comprehensive curriculum to guide daily classroom instruction. Steps included selecting a textbook series before beginning the curriculum revision process and individualizing the guide by highlighting each teacher's areas of accountability. (MLF)

A parent advisory committee at Oneida Senior High School (New York) meets to discuss school programs and activities. The result is a solid support group to address problems that arise. (MLF)

Solutions to common problems of college and university alumni boards and their meeting effectiveness are offered. Recommended are developing diversity in board membership, setting goals, making service meaningful, trying for turnover, balancing the work burden, planning for dignified departures, and fostering member involvement. (DB)

A tongue-in-cheek look at methods used for curriculum development by many colleges and universities compares the process to two others: destruction of trees and trial by ordeal. Forests are destroyed to produce large quantities of paper for printing of curricula in many versions, followed by Kafkaesque committee scrutiny. (MSE)

A discussion of the use of advisory committees in college and university administration outlines their many potential roles at both program and institutional levels, identifying reasons they are established and often underused. Issues of advisory committee effectiveness are then explored by examining several types of underinvolved and overinvolved…

This book is a practical guide to the management of a university. It discusses the role of the university president and offers advice on areas ranging from establishing the university agenda to timing for retirement. Discussions include all aspects of life in a major research university: governance and management, working with committees, campus…

In independent colleges and universities, the committee on trustees is most important to the institution's long-term effectiveness. The charge to this committee should include the following responsibilities: helping the board determine desired board composition; populating the board with able, dedicated trustees and maintaining a candidate list;…

This guide is designed to assist school systems in developing and/or using occupational/craft committees in support of public school vocational-technical education programs in Maryland. The guide is organized in two parts. Part I outlines the steps needed to organize an occupational/craft committee: rationale and benefits, functions, steps in…

This article offers suggestions from the University of Redlands (California) and other universities on improving Alumni Board Handbooks. Considered are seven basic elements of the handbook; possible additions (such as a glossary of alumni-related terms and sample fund-raising letters); and the need to consider format, method, and cost in handbook…