The functions of support provided to five committees of teachers engaged in planning and implementation of innovations are described as part of a longitudinal study of external assistance in school change. The five schools participated in projects developed collaboratively with Research for Better Schools. Sources of support included school and…

Presents survey and case data from a study of knowledge use in United States schools and concludes that well-designed government-supported dissemination activities that focus on reaching schools rather than individuals may be one approach to capitalize on both internal and external pressures for school improvement. (MLF)

Too many good programs initiated as specially funded projects, pilots, and demonstrations tend to be lost when the period of special funding ends. This guide/toolkit is designed as a resource aid for those in schools and communities who are concerned about sustaining valuable initiatives and innovations. Optimally, sustainability should be a focus…

This paper provides cross-site policy analysis of themes related to state education reform and the impact of state educational reforms on students with disabilities and special education programs. It analyzes state-level reforms in the general education policy areas of curriculum, assessment, accountability, teacher development, and governance and…

A baseline study of Arizona public school counselors ascertained the amount of time they spent individually with students and the nature of the counseling provided; it also measured their opinions and attitudes toward school-to-work (STW). Surveys were mailed to every Arizona high school and junior high/middle school, a random sample of elementary…

Jilin is a rural province in northeastern China, known for its forests and forest products such as ginseng. In the past, Jilin's schools focused on preparing students for higher education and offered little of relevance to most rural students. In addition, the schools were understaffed and were managed by a remote, centralized bureaucracy. In…

This kit is designed to help trainers and assessors understand the importance of workplace communication in training packages. Section 1 explains what trainers and assessors need to know about communication skills, and how to use the kit. Section 2 provides an overview of training packages. It describes the endorsed parts of the package, which…

The Step by Step Program is a model developed for countries struggling to make the transition to democratic societies in a period marked by enthusiasm for educational reform. The goal of the associated programs is educating a new participatory citizenry, beginning with children. Growth of programs across the world has resulted in a nongovernmental…

Examines school reform efforts in the secondary education system of Tel Aviv-Jaffa (Israel). The article describes the principles of the reform and its implementation and analyzes the major trends of change and their educational and social significance after two years of operation. The social processes that were background to the program's design…

Traces development and implementation of a 4-day school week at an Alberta junior high school that extended the school day 40 minutes, resulted in more classes taught in a shorter time period, and decreased student discipline problems. Describes parent and community reactions. Includes recommendations for planning educational change. (LP)

Describes the development and implementation of a course on multicultural education as an important part of teacher education at San Diego State College (California). The course centers on establishing a sense of community, promoting critical thinking, and promoting social responsibility and agency for change. (SLD)

This concluding chapter offers a number of key considerations for institutions interested in developing and delivering adult degree programs.

In September 1998, the California State Legislature passed SB 2042, legislation that authorized the reform of teacher recruitment, certification, and licensing in the state. Its provisions are unique in that they represent the first time in California's history that almost all of the standards dealing with teacher preparation and induction were…

Purpose: To show that the practices, processes and resources for the management of the university environment should be aligned to meet the ever-growing demands of sustainability and its motivations should be clearly spelt out to all stakeholders. Universities should also strive to become leaders in the development of effective environmental…

This article analyses ongoing work at the University of Geneva to reform programs to fit the principles of the Bologna Declaration. Analysis of the national context addresses how Swiss universities are currently building a Swiss area of higher education along similar lines to the European Area of Higher Education. Focus is put on the role of the…