Presents a chronology of the growth of the National Staff Development Council from 1969-94. Some information is provided to offer a broader context about the world that surrounded the council at each particular time. Information is also included on council affiliates, staff and board members, annual conferences, publications, and awards. (SM)

This document is a report on the Higher Education Task Force on Improvement and Reform in American Education (HETFIRE). The convictions of HETFIRE, identified in the first chapter, include the beliefs that there must be significant change in the education system so that it becomes more responsive to the needs of individuals and that a critical…

The perspectives of three rural middle school principals as they implement Georgia's A Plus Education Reform Act of 2000 were investigated in this study. A case study approach was used, employing both within case and cross case analyses. Three interviews were conducted with each of the three participants, resulting in a total of nine interviews.…

This publication, part of the Professional Development series, presents an analysis of present and future needs for developing innovative approaches to professional staff development. Forces that have compelled fresh approaches for inservice program designs include: (1) equal education for women and minorities; (2) social and economic forces; (3)…

Teaching all students to high standards may not be achievable with the way the vast bulk of schools in the United States are organized and managed. Under current school structures and management practices, marginal improvements are possible; significantly raising student achievement is not. Accomplishing this requires dramatic improvements that…

The following models targeting at-risk elementary students are compared for cost: (1) Success for All (Robert Slavin), (2) Accelerated Schools (Henry Levin), and (3) School Development Program (James Comer). The Slavin model is the most costly in expenditure, and the Levin model requires the most additional staff time. (SLD)

An in-depth assessment of all aspects of the San Francisco School District's Child Development Program (CDP) was conducted. Assessment measures included: (1) on-site observations of preschool, kindergarten, and school-age child care classroom environments and of teacher behaviors and sensitivity; (2) reviews of physical environments and provisions…

This report describes the findings of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research's 1999 national survey, in its series looking at the impact of educational reform on primary and intermediate schools. In 1989 reforms were enacted that abolished the Department of Education and began elections for boards of trustees who took responsibility for…

Argues that student achievement cannot be improved unless teachers can implement effective instructional methods. Presents recommendations for using federal and state policy levers to change classroom practices by empowering school staff to participate in reform decisions; for funding of program evaluation and schools tied to adopting effective…

This information packet attempts to identify issues in the interface between special and regular education and to highlight positive examples of regular education/special education cooperative action. A discussion of issues in the regular/special education relationship focuses on role relationships between regular and special education…

This guide is designed to facilitate the debating of local policy options in school restructuring which have implications for the education of students with disabilities and other learners with special needs. The guide summarizes special education issues and policy options described more fully in preceding booklets and then asks the reader to…

Objectives of a Kentucky project were to analyze existing needs and barriers and potential needs and barriers regarding (1) new and emerging occupations, (2) elimination of discrimination, (3) vocational staff development, and (4) funding vocational education. A statewide planning committee assisted in development of the method and instruments. A…

The Community Learning Centers plan provides a systemically changed model for the 21st century. This top-to-bottom transformation of current education addresses all aspects of schools with a detailed framework to guide serious educational reformers. This fresh approach to principles of learning, curriculum, staffing, facilities, student as…

The New York State School-to-Work Opportunities System Plan, which is based on New York's original application for a federal school-to-work implementation grant and contains the 23 federally required elements, outlines the state's plans to develop and implement a statewide school-to-work opportunities system within a 9-year period. The plan…

One way for colleges to meet the demand for a wider range of learning opportunities for adults in Great Britain is to provide more flexibility within the further education system. The concept of flexible learning involves the modification of delivery systems, specific providing agencies, target populations, specific determinants such as geographic…