Innovation Profiles, detailed descriptions of what a teacher is actually doing as effective classroom practices are implemented, offer a logical and systematic way of making innovations work. The first section of this book identifies core decisions required in implementing and evaluating curriculum and instructional innovations in sections…

Multiple data sources are used in this study of educational change in the United States and Australia. The author considers political issues that may affect the implementation of educational reform efforts at the federal level, such as homogeneity versus heterogeneity, centralization versus decentralization, constitutional responsibility for…

As part of a longitudinal study of external assistance in school change, cooperative efforts between an external agency and five schools were analyzed to identify characteristics of the social structure of schools that affect change implementation. Data were collected through extensive observations and interviews. The schools evidenced a…

Practical strategies for implementing a skill-centered approach to reading instruction are discussed in this paper. The first two strategies presented pertain to the beginning implementation stage: making a commitment to a skills approach and paying attention to principles for educational change. Sections are included on whole-staff involvement in…

To understand better the role a principal plays in the success or failure of a federal program, this study was conducted of the role of principals in Teacher Corps projects. An introductory chapter discusses the changing role of the principal in general and the role of the principal in change efforts and then more specifically discusses the…

The purpose of this manual is to outline a case approach to administrator training based on a study (presented in a companion volume) of four Teacher Corps projects and the role of principals in those projects. It begins with a discussion of the usefulness of a "case vignette" approach to training and then presents 21 case vignettes…

Outlines California's major educational reform legislation during 1980's and describes a Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) study of policy implementations. Results show that nearly all schools correctly implemented key provisions of S.B. 813, that state level reform can be effective when accompanied by cohesive local strategizing,…

Summarizes factors within the state and school systems which may change with the implementation of Tennessee's Comprehensive Education Reform Act and identifies seven potential problems to full implementation. Concludes that, because of too many unknown variables, it is too early to predict the feasibility and success of full implementation. (NEC)

This article examines some of the reasons attempts to tighten the couplings between legislative and judicial intent and site level implementation have remained problematic. Specifically, this article argues that the assumption that program evaluation can force program implementation is faulty. (Author/BW)

Despite government initiatives to foster lifelong learning, Chinese Taipei has yet to develop a truly comprehensive system of adult education. Despite high illiteracy rates, only 5% of all adults are currently enrolled in supplemental education, due in part to traditional ideas of formal education, and lack of governmental support. In 1994,…

Mathematics and science standards were created in response to concern throughout the United States about the performance of students in these areas and the demands of an increasingly scientific and technological world. Educators and community leaders recognize that students will need more mathematical and scientific knowledge both in their jobs…

This fastback document explores ways to develop alternative high-school programs to help at-risk students. It focuses on the "school within a school" model where the emphasis is on a caring school climate and smaller class sizes. The booklet offers a step-by-step guide for developing an alternative school, which begins with determining the need…

The papers in this volume describe how states have incorporated academic standards into their education goals. As part of the National Education Goals Panel, this collection of essays describes how nine states have recently implemented these standards, discusses how textbooks and teaching could help students reach the standards, and provides…

Success by Eight is a pilot program of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools for students in kindergarten through grade 2. The initiative is designed to provide a group of six pilot schools with training and additional resources in implementing a specific set of components to prepare students for the third grade. These components are: (1)…

This 1997 technical report looks at California Early Literacy Learning (CELL), a staff development program designed to help elementary teachers strengthen their teaching of reading and writing. It notes that research-based teaching methodologies have been organized into a framework for classroom instruction, and that the CELL project emphasizes…