This note series is intended to summarize lessons learned and key policy findings on the World Bank's work in education. "Fast Track Initiative" ("FTI") was launched in 2002 as a partnership between donor and developing countries to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of universal primary education. "FTI" is built on…

This study evaluates the significance of John Dewey's 1924 visit to Turkey and the subsequent reports and recommendations Dewey prepared regarding the Turkish educational system. The study analyzes the 30 pages of reports from 1924 from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Dewey's first report addressed better teacher training and the…

Educators who are responsible for the creation, management, and administration of educational programs are central to the planning process. Research suggests that program planning is not driven by theoretical constructs, but rather by the personal experiences and beliefs of individual planners. This study explores how individuals who plan online…

In describing the process for developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for handicapped children, the author focuses on the need for teamwork and effective communication between Child Study Team members, teachers, and parents. (SJL)

Describes three phases, with corresponding characteristics, that emerge as schools plan for technology: (1) Equipment Acquisition; (2) Equipment Acquisition plus Learning; and (3) Results plus Equitable Experiences plus Accountability. Includes a checklist of characteristics of technology planning for each of the three assessment phases. (AEF)

Chaos theory, which attempts to understand underlying order where none is apparent, was applied to an interdisciplinary rural health training program for health professionals. Similar programs should anticipate systemic flux between order and chaos and pay attention to information flow, degree of diversity, richness of connectivity, contained…

A planning procedure was developed to increase opportunities for secondary special education students to be referred to and receive appropriate community services after graduation. The procedure requires interagency cooperation and focuses on vocational placement, postsecondary education, living arrangements, mobility, and financial planning.…

A three-credit graduate course was developed to train school administrators on planning and managing programs for the gifted/talented. Compared to controls, 45 administrators who received the training gained more knowledge about educational programing for the gifted and developed more favorable attitudes toward gifted youth and programing for…

The evolution of the Pew National Dental Education Program is discussed, focusing on the program's strategies for reform of dental education to meet new social, economic, and health care challenges. The strategic planning approach adopted is examined, and lessons learned in program development and implementation are outlined. (MSE)

Makes recommendations to non-Aboriginal planners of Aboriginal adult education programs. Discusses community and student participation in planning, curriculum and instructional design incorporating Aboriginal culture and learning styles, student support services, teacher selection, cross-cultural training of non-Aboriginal teachers, and selection…

Difficulties accompanying large-scale field tests of a health promotion program in middle schools are reviewed, focusing on Healthy for Life, a health promotion research project that recruited 22 schools. The practical lessons and strategies of program recruitment and implementation are useful for anyone planning school-based programs or research.…

Discusses long-range strategic planning in schools. Argues that faculty, staff members, and students should comprise the planning committee, and a subcommittee should work with the school principal to monitor the implementation of plans. (JDI)

This practitioner-oriented article addresses some of the more commonly overlooked areas of online instructional development. Five sections discuss specific aspects of online program planning and development: (1) Building a Strategic Plan; (2) Technology Planning and Selection; (3) Systemic Instructional Design Considerations; (4) Training and…

Outlines four categories of "prior" questions to consider before embarking on a distance learning program: "Everyone is doing it"; "The promise of income"; "Computers and networks"; and "Potential students." Identifies other questions that focus on types of individual needs and how they are being met; options that could be made available; problems…

Provides a framework to categorize distance education planning issues into four distinct program stages and three decision areas. The framework brings to the surface and highlights numerous areas of uncertainty and potential disagreement among decision makers and provides an organizing backdrop to improve the distance education planning process.…