An outline of the characteristics of exemplary schools is presented in a discussion of the effective schools movement. Research on the implementation process of a pilot program explores a plan for school improvement. A view of effective school research and school improvement from a political perspective is offered. (DF)

This document is a resource developed for educators trained in the Professional Learning Team (PLT) process by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL). The PLT process is a research-based model for effective schoolwide professional development that results in teachers changing their instructional practices. This publication provides…

An accountability system is proposed for the education system in Washington. Reform efforts in Washington have been designed to create a school-centered system in which state standards motivate teachers, parents, and principals to search for more effective ways to help students learn. Drawing on the experience of other states, recommendations are…

This case study evaluated the development, partial implementation, and review of an institutional and operational approach to quality management that was developed, during a decade of radical political change, at the University of the Orange Free State, resulting in the rapid transformation of higher education institutions in South African. Phase…

This policy brief examines the benefits and the challenges that accompany class-size reduction (CSR). It suggests that when designing CSR programs, states should carefully assess specific circumstances in their schools as they adopt or modify CSR efforts to avoid the unintended consequences that some programs have experienced. Some of the…

This document is the first of a series that will address five stages of the school reform process. It focuses on the first stage of the change process, managing key stakeholders and external groups and engaging them in the planning and development of the reform or innovation. A stakeholder is any group or individual who can affect or is affected…

I/D/E/A's Individually Guided Program pulls together promising practices and new concepts to make a school "everything it could be", claims the author of this article. He describes the elements of this program and how a school can consider adopting it. (Editor)

The rationale underlying the emphasis of current UNESCO programs on renovation and reorientation of formal and nonformal systems of education in rural areas introduces a series of papers which emphasize the need for coordinated, long-term planning for rural development. (SM)

Describes how training by stages has been developed in the Federal Republic of Germany. (Editor)

The purpose of the project is to identify goals for vocational education in Florida through the year 2000 and to develop a system plan for achieving them. Project components are leadership and project coordination, staff development, a planning team, needs assessment surveys, futures research, an economic utility model, and dissemination and…

Cites (1) social and economic conditions leading to a reversal in attitudes toward adult education and (2) evidence of shifts in students and instructional methods. Presents a rationale for and considers several aspects of systematic college programing: on-going research and development; continuous evaluation; effective planning; and program…

A successful effort to raise reading achievement in the Denver schools illustrates key factors in educational change. (Author)

Describes the "Industry Exploration Tour," which provides vocational educators with hands-on experience to learn the needs and wants of industry as they relate to preparing people for work. (Author/JOW)