The idea of "capacity" is particularly important in the reform of educational systems because the system can be both the initiator and the subject of change. In fact, the requirement for capacity is present at all levels of the system in systemic reform. In educational change, four types of capacity are generally considered: (1) human…

The WIFO Gateway to Research on Education in Europe (http://www.wifo-gate.org) is an Internet portal focusing on vocational education and training and human resource development. Launched 10 years ago by the Research Forum Education and Society (Wissenschaftsforum Bildung und Gesellschaft-WIFO) Berlin, it has developed in several stages in close…

This report describes the efforts of the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) during the last several years to respond to direct requests from educational stakeholders to help integrate data into their decision-making processes related to school improvement. In some cases, NCREL cooperated in the development of educational…

Describes the creation and evolution of ERIC during its initial two decades of existence; discusses a recently concluded redesign study and provides some details about changes being implemented in the ERIC system; and considers the future of ERIC in terms of expansion, new technologies, and diversification of funds. (five references) (CLB)

The leadership role of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) in developing a System of Expert Panels to identify and share promising and exemplary products, programs. and practices is discussed. The System of Expert Panels should enable the Federal government to help the public learn about replicable research and development…

Describes planning and development of the Canadian Education Research and Information System, a set of Internet-based interactive services providing information on education and educational research in Canada that will be operational in mid-1997. Current planning involves creating content in five thematic areas, designing technology, and preparing…

This paper presents the evolution of and the lessons learned from a research approach to assessment of student outcomes, specifically of student academic achievement, being used by the Puerto Rico Statewide Systemic Initiative (PR-SSI), which is one of the statewide systemic initiatives for science and mathematics sponsored by the National Science…

The goal of the project described here was to improve the quality of postsecondary education by offering institutions of higher learning information on currently funded educational projects through an interactive database, the Educational Resources Directory (ERD), which contains information on new methods, curricula, and educational technology.…

This issue of UNESCO's "Education for All: Making It Work" shows how the SHAPE project's message of autonomy has been translated into productive work, community participation, emphasis on local context, self-reliance and innovations. Since 1987, the Self-Help Action Plan for Education (SHAPE) in Zambia reflects a new philosophy…

Analyzes findings from a 3-year study of 10 racially mixed schools that decided to reduce ability grouping. Discovers that decentralized decision making and local control inhibit systemic reform because the micropolitics of autonomous schools will act as an obstructionist influence. (MJP)

This resource guide contains descriptions of 47 projects and 13 professional growth activities conducted between 1982 and 1984 under the auspices of the Wisconsin Board of Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education (WBVTAE) Leadership Identification Program. Included among those projects described are efforts related to the following areas:…

A vocational education project was undertaken to (1) design and develop a training package to train teachers and curriculum personnel in the development of instructional systems based on task lists and performance, (2) organize and conduct an institute for training teachers and curriculum personnel in the development of instructional systems based…