When introduced a decade ago, development planning was regarded as a strategy to help (British) schools manage change. Recent evidence suggests that schools exhibiting "best practice" in development planning have transcended this usage and now employ development planning to enhance pupil achievement. This paper examines the latter,…

Describes an elementary school study that investigated how to successfully implement the Accelerated Reader program, an electronic reading management program designed to replace standard book reports and raise students' motivation to read quality literature and help them become better readers. Topics include student attitudes; teacher attitudes;…

Shortly after implementing a mandatory school uniform policy, the Long Beach (California) Public Schools can boast 99% compliance and a substantial reduction in school crime. The uniforms can't be confused with gang colors, save parents money, and help identify outsiders. A sidebar lists ingredients for a mandatory uniform policy. (MLH)

Schools in Los Angeles County, Chattanooga, Boston, and San Diego have established family centers offering space (a room, bus, or neighborhood apartment) where family members can meet with parent leaders and school staff to plan and implement programs and partnerships. Varied purposes, activities, funding, and staffing are discussed. (MLH)

This article describes a conflict resolution and peer mediation program implemented in three middle schools. The program used a school-wide conflict resolution curriculum and enlisted a core group of trained peer mediators in each school. A resolution acceptable to disputing parties was reached more than 95 percent of the time. (Contains 11…

Studies of Texas' testing program, initiated in 1992, identify several factors contributing to improved achievement: alignment with state standards; results that inform instruction; understandable, attainable rating systems that encourage improvements for all populations; balance between school/student accountability; stable, yet improvable…

Describes experiences developing and implementing an integrated curriculum in a middle school. Considers the importance of ecologizing (placing abstract content back within its authentic contexts) the learning situation around an anchor in order to create an instructional context consistent with what students would need outside school. (JPB)

Discusses the introduction of shared governance in California in 1988, noting that it ultimately did not materialize into an anticipated model of collegiality. Provides recommendations for institutions dealing with shared governance, underscoring the need to accept the past and present in managing change. Contains 13 references. (YKH)

Describes the creation of a series of online, Web-based classes designed to train experienced educators as school improvement specialists. Reports that the courses--produced through collaboration between the North Central Association and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln--are comprised of 36-42 adult students with two instructors. (NB)

The 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Title I) embodies a 35-year national commitment to help educate economically and educationally disadvantaged children. Enhanced achievement expectations and a resurgent child poverty rate should spur Congress to renew Title I funding by the end of 1999-2000. (14 references) (MLH)

Shares observations about implementation issues that have emerged during efforts to find and evaluate computer-based solutions for students' learning and studying problems. Notes these issues fall into five topic areas: access issues, motivational issues, curriculum integration issues, labeling issues, and funding issues. Describes each issue,…

Discussion of adoption models for learning technologies focuses on how the use of models tends to channel and constrain thinking. Topics include the importance of practice over theory; needs assessment; committees or consultants; developing a framework; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; implementation; and evaluation and revision.…

Discusses implementation of an "E-Master's" degree in marketing at Monash University in Australia. The electronic delivery of this degree follows the successful implementation of an online course, "Marketing Theory and Practice," at the university, described in 1999's volume 24, number 2 of this journal. (EV)

Discusses the rationale for the introduction of problem-based learning (PBL) pedagogy into dental education, the modalities of PBL being introduced, and the implications of its introduction into dental schools. Addresses implementation, faculty development, admissions, and assessment. Presents and discusses observations from a parallel-track…

The idea of reading a classic out loud during lunch each day of National Library Week was to make high school students participate in the library campaign. A library media specialist at Cleburne (Texas) High School discusses the planning, promotion and implementation of the programme.