When laypeople read controversial scientific information in order to make a personally relevant decision, information on the source is a valuable resource with which to evaluate multiple, competing claims. Due to their bounded understanding, laypeople rely on the expertise of others and need to identify whether sources are credible. The present…

This article proposes a pedagogical framework to help students analyze their group and team interactions. Intersecting five fundamental group attributes (group size, group goal, group member interdependence, group structure, and group identity) with three overarching group processes (leadership, decision making, and conflict management) creates an…

Although written primarily for organizational specialists in school districts, this book is also addressed to school administrators, departments of education, students of educational administration, teachers, and organizational researchers. It is intended to help establish the organizational climates that nurture personal fulfillment and to create…

A comparative evaluation of two underground coal mines identified the reasons why one was the most productive and the other was the least productive mine operated by the company. The vested interests of contending groups provide a partial explanation. The problem-solving process evolving out of the evaluation is described. (SLD)

The Delphi technique was used as one instrument in an evaluation of the Ruppert Education Center, an alternative high school. One of its contributions stemmed from its conventional use as a way to assess goal priorities of school policy-makers. In addition it helped to (1) focus the evaluation; (2) assess community interest, knowledge and…

Ethical problems in program evaluation are increased when conflicting or incompatible models are applied concurrently. Three models are illustrated: an amelioration model, for a program's own decision makers; an accountability model, focusing on public data disclosure; and an advocacy model, designed to advance the program's interest. Case…

The basic problems faced by those implementing a project of assessing school needs and initiating change are discussed. An example of a teacher corps project funded for such an endeavor is summarized. How the initial problems of assessing needs to determine project goals and establishing a credible change relationship with school personnel were…

These learning activities are intended to help elementary school children learn how to communicate, cooperate, and prevent or solve conflicts through creative thinking. There are 17 chapters. The first five chapters provide background information for teachers, discussing the Children's Creative Response to Conflict (CCRC) Program, ways to create a…

This handbook for school board presidents and members offers information on policy, procedures, law, leadership, and communication relevant to board meetings; each chapter features page margins for notes and a "backup materials" section for practical use. Chapter 1, "The Role of the Board President," focuses on balance of power, presidential…

Designed to assist schools in implementing developmental skills in the social studies programs for grades K-12, this guide is divided into seven sections. The first section, a literature review, cites publications on social studies skills. Section 2 gives an interdisciplinary view of shared skills in the New York state curriculum. Three skill…