This article describes a new approach, employing a combination of Positioning Theory and Semantic Polarities, that educational psychologists can use to develop and facilitate change in organisations and groups. Resistance to change can be seen as reflecting a lack of the language that the members of an organisation need to participate effectively…

This article explains how Extension can enhance and expand its nationwide community-based entrepreneurship programs by developing strategic partnerships with other organizations to create highly effective educational programs for rural entrepreneurs. The activities and impacts of the Down East Micro-Enterprise Network (DEMN), an alliance of three…

This booklet attempts to give a brief overview of the nature of organization development (OD). It describes the role of the professional organization development specialist, how he functions, and what he tries to do in the client system. It also describes the purposes of the Midwest Organization Development Network, a nonprofit association of OD…

This publication summarizes a lengthy two-volume report that describes a study of six technical assistance groups (TAGS) that provide extended face-to-face help to teachers, administrators, parents, and/or students involved in attempts to improve local schools. The six groups chosen for study include AFRAM Associates, the Center for New Schools,…

This paper presents a two-year primary prevention intervention aimed at reducing institutional racism and sexism at a large midwestern university. A case study format is used to describe the history, process, and outcomes of the consultation that resulted in proactive change in the institution. Definitions of primary prevention are given and the…

Instructional Development (I.D.) encounters are dependent for success on such variables as power, politics, promotion, and organizational placement. I.D. consultants must be aware of power bases or orientation of other personnel and clients, e.g., these four "power personalities" which affect their efforts in managing I.D. encounters: the gate…

Noting that many young children are excluded from child care settings because of their behavior and that early emotional and behavioral problems are often ignored or misidentified, this issue brief highlights emerging strategies to promote the emotional wellness of young children and their families, including those most at risk. The brief further…

This monograph, designed to aid school counselors in their work with students and classroom teachers, reviews the multiple causes of school disturbance and the varied needs of students labeled chronically disruptive. The distinction between chronic disrupters and students with emotional problems is discussed; related issues of school violence,…

In 1997, twelve Karen Burmese teachers brought a Vision Paper to the Tham Hin refugee camp in Thailand. The teachers had recently written this Paper after much consultation with their Mergui-Tavoy villagers, students, leaders, and school dropouts. Over the following five years teams developed a project outlining 10 steps to educational reform,…

Today’s schools are complex systems with complex problems. Addressing those problems often requires significant change efforts. However, many school administrators don’t know how to select a focus for these efforts or how to lead staff through such changes--and even if they did, the job is too large for one person. One solution to this dilemma is…