Questions some new orthodoxies of British elementary education: fitness for purpose, planning based on subject order requirements, and differentiation (learning described by hierarchical levels). Teachers cannot implement National Curriculum goals without substantive professional development and deeper subject area knowledge. A fruitful change…

Project SHAPE is a two-year intervention and enrichment program for underachieving and educationally disadvantaged ninth and tenth grade students in Toledo, Ohio. Operating through teacher empowerment; curriculum development; structural organization; and student, parent, and community involvement, SHAPE's goals are developing an academically…

High school learning disabilities teachers (n=325) and special education supervisors (n=145) were surveyed concerning secondary learning disabilities programs. Although program emphases have not changed over the past decade, educators' priorities changed, calling for less content area instruction, more career/vocational and learning strategies…

When citizen groups opposed their reform efforts, one Michigan district was intimidated by an ultrafundamentalist media campaign and petition drive, whereas the other welcomed democratic discussion and gradually regained public confidence. Opposition groups capitalized on the districts' lack of preparation, filling the void with their own…

Using examples from Cuyahoga Community College, this article examines the nature of teams, how they are suited to community college management, and how they can increase the effectiveness of community colleges. Presents tangible implementation strategies and unique applications for community colleges, including the use of faculty as team…

An obsolete, unworkable approach to achieving high standards is top-down dictation of goals and minimal staff compliance. A constructivist change strategy is based on collaboration. It is an action research and development process enabling everyone to understand the problem, reach agreement on goals, and share responsibility for implementing…

A growing number of researchers are questioning the usefulness of reform strategies that do not provide teachers with specific information about how to implement changes. The replication of successful programs depends on giving teachers the tools they need to carry out reforms by explaining them in detail. (SLD)

Maintains that multicultural education is a key element in the ongoing struggle to solve current educational problems. Presents Banks's (1988) phases in the evolution of multicultural education. Examines three developmental models describing the implementation of multicultural education for their usefulness in assessing the current stage of…

The current academic tenure system is unacceptable, since the reward system favors research over work with teachers. Four alternative models include developing a charter with education faculty exemptions, reforming tenure codes, specifying tenure alternatives and differentiated tasks, and dispensing with tenure altogether. Implementation tips are…

Examines theoretical and practical elements that lead to successful implementation of change. Discusses research on planned educational change and change agent theory; describes a school library media specialist's effort to implement a learning-centered library program; and includes a list of practical ideas for implementing "Information…

Outlines two responses regarding why educational innovations come and go with such regularity. It is argued that there is a paucity of knowledge about these innovations which is leading to superficial solutions or implementation and that the inability to tap into the roots of these educational innovations results in the reinvention or recycling of…

Examines systemic reform development from the perspective of local participants in nine states. Implementation varies with local technical capacity. State systemic reform agendas are frequently viewed as incompatible with pressing local issues. The most frequently criticized aspect of systemic reform is apparent lack of connection between state…

Describes a school in Botswana that was an experiment in educational reform that sought to link education and the economic development of emerging countries. Discusses implementation of ideals and examines the relation between education and development. (JOW)

Studied the barriers encountered by an urban school principal in implementing reforms within the context of the Kentucky Educational Reform Act. Results show how site-based decision making councils exemplify a policy decision that ignores the practical realities of distressed schools. (SLD)

Implementation costs for comprehensive school change designs (like the New American Schools models) vary widely. This article discusses the rationale and cost of each design element: principals and vice principals, instruction facilitators, classroom teachers, education specialists, struggling student strategies, professional development, teacher…