The concept of personalization in learning appeals to many K-12 teachers and students weary of regimented, one-size-fits-all instruction. The in-vogue term personalization is used to refer to many different learning strategies and structures--from personal learning plans to greater student voice. Differentiation expert Carol Ann Tomlinson is…

When San Francisco implemented a new policy to improve graduation rates and college enrollment, district officials realized their work was only beginning. San Francisco Unified School District revamped its college-ready graduation policy in 2009, hoping to increase the likelihood that students would graduate with the necessary courses to go to a…

Change strategies must include informal school networks and norms. Implementation plans must involve teachers and principals prior to training. (Author/JM)

Of more importance than any lofty concept of the principal's leadership are crucial, mundane, support functions--which can be carried out by supervisors and teachers as well as by principals. (Author)

Recounts the establishment of a computer literacy program in the Phoenixville Area (Pennsylvania) School District. Describes the newly created computer coordinator position and emphasizes the coordinator's role in obtaining faculty participation and support through the provision of hands-on computer experience. (PGD)

Presents a matrix-continuum of systemic change defining six developmental stages (old system maintenance, awareness, exploration, transition, emerging new infrastructure, and predominating new system) and six key change elements (vision, public and political support, networking, teaching and learning changes, administrative roles and…

New curriculum developments, supervisory strategies, and management techniques in 16 major city school systems are helping students and redefining the roles of supervisors and principals. Common elements are strong leadership, more authority for principals, and school-based management. (Author/MLF)

Two recent studies have concluded that integrated learning systems have enormous potential but are seldom fully implemented. ILSs can transform classrooms if accompanied by increased time-on-task, computerized learning resources, effective assessment and reporting, guaranteed individualized instruction, and facilitative teachers. Sound…

Teachers must learn to distinguish among performance assessments of different quality and appropriateness. Design criteria (cognitive complexity, linguistic appropriateness, content quality and coverage, and meaningfulness) are judged by examining assessment tasks and scoring rubrics. Effects criteria (transfer, generalizability, instructional…