This report by the Department of Education examines the progress made by the Student Financial Assistance (SFA) program in reaching its objectives. The report notes that for objective 1, customer satisfaction, more than 4 million direct loan records have been processed and over 1 million updates applied since winter 1999; that 84 percent of school…

Lists five functions that should be executed in order to carry out a successful career exploration program for junior high and/or middle school students. (SB)

Describes the Dallas Career Development and Renewal Program of the Dallas County Community College District, which utilizes staff internships, understudies, and special projects for staff development. Covers program history, goals, structures, staff level of participation, project activities, coordination, and costs. (LL)

Shows how a structured tutoring program helped increase both student and tutor reading scores. (JT)

Before implementation of competency based teacher education, its shortcomings should be examined from the viewpoints of the source of the competencies, their effect on students and faculty, and their effect on school administration and student guidance. (MB)

Outlines the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) entrance testing and course placement procedures for the ESL program at the United Nations International School for grades 6-12. The placement procedures can serve as guidelines for administrators looking for ways to establish an ESL program or supplement the effectiveness of their ESL testing and…

Introduces special section in this issue on educating linguistic minority children. Relates the author's own experience as a participant observer in pioneering bilingual education efforts, and comments on the articles in this issue. (BJV)

Since 1990, over 40 Illinois and Massachusetts school districts have built capacity for sustained improvement through vertically structured, district-level Learning Leadership Teams. Originated by Motorola executives, LLT was based on an understanding of organizational change derived from the National Science Foundation's definition of systemic…

This article reports on a small-group job-seeking skills program implemented at a rehabilitation center for adults with visual impairments. The methods used to help participants increase their employability are described, and characteristics of the program and participants which contributed to its success are discussed. (Author/PB)

A University of Tulsa project to improve campus leadership development focused on encouraging communication among nonacademic staff. From this experience came valuable proposals for institutional change, but the process itself was even more significant, empowering employees to accept a voice in campus governance. Some frustration has also…

The administration's adviser to the Illinois State University Student Alumni Council examines the benefits of student participation in alumni affairs, outlines some considerations in the creation and development of a new student alumni program, and suggests program possibilities for different constituencies, including alumni, students, future…

A survey of 325 colleges and universities found 200 had some change in academic advising programs planned or under way. In general, the projects were perceived to have positive results, including enhanced perception of the value of academic advising among faculty and administrators. (Author/MSE)

Concepts of formative and process evaluation are discussed, and their applications in health promotion and disease prevention are reviewed. Process evaluation fulfills the need for information on program implementation, whereas formative evaluation aims to help develop and improve programs from an early stage. Both evaluations can increase program…

Describes the pilot work and resulting project of the Muppet Club Project, designed to increase the effectiveness of available support mechanisms for emotionally and behaviorally disordered children by means of three elements: early identification of needs, making the most of existing resources in the community, and setting up activity groups for…

Describes the grant-supported Read, Enjoy and Do (R.E.A.D.) program of the Park Forest (Illinois) Public Library intended to provide materials to help parents/caregivers make reading an enjoyable learning experience for children. Highlights the program's accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses. Analyzes changed or altered grant needs and…