The growing emphasis on planning and evaluation in educational institutions has resulted in rapid implementation of various strategies. Participant-consultant observations were used to focus on the problems of the implementation. Organizational conflicts were identified, and coping strategies were developed by an external agent. Several…

Presents strategies developed for a National Science Foundation grant to improve rural science education by helping rural teachers design an action plan for instructional improvement based on their ideals and goals coupled with a realistic assessment of their teaching situation including the strengths and weaknesses of the rural setting. (JHZ)

Discusses the implementation of computers in public schools and ways in which a district-wide media coordinator could help in the process. Highlights include duties of the coordinator, including planning curriculum, training staff, development of a media resource center, and evaluation; effects on the school libraries; and effects on learning.…

Showcasing the "Downey Walk-Through"--a method developed over a 40-year period, tested and refined in real-world schools and classrooms, and described in the pioneering book, "The Three-Minute Classroom Walk-Through," this innovative multimedia presentation provides trainers and staff developers with a complete resource answering the questions…

In May 2004, two influential philanthropic groups held a briefing for education grant makers to help them decide whether to keep giving large sums of money to support school improvement. A moderator kicked off the event by asking, "Is it possible to get the types of schools that we need--[by] fixing the schools we have?" In other words,…

This report provides 2000-2001 information on funding, staffing, facilities, and enrollment at all Washington State community and technical colleges. It also includes demographics on student characteristics, enrollment, graduation, and transfer rates. Highlights include: (1) the colleges enrolled the equivalent of 158,192 full-time students; (2) a…

In 1997, a survey of distance education activities was distributed to all 32 Washington State community and technical colleges measuring number of courses, total seat counts, and quarterly full-time equivalent students (FTES). Survey findings included the following: (1) within individual distance education implementations, telecourses and…

The Reconnecting Youth (RY) program offers a carefully designed, research-validated model for building strength and competence in at-risk students, transforming risk into resilience. This manual was written to assist group leaders in implementing the RY program. The overall purpose of the program is to reach high-risk youth, who are on a potential…

This paper reviews research on principals' and teachers' roles in site-based decision making (SBDM). Research examining teacher participation in SBDM is reviewed, finding that higher quality teaching behaviors and higher student academic attainment resulted from teacher participation. The review focuses on steps in implementing SBDM, means for…

This report presents a 25-year plan to raise academic achievement levels and to create a seamless system of lifelong learning in postsecondary schools in the state of Washington. A focus is placed on access in terms of learning, individual enrichment and economic advancement for the people of Washington State. Factors such as increased enrollment,…

Describes activities of the Educational Technology Center at Harvard University, which focus on the use of computers and other technology to improve K-12 instruction in science, mathematics, and computing. Topics discussed include curriculum development; students' prior conceptions; the construction of scientific knowledge; the use of software;…

Identifies sources of technological stress for public services librarians and patrons and proposes ways to reduce stress, including communicating with staff, implementing a system gradually, providing adequate training, creating proper documentation, planning, considering ergonomics in hardware and software selection, selecting a good interface,…

Reports results of a study of Ohio elementary school principals' perceptions of barriers to the establishment of preschool programs in the public school setting. Barriers most frequently cited were limitations of school facilities and lack of school district and federal financial support. (BG)

This second article in a two-part series on telecommunications in secondary schools examines strategies for better support of telecommunications implementation. Highlights include management strategies for CMC (computer-mediated communication) use; instructional strategies for online database inquiries; teacher support strategies; simulation…

Describes two schools proposed by the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) school board to focus on the needs of young African-American males. Although these schools would not exclude other races and females, they would consciously and systematically connect total schooling to the African-American heritage for young males. (SLD)