The policy impact model can help state educational planners develop policies for local school districts. The model has four stages: forecasting, goal setting, policy analysis, and implementation. A project in Louisiana is used as a case study.

Planning teams trained to facilitate the Institute for Development of Educational Activities, Inc. (IDEA) school improvement program headed pilot programs at nine Oklahoma City schools. This paper summarizes a study examining the program's implementation process, its contribution to participating schools, and benefits for future participants.…

Most people would agree that schools should strive to increase their effectiveness. This handbook provides leaders and facilitators of the school-improvement process with practical information and guidelines for conducting the day-to-day work of school change and improvement. The book is organized around five questions that represent stages of the…

This chapter on inclusion of students with disabilities in general education is based on the following assumptions: students with disabilities should have the opportunity to participate in general education classes and activities with their nondisabled peers; supports can be provided that will enable all children in those settings to be…

Written to help educators maximize student learning, this publication outlines a process for designing and implementing an improvement and restructuring plan based on knowledge acquisition, needs assessment, indepth planning, and development of commitment to change. Research has identified 14 conditions for successful schools: high attendance,…

The two parts of this report to the Kansas State Board of Education discuss the need for early childhood education, and the feasibility of early childhood education in the public schools. Data suggest a need for preschool education, especially for vulnerable children who cannot otherwise receive the benefits of education when they reach the age of…

A project was conducted to improve the capacity of the Portland (Oregon) School District to fully implement individualized vocational education programs for the handicapped. Four high schools participated in the project, which involved the following activities: assessing current capabilities of the schools involved; conceptualizing and…

This report describes a plan that demonstrates how a vocational program with traditional curriculum can be gradually changed to performance-based curriculum without disrupting the efficient operation of the existing program. The plan outlines the performance-based vocational education (PBVE) program management system, curriculum development…

Two views of social studies curriculum development are discussed. The technical project view assumes a linear sequence of discrete events; the social process view assumes a dynamic, interactive relationship among policy, planning, enactment, and their sociocultural context. An alternative conception that integrates technical, social, and critical…

This study examined the initial transition to an online learning environment by college of education faculty and staff at a university in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Using a case study approach, the planning, development, and implementation of a new online course were explored, collecting data to document the process, outcomes, and reflections of…

In the current climate of rapid technological advance and social value change, many have suggested that schools should use a school-based approach to curriculum planning. How to design such a curriculum in order to train graduates suited for employment has become an important issue. Many domestic and international enterprises have successfully…

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a sound academic practice that contributes to adult learning by linking formal and informal learning. However, it has not been widely accepted by Canadian educational institutions. In 1996, a consortium of seven colleges and an independent PLAR consultant began a study to create a comprehensive…

This report addresses strategies and action plans for Palm Beach Community College (PBCC) (Florida) between 1999-2004. As part of a commitment to achieve specific, measurable end results, the college has set various objectives, including: (1) develop, implement and institutionalize a mission driven strategic budget for the 1999-2000 fiscal year;…

Discusses the use of satellite-mediated distance learning. Highlights include costs; implementation; interactive distance learning (IDL); instructional design; a case study of a training course designed for IDL that used satellite technology; and a checklist for planning satellite-mediated IDL. (LRW)

Despite serving growing numbers of at-risk students, Pasco (Washington) School District has been transformed through outcome-based education into a district widely recognized for quality. Pascoe's OBE process demanded a school vision and mission statement; intensive teacher retraining; implementation of mastery learning, reality therapy, and…