This document reports on the activities of England's National Literacy Strategy--the government's target and management from 1997-2002. The Literacy Task Force was established in May 1996 and charged with developing a strategy for substantially raising standards of literacy in elementary schools over a 5- to 10-year period. Section One of the…

In 2001-2002, 23 schools in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), North Carolina, were provided with 40 teacher positions through the Class Size Reduction Program (CSR). Achievement results for students in reduced class sizes were compared with those of similar students in other CSR schools who did not choose the same grade for the project…

This "sampler" package has been developed to provide immediate information on resources related to educational policy related to addressing barriers to learning. The first section lists 69 resources for information about educational improvement and learning, including ERIC. The second section lists 14 print resources for facts relevant…

The role of external partners in school reform in Chicago (Illinois) was studied. The first section of this paper outlines the analytical perspective that guides the study, expressing the view that unless the institutional structure of the system as a whole and teacher autonomy are figured into the design of the program, institutionalizing…

Curriculum integration (CI) is an educational strategy aimed primarily at students who take significant numbers of both academic and vocational courses either as part of a formal program or on their own. Its goal is to enhance the learning of these students by breaking down the traditional barrier that exists in most schools between the two…

Examines reasons why large-scale rejection of most forms of academic technology will continue, despite the fact that educators are faced with the inescapable conclusion that if education is to be brought closer to American life, use of technology must be taught and accepted in colleges of education. (JN)

The policy impact model can help state educational planners develop policies for local school districts. The model has four stages: forecasting, goal setting, policy analysis, and implementation. A project in Louisiana is used as a case study.

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)

Reasons for variations in the adoption and implementation of federal programs at the local level are discussed. It is argued that there is a case against local problem-solving approaches to change.

States and the federal government have made efforts to encourage the implementation of career education. It appears to be one of the viable alternatives for bringing about educational reform that could result in the improvement of the quality of education. (CT)

Study of reform activity in 57 urban school districts found the typical urban district had launched almost 12 significant initiatives from 1992 to 1995. The problem is not too little reform, but too many high-profile initiatives and transitory superintendents. Quick fixes are inimical to sustained improvement and distract attention from such…

To gauge their feelings about the first five years under the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA), school library media specialists were asked how professional roles and programs had changed, how library media programs supported specific KERA strands, and how continuing education or professional development activities had been helpful. Includes…

In 1987 the Scottish Office Education Department published plans for a curriculum development program for ages 5 through 14. This article reports on an evaluation of the implementation of the curriculum planned for 1991-95. National samples and interviews with about 165 educators trace the early steps in implementation. (SLD)

The Stages of Concern Questionnaire was completed by 677 of 1,207 teachers at High Schools that Work sites. Those with no experience or first-year experience of reform implementation had high personal concerns that needed to be addressed. About half had high levels of adoption proneness indicating their potential to be reform leaders. (SK)

Implementation of the Illinois Educational Reform Act of 1985 in local school districts during the year before and the two years after its passage was studied through an analysis of school board meeting minutes. Policy questions about the place of school boards in the educational reform movement are raised. (SLD)