This dissertation describes how entrepreneurial superintendents of educational service agencies (ESAs) recognize, determine and address common and distinct innovative characteristics within emerging or established regional educational environments. Because internal and external factors assist in recognizing innovative practices, this study…

Minnesota has enacted legislation and implemented cooperative services to meet student needs. Legislation allows two or more districts to cooperate on programs and services while maintaining local boards and independent school district status. Communicasting, combining elements of communication and broadcasting, enables school districts to share…

This report on the status of programs authorized under Article 8, "Technology and Educational Improvement," from July 1, 1983, through December 31, 1985, summarizes progress in areas addressed by each of 12 sections of the article: (1) Technology Utilization Plans; (2) Inservice Training for Technology Use; (3) Regional Coordinators; (4)…

The benefits of regional cooperation among small rural school districts are stressed in this brief description of the Educational Cooperative Service Unit (ECSU) currently serving 63,800 students in 104 member districts. A section on historical background traces the ECSU's forerunners, e.g., an educational media center established in 1965, the…

Bemidji State University and 24 schools in northwestern Minnesota have established a demonstration teacher center. Major goals of the center include: (1) improving the quality of the teaching and learning process; (2) assessing staff development needs and plans; (3) facilitating application of the latest educational research; (4) assisting…

The 61 cooperative vocational centers in Minnesota are joint efforts of 2 or more neighboring school districts to provide secondary vocational education and to strengthen, extend and expand existing vocational programs. Begun as pilot projects in 1968, the centers focus on introducing students to a variety of occupations, providing career…

During 1982-83, the Minnesota Migrant Education Program provided an array of individualized instructional and support services to 2,663 students aged 0-21 years. Program emphases were designated as improvement in academic achievement, expansion of secondary programs, and parental involvement. The program provided an intensive, short-term, full…

During 1983-84, the Minnesota Migrant Education Program provided an array of individualized instructional and support services to 2,867 students aged 0-21 years. Major program emphases were designated as interstate coordination, expansion of secondary programs, and parental involvement. The program provided an intensive, short-term, full day,…