This study surveys states' mandates, definitions, and components of transition programs that assist disabled students in successfully moving to the community environment. Among the 60 state-level directors of special education surveyed, 34 state and 4 territorial directors responded to the questionnaire comprised of 8 questions, and nominated 230…

This paper argues that the National Diffusion Network (NDN) is a valuable tool for disseminating information about effective school improvement programs (SIPs). It considers why SIPs are not found more frequently in the NDN and what can be done to remedy this situation, from the perspective of the executive secretary of the NDN Program…

In an internationally competitive training environment, implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in vocational education can provide a comparative advantage in preparing the type of work force required for micro and macro economic reforms. The concept of TQM can be used as a management tool to improve the standards of vocational training.…

An assessment of a psychology faculty enhancement program which provided up-to-date information on aging was done. In 1989/90 the program involved a 2-week institute for 25 teachers from two-year and four-year colleges, providing them with consultation both during and after the institute, and maintaining contact with them through reunions and…

A 3-month practicum utilized teacher workshops and biweekly consultation to provide all fourth grade teachers (N=11) in a public school district with higher level questioning strategies to meet gifted students' cognitive needs. A total of six fourth grade students were identified as gifted and talented. At the workshops, higher level questioning…

The effects of an integrated language arts instructional program on reading comprehension skills of learning lab students were examined using the Analytical Reading Inventory, and their attitudes toward recreational and academic reading were assessed using the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey. Subjects were at-risk fifth and sixth grade…

This theme issue addresses current trends and new developments in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have meaningful employment opportunities, especially in the context of recent federal legislation. Stressed throughout is the importance of collaboration among professionals, individuals with disabilities, and family members in achieving…

The Anthology of Inmate Art project was a 353 Special Demonstration Project to encourage prison inmates enrolled in adult basic education/General Educational Development (ABE/GED) programs to create and publish their own works of art, poetry, and other creative writing. In addition to gaining experience in creative writing and discussing poetry,…

This document contains 10 case studies that examine community-based efforts to improve the economies and provide jobs in public and Indian housing communities. The innovative approaches described in the studies indicate the potential of local communities to address their most serious problems. The models have several common threads: creative and…

The Kutztown University-Allentown School District Academic Alliance in Pennsylvania, with the support of the corporate sector, provides higher education opportunities to academically at-risk middle school and high school students. Alliance activities include workshops on study skills and self-esteem, workshops for parents on career awareness and…

This publication contains 54 papers on self-study and improvement in institutions of higher education, particularly those institutions associated with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The papers are grouped under 10 topic headings. These chapters include: (1) four papers on seeking initial affiliation, candidacy, and…

This research report provides a critical look at the involvement of corporate America in the resurgence of public education and its impact on the reform movement particularly on early childhood issues. The history of the business-education relationship in this century is the topic of Chapter 1. Chapter 2 describes patterns of involvement from…

About 30 years ago, Betty Friedan published "The Feminine Mystique" and changed the lives of millions of women forever. The education of women, the prime vehicle to bring about change, has passed through many phases. In the late 1960s and the 1970s, many kinds of special programs for women blossomed in colleges and universities, continuing…

The mission of the South Carolina Writing Improvement Network (WIN) is to improve students' writing abilities by providing professional development programs and writing activities for remedial writing teachers. A study assessed the effects of WIN on the growth and professional development of writing teachers, as well as the effects of the…

The Young Diplomats Program (Y.D.P.) is an international exchange program between the New York City Public School System and several foreign countries. Students in grades K through 12, but largely in grades 8 through 12, participate in student exchanges or pen-pal programs. This publication describes the program and examines the organization and…