The recent policy focus on the turnaround of persistently low-achieving schools has generated considerable debate about the reforms needed to dramatically and quickly increase school performance. The purpose of this article is not to focus on specific turnaround interventions, but rather on the identification of schools slated to receive these…

The startup of 465 federal 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs has propelled the idea of school/community collaboration onto national and local agendas. Collaborative action teams in the Southwest have identified three factors that encourage collaboration: the organizing group's commitment and diversity, administrative and campus…

Full-service community schools may be the most popular examples of public school transformation. The success formula features interventionist, "wrap-around services" for individuals, children, and families. From this model and its lessons arises another model that stresses interdependence, collaboration, and enlightened self-interest.…

Outlines a three-step process to justify the existence of the guidance program, including writing a job description, logging daily duties, and evaluating the program. (Author/WD)

"Strengthening School Transitions for Students K-13," conceived and sponsored by NASSP and other organizations, was a project helping seven demonstration school districts address student transition problems. This article summarizes program accomplishments, critical transition points, and keys to success and describes each demonstration…

This article presents suggestions for enhancing the success of inservice programs, with particular attention to the need for adequate follow-through. Issues addressed include selection of topics, specification of goals, adequate planning and support, and thorough preparation of those responsible for program development. (PGD)

Whenever performance assessment has been introduced into statewide testing programs, various potentially paralyzing difficulties have been encountered surrounding test accuracy, reliability, validity, or suitability. Programs in some states have been discontinued or placed in jeopardy. It is uncertain whether educators can overcome these problems…

Urges accurate assessment of program implementation and the determination of student performance in areas not measured by achievement tests. Offers indicators of hard-to-measure levels of achievement in teachers and students, as they have been developed in the Johnson City, New York, Public Schools' mastery learning approach. (JW)

Sketches the Ohio Department of Education strategy for making effective schools, that is, by defining school effectiveness and by citing the general factors influencing the conduct of effective programs. (JW)

Presents the Quality Reading Program Questionnaire, which has been used in more than 100 school districts to evaluate or improve existing reading programs. (Author/WD)

At Lincoln High School in Stockton, California, educators are enthusiastic about a theater arts program that claims far-reaching educational benefits for students of many ages and types. (JM)

Takes the reader step-by-step through the sequence of events required to develop an alternative educational program. (Author/JM)

Specifically explains procedures and techniques necessary to be in compliance with the Individualized Educational Program of the Handicapped Children's Act. Also describes principal's role in mainstreaming handicapped students. (LD)

Developing, launching, and maintaining an assessment center plan requires continuous attention to three essential ingredients: communication, education, and politics. The four key considerations in developing a master plan are costs, scheduling, sources of funding, and terms of the agreement required by NASSP. A sample agreement is provided. (TE)

Suggests that individual students' learning styles should determine counseling techniques and strategies used and recommends use of the Learning Style Inventory for this purpose. Tables present learning style compatibility with selected counseling objectives, interventions, and programmed materials related to learning styles. (WD)