An upstate New York district's energy-conservation measures over the past 19 months have saved $376,000 that can be invested in academic and additional energy-saving programs. The district advises developing people-oriented strategies; updating structures, systems, and equipment; finding appropriate resources; and investing in the future. (MLH)

The histories of two alternative programs are compared. Considered a main factor in one program's success is a high level of administrative support; among problems causing the demise of the other are failure to involve the developing committee in the program's implementation and changing the program's emphasis and the students targeted. (MJL)

The Federal government will spend $1.2 billion in 1999-2000 on the Clinton administration's Class Size Reduction Initiative. Research on K-3 class-size reduction experiments (such as Tennessee's Project STAR) show positive achievement gains, particularly for minority and inner-city students. However, better teaching and learning must be a program…

A survey of 145 schools found that all had experimented with innovative purchasing approaches. Many used electronic methods, such as credit-card, fast-track requisition (most popular), bidding and purchasing, and data interchange. Results suggest that nonelectronic innovations (just-in-time, cooperative, direct, and consortium leverage purchasing)…

In a Long Island school district, foreign-language study is part of every elementary school student's curriculum in grades 2 through 5. More than 90 percent of sixth-graders choose to study a language and have the chance to participate in 7-year and advanced-placement programs in these languages. (MLH)

A carefully designed independent study program is a quick, efficient way to fill gaps, redeem mistakes, and create solutions for seemingly impossible problems. Success depends on understanding students' different situations, using proper supervision, requiring a paper trail, juggling multiple options, getting teacher support, and guaranteeing…

Recently, one southeastern Idaho school's special-education aides were upgraded to paraprofessional status. All 28 para-educators are women, have at least a high-school diploma, and have job descriptions specifying what they should know and accomplish in the classroom. Training and compensation particulars are discussed. (MLH)

School districts are scurrying to meet the demand for extended-day programs offering students varied services, including homework help, tutoring, remedial work, academic enrichment, and arts and crafts. Funding can be obtained from outsourcing, federal grants, and local tax support. (MLH)

Employee health promotion through wellness programs can be set up at schools using existing facilities. Describes how Greenwood Area Schools in Millertown, Pennsylvania, set up a program and lists who does what in the program. (MLF)

A two-year preschool and kindergarten sequence is conducted on a full-day schedule with five-year-olds attending school three days a week and four-year-olds attending the alternate days, both groups with the same teachers. The program was recognized for excellence in curriculum development. (MLF)

Study of reform activity in 57 urban school districts found the typical urban district had launched almost 12 significant initiatives from 1992 to 1995. The problem is not too little reform, but too many high-profile initiatives and transitory superintendents. Quick fixes are inimical to sustained improvement and distract attention from such…

Comprehensive school-reform models like the Accelerated Schools Project stress professional development and give educators specific, research-based strategies to address essential requirements for enhancing academic achievement. The federal Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration initiative provides necessary funding. Information sources and…

Under Policy Governance, superintendents get full authority to run districts, but their actions must be aligned with board policy and certain board-imposed limitations. Boards' policy can change dramatically with elections, causing a change in Policy- Governance climate. Board decisions cannot be changed unless a majority approves. (MLH)

The Greendale (Wisconsin) School District uses sophisticated, two-way communication and marketing strategies to find out community concerns, gain a better understanding of all the groups in the district, create trust, and put constructive criticism to good use. "Relationship" marketing actively seeks out input from both supporters and…

A survey of local school-board chairs in North Carolina concluded that such leaders show more philosophical agreement with reform ideas (decentralization, work redesign, the student as worker, school choice, and the board chair's role) than practical knowledge of how to implement those ideas locally. (MLH)