This digest reviews and summarizes what is known about effective school-wide behavioral management systems. Emphasis in such systems is on consistency throughout the building and across classrooms with the entire staff, both professional and nonprofessional, uniformly implementing common strategies. Common features of school-wide behavioral…

Recruiting mentors is a continuous challenge for most programs. A systematic recruitment plan, carefully developed and implemented, will increase a program's chances for success. Drawing from effective practices used by volunteer-based organizations and research findings about mentoring, the material in this document describes recruitment…

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…

This paper has two main purposes: (1) to test the central thesis of systemic reform; and (2) to derive lessons about strengths and weaknesses of reform strategies used in policy and practice. It does this by a secondary analysis of case studies of nine Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSIs) funded by the National Science Foundation. The case…

Examines three major decision elements in the program design process: (1) learner participation patterns, (2) educational provider characteristics, and (3) instructional design models. Each shapes and directs the actions of the program designer and the program outcomes. (JOW)

Describes a successful teacher inservice program based on the following elements: (1) a partnership among school and community personnel, (2) strong administrative leadership, (3) participant ownership and involvement, (4) quality trainers, and (5) evaluation and follow up. (FL)

A curriculum was designed to give preschool caregivers basic nutrition background through a programed self-instructional unit; incorporate nutrition education into existing parts of a typical preschool day; and provide learning activities designed to help preschoolers relate food/nutrients to health. Development of materials, caregivers'…

Describes the development of a mobile geriatric outreach team. The importance of thorough, interdisciplinary assessment and the offering of active, brief psychotherapy are stressed. Community education programs and consultations to the aging network reach the senior community and other referral sources. Preliminary program evaluation data are…

The theme of this issue is the importance of quality in supervised occupational experience (SOE) programs. Contributors discuss planning, principles, the use of SOE as an instructional tool, alternative approaches to SOE, standards, and placement programs. (JOW)

Attributes the lack of success among youth employment/education programs over the past 50 years in part to inadequate evaluation of concept development, program implementation, and individual outcomes. Discusses objectives, implementation, and results of various private and government-supported youth employment and school to work plans. (JCD)

The poor record of affirmative action plans in government demonstrates that the Carter administration's plan to reform the Civil Service is not working. It is the management that has failed to take the steps necessary to translate pronouncements into practice. (Author/EB)

The effectiveness of an experimental mathematics teaching program was investigated. Observational measures revealed that teachers implemented the treatment. Analyses of product data showed that students of treatment teachers outperformed those of controls. Thus, teachers and/or teaching methods exerted a significant difference on student progress…

Examines four categories of variables influencing the effectiveness of parent education programs for parents of gifted children: (1) content relevancy; (2) teaching techniques; (3) teacher characteristics; and (4) practical considerations. Makes specific suggestions to improve program effectiveness. Maintains that program planning should address…

Advocates the creation of an "at-home" environment in after-school programs to encourage children to wind down after active days and to make child care a place of security, love, and fun. Suggests that a quiet environment, snacks, homework, puzzles and games, outdoor or gymnasium play comprise an effective after-school program. (KDFB)