Describes the systematic design and implementation of a training program aimed at improving the performance of retail salespeople in the Canadian carpet industry. It was found that, although the program was originally developed to improve the salespeople's knowledge and skills, it was changes in their attitudes that promoted the significant gains…

A structured flight training syllabus to first solo was tried in a New Zealand aviation club and student progress contrasted with flight training in two other clubs. The project and results are described, and difficulties in implementing and monitoring this innovation in a loosely organized and changing context are discussed. (Author/MSE)

A Canadian research project with English-as-a-Second-Language teachers indicates that Hutchinson's "process model" seems to capture the way in which second-language teaching takes place. The significant role played by teachers in interpreting curricula and determining classroom learning experiences is noted. (four references) (LB)

Under the Post-Primary Project, Trinidad and Tobago may legitimately claim to have achieved some educational expansion under difficult economic circumstances. Although top-down curriculum management and a strong remediation emphasis limited program success, the school clustering concept, along with increased vocational training, offers a promising…

The article examines issues addressed by the British National Curriculum History Working Group concerning history instruction for students with disabilities. The working group's recommendations are summarized and assessed in regard to special educational needs. Potential problems are identified and suggestions for successful implementation such as…

A survey of the 12 major low vision clinics in Australia is reported, focusing on (1) patient characteristics; and (2) planning, organization, outreach, admission procedures, personnel, and services provided. Results showed that increased services were being provided to rural regions through satellite clinics or private optometric practices.…

Analyses some of the difficulties involved in implementing the recently approved Basic Education Program for primary and secondary education in Sierra Leone. Discusses issues such as funding, training, and retention of teachers, curriculum reform, language development, equipment and supplies, and evaluation. Concludes that political stability is…

By exploring the nature of school cultures and how they affect daily classroom encounters, this article illustrates how critical incidents can be analyzed to help educators understand themselves and influences shaping their practice. Critical incidents methodologies can transcend external monitoring systems to help schools develop self-review…

A UK study shadowed and interviewed 32 secondary-school department heads to identify their leadership/management styles; sense of empowerment; and initiatives for and obstacles to improving teaching, learning, and achievement in classrooms. Shared power among senior and middle managers in UK schools is rare; training must change radically.…

TayNet is a local service provider established to support the development of businesses in Tayside (Scotland) by providing local access to the Internet. This article discusses the network's hardware and software components, evaluates the pilot phase, provides performance and connection statistics for 45 audit participants, and describes technical…

Examines development and implementation of Britain's National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) initiative, particularly the needs-assessment process, from an assessment center manager's perspective. Despite the pace, changing context, and inadequate resources, this initiative has ensured that principals will have more systematic…

Reports on the initial implementation of the Success For All (SFA) reading/school improvement program in inner city primary schools in Nottingham, England. Finds students made as much progress in one term in reading as they would normally make in one year; and their motivation, behavior, attitude to and skills in learning also increased. (RS)

Restructuring efforts, including curriculum integration, require that teachers exercise intellectual skills transcending craft wisdom and recipe exchanges. This article explores the tension between teamed middle-school teachers' technical interest in seeking recipes and their deliberationist interest in engaging in fruitful dialog. Teachers…

The case study of a community relations program in Northern Ireland demonstrates the importance of contextual variables and illustrates that the demands of short-term, context-stripped, value-for-money evaluations are often in conflict with qualitative inquiries that can reveal the social, political, and cultural influences on program delivery.…

Discusses a British primary headteacher's attempts to introduce collaborative decision making by establishing regular formal meetings, both as a whole staff and within age-related teams. Describes and interprets the varied, complex patterns of staff response. Teachers are more responsive to collegial leadership styles when they perceive that the…