Presented a college night where students and parents were mixed into eight simulated admissions committees. Charged them with examining the credentials of four hypothetical candidates, and matching these to profiles for two different schools. Parents could not dominate, and all gained an understanding of the component pieces of college…

Matrix management provides a flexible method of responding to today's complex challenges in a way that supports a traditional organization and at the same time recognizes the necessity to draw upon the total resource needs of the institution through project teams. Operation at Kings College is described. (MLW)

This paper presents one perspective on a new methodology of program evaluation which defines four phases corresponding to the operational life of a school program. Examples and results are discussed in terms of relevance to basic skills improvement efforts and cost-effects. (LMO)

Outlines design requirements for situation description, policy specifications, and decision consequences feedback systems of type that could be used to help manage Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) portfolios for large organizations. Several systems are described, and three additional systems design characteristics are…

A study of the effectiveness of a training program for selected mathematics faculty aimed at improving student achievement in a basic mathematics course is described. The assumption that extremely successful learners are qualified teachers is seen as erroneous. (MLW)

Elements of the institutional planning process are outlined and major issues in planning are discussed, including the distinction of process vs. product, the use of models, the importance of building consensus, side effects and pitfalls, and the use of outside consultants. (MSE)

Outlines a model for the preparation of preschool teachers that utilizes a preservice/inservice, competency-based approach. (Author/JG)

Applying the research-based developmental assets list of 40 positive relationships, experiences, and values as a framework for positive youth development provides communities with a set of factors associated with increased healthy behaviors and fewer high-risk behaviors. Beginning with a question regarding the applicability of this model for youth…

A groundbreaking synthesis of developmental, relationship-based, and skill-based approaches, The SCERTS[TM] Model provides a framework for improving communication and social-emotional abilities in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. Developed by internationally recognized experts, SCERTS[TM] supports developmental…

Wisconsin's school-to-work initiative is being led by citizens representing business and industry, education, organized labor, community groups, and governmental entities from all over the state. They share a vision for improving how students are prepared to become successful citizens, productive workers, and lifelong learners. This booklet…

Comprehensive developmental guidance programs systematically address students' personal/social, learning, and career development needs. The evolution and implementation of a comprehensive guidance program in Wisconsin is presented in this booklet. The volume's purpose is not to define the role of individuals, but rather to keep the focus on…

This document contains profiles of 130 successful programs and partnerships in Career and Technology Studies (CTS) in Alberta, Canada. Following an introduction to the CTS program and its implementation, the profiles are organized into 23 sections that follow the strands of the program. The sections cover the following topics: CTS general;…

During a symposium, three presentations described initiatives that exemplify the principles and components of the Ecology of Outcomes. Emphasis is on accountability for achieving measurable outcomes and use of outcome information in program planning and development. Summaries of individual papers are: (1) "The Ecology of Outcomes: System…

Comprehensive school reform efforts are an increasingly visible part of the educational landscape. Policymakers, educators, and researchers are eager to assess the effectiveness of these models, especially regarding their utility in the most troubled settings. This paper reports results from one such reform, the Talent Development Middle School…

This article argues that the standard tenets of the teaching of children also apply to the ways in which programs are implemented: they run on tentativeness, flexibility, and problem-solving. How these qualities reveal themselves in five important areas is discussed in the following sections: (1) standards and guidelines for delivering Reading…