Background/Context: At a time when educational research is recognized as capable of improving teaching and learning, it is under attack for falling short of this promise. Part of the solution lies in improving the preparation of educational researchers. Toward this goal, the UW-Madison School of Education (SOE) participated with the Spencer…

This report draws on the first two years' experience, findings, and research of the seven strands of the Raising Quality and Achievement (RQA) Program to draw general conclusions about issues being addressed, progress made, and challenges remaining for colleges in the United Kingdom. It defines quality and achievement, describes the national…

After describing inadequacies of current U.S. Department of Education funding strategies in identifying and sharing the best of research and development, this article outlines an alternative vision centered on using evaluation to guide replication. How to overcome constraints in implementing this vision for federal education leadership is…

This brief report summarizes the staff development benefits that occurred as a result of teachers participating in the Research and Development Utilization Program (RDU). Surveys of 540 teachers revealed the five most frequently cited staff development benefits to be: (1) learning more about curriculum development; (2) learning more about the…

As part of the Chapter 1 program, the U.S. Department of Education conducts research activities and uses nominations from a variety of sources to identify promising practices and document their success. The department disseminates this information through its award process in the Chapter 1 School Recognition Program. (SLD)

The National Diffusion Network is a mechanism for sharing information and resources among education service providers. Three interactive components serve as a linkage in this network: (1) demonstrator-developers, (2) state facilitators, and (3) departments of education. (JN)

Implementation of nationally developed applied academics curriculum packages at 16 pilot sites in Indiana was evaluated. Settings were urban and rural and included comprehensive high schools and vocational centers. Data were compiled from 8 applied mathematics and 9 applied communication teachers and from 559 students. The primary goal was to…

Project CDCC (Career Development Centered Curriculum) provides career development instruction to rural, elementary-level students. The objectives are to help students demonstrate increased awareness of life roles, formulate realistic self-concepts, and develop and use decision-making skills. Through a process which included testing and refinement,…

A study examined the distribution, use, and effects of 30 research and development products to improve vocational education for handicapped learners. These research and development efforts were studied through a mail survey returned from 321 respondents, telephone interviews with 100 respondents, and case studies of seven sites where these…