Examines how parents become involved in state-funded prekindergarten programs for children identified as at risk for later school failure. Participants included 21 teachers at two programs in a midwestern school district. Significant differences exist between home-visitation and family-center models of program delivery in the types of activities…

Argues that a focus on building an authoring tool for a complete learning environment is misplaced. Analyzes the task of authoring a commercial educational system. Describes the Visual Translator, an authoring tool written specifically for this purpose. (Author/CCM)

Outlines a framework for changing curricula in higher education in order to prepare students to succeed in a culturally diverse, globally interdependent world. The framework components include focused and infused curriculum changes, increase expertise of a diverse and international faculty, linkages with other universities and organizations, and…

Describes implementation of a system-level planning model focused on institutional improvement and effectiveness at the University of Missouri. Details implementation of three phases of the strategic planning model (strategic analysis, strategic thinking/decision-making, and campus outreach/systems administration planning); identifies critical…

This article describes transdisciplinary consultation, a classroom-based team model in which team members focus on implementing a transdisciplinary model of service delivery. An evaluation of the model by nine preschool professionals indicated the teams perceived the model to have a positive impact on their personal and team development. (Contains…

Offers a model for institutions that may be considering the development of an interactive video Master's Degree program and shares the process by which such a program was designed and approved. Examines the issues and challenges confronted in implementing the M.A. program in communication education via distance learning using the Iowa…

Describes several existing arts education programs that might be successfully adapted by other schools: Connecticut's HOT (Higher-Order Thinking) Schools program, North Carolina's A+ Schools Program, and the Los Angeles-based Different Ways of Knowing program. These programs differ but have a common bond--the conviction that the arts make a…

Presents the three phases of the implementation and operation of the Integrated Information Center (IIC) at the University of Minnesota from 1990-93. Competition between the IIC and information centers at the two schools the IIC was intended to serve--the School of Management and the Institute of Public Affairs--is addressed. (JAK)

This article proposes a conceptual model concerning mental retardation and family well-being during the transition from late adolescence into young adulthood. It suggests that success in residential, vocational, and social realms will influence family well-being directly, while individual characteristics, environment and culture, and family…

Explored the inter-professional collaborative experiences of professionals working with children and their families in two areas of high social need. Found that although the way professionals conceptualize their practice may hinder effective collaboration, a complex interplay of several factors is involved. Constructed a typology of various…

The key to successful junior high to middle school transitions is participatory planning that involves all school-community members. This article discusses essential questions, describes the Howard County (Maryland) Public Schools' model approach, and stresses the importance of securing teacher commitment and know-how and evaluating the planning…

Provides a framework of topics that should be covered by a policy manual on cooperative reference services. It is organized into sections on mission statement, administration, delivery of services, and evaluation of services, and is intended for use in conjunction with existing RASD (Reference and Adult Services Division) documents. (Author)

Measures service quality from the viewpoint of customers (students at an Australian university), using the SERVQUAL model. Obtains evaluations of academic and administrative aspects of the educational service. Makes significant negative evaluations of administrative service quality (resulting from communication problems). Satisfaction with the…

Describes a two-year study to determine the relationship between initial evaluations of student placement essays and progress in a developmental writing course sequence at a midsize university. Finds a positive relationship and presents the methodology as a model for assessment, citing its adaptability, minimal costs, and improved program…

Describes activities resulting from a 1997 Minnesota state mandate which called for the development of a statewide virtual university. Measures the results to date against two classification systems and several sets of readiness criteria for virtual universities. Offers recommendations for advancing virtual university partnerships. (Author/DB)