Findings from descriptions of successful practice and studies of school effectiveness are presented in this collection of readings, which provide a background of the rationale and recommendations for implementing school improvement. The readings also serve as a detailed reference for school improvement teams who have participated in training…

Information was collected about the current status of state literacy and basic skills efforts through a comprehensive survey of state literacy initiatives conducted in the summer of 1990. A total of 390 responses were received from the more than 400 surveys sent to governors' offices, state agencies, and Statewide literacy organizations. Results…

In 1988, the Mississippi State Department of Education provided funds for the creation of a 40-hour staff development module for training the principals and central office staff of state accredited elementary schools to develop comprehensive early childhood programs. Here, the term 'early childhood' refers to programs for children between 5 and 8…

In lesser developed countries, interest has been growing in the role evaluation plays in the improvement of media-based education programs. Such programs include the use of television or radio to communicate a useful message to students, the general populace, or a particular group (such as mothers or small farmers). The message to be communicated…

Although educational planning as it is now practiced has many shortcomings, if certain recommendations are followed, a more adequate profile of educational planning is possible. A number of criticisms of educational planning have been offered: It usually attempts to preserve the status quo; it is hierarchical in nature; it is preoccupied with the…

This new manual updates two older Peace Corps' manuals: "Teaching Conservation in Developing Nations" [ICE M0007] and "Conservation Education: A Planning Guide" [ICE No. M0023]. In addition to the time- and field-tested wisdom of the older manuals, this new manual incorporates current research and practice in the field of environmental education.…

This report highlights the experiences of the Lighthouse Project, which successfully included students with disabilities in elementary, middle, and high school general education classes in a school district in southwest Tennessee. Drawing on findings from the Lighthouse Project, the report describes the following seven steps that must be present…

This paper presents four challenges facing multidisciplinary teams (MDT): (1) ensuring efficient use of available time; (2) developing the skills and knowledge base of team members; (3) assigning available personnel resources; and (4) developing strategies for reduction of team member stress guidelines for planning internal MDT evaluation…

A planning procedure was developed to increase opportunities for secondary special education students to be referred to and receive appropriate community services after graduation. The procedure requires interagency cooperation and focuses on vocational placement, postsecondary education, living arrangements, mobility, and financial planning.…

Presents a systematic plan for developing a district-wide approach to computer based instruction (CBI) for local education agencies (LEAs). Topics discussed include establishing a computer committee to help with planning; identifying goals and objectives; implementation strategies; personnel; equipment purchases; courseware selection; staff…

Discusses theories of learning; reviews previous generalizations for instructional design; and presents 21 guidelines for effective instructional design that are related to planning, preparation, implementation, and evaluation. Highlights include objectives; learner profiles; cognitive maps or schema; mastery learning techniques; metacognitive…

The Quality Circle Model of Planning is presented as a program evaluation approach for schools serving students with blindness. The model helps administrators solve problems using creative, innovative approaches; identifies human and monetary resources for successful implementation of the plan; and provides a framework for evaluating the plan's…

Difficulties accompanying large-scale field tests of a health promotion program in middle schools are reviewed, focusing on Healthy for Life, a health promotion research project that recruited 22 schools. The practical lessons and strategies of program recruitment and implementation are useful for anyone planning school-based programs or research.…

The process of implementing cooperative learning in the classroom was studied over a school year for nine elementary school teachers. Most teachers became increasingly proficient at implementing the student team-achievement divisions type of cooperative learning, but considerable planning and monitoring were needed to ensure success. (SLD)

Based on 5 years' experience, the Project Challenge coordinator for the Pittsford (New York) Central School District explains how to implement differentiated instruction. Teachers should find a buddy, align objectives, find out what students know, plan flexible grouping, encourage student responsibility, and provide choices. (MLH)