The research discussed in this paper was intended to identify factors that promote or retard change in schools and to relate those factors to the modifications they foster. Data were collected from 13 Wisconsin elementary schools to determine what factors affect (1) the decision to adopt an innovation, (2) the rate of implementation of an…

A study of 27 promising programs reveals 8 common reasons that educational innovations fail, including disenchanted practitioners; departure of innovation supporters; lack of personnel training; disappearing funding; inadequate supervision; and lack of accountability, administrative support, and termination consequences. Innovations succeed by…

Many low-income schools are currently receiving money to purchase microcomputers and computer-oriented materials. They include Weaver High School (Hartford, CN) and schools in Edgefield County (SC). The uses of the computers in these schools, impact on curriculum and instructional practices, and future endeavors are discussed. (JN)

In the early 1970s, the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) achieved remarkable success in funding innovative and enduring projects that sought to improve higher education. FIPSEs funding was limited, but its aims were broad. This report provides two complementary perspectives on how FIPSEs results were achieved. Part 1 is…

Discussed the voucher system of education: its creation and use in a school district. (RK)

This outline of the third phase of Project INISS, in which innovations in information provision were applied experimentally in seven social services departments, describes the intention of "action research" and innovations introduced, traces main features of negotiations with department management and staff, and presents results.…

Presents a brief history of charter schools, summarizes important elements, discusses key lessons from the charter school movement, and explores some unanswered questions. Charter schools can positively affect student achievement, attendance, and attitude; often focus on low- and moderate-income youngsters; provide talented educators with…

Although seriously needing clarification and cleanup, California's charter legislation is demonstrating its capacity as an educational policy power tool. The legislation favors strong elements of the existing system, including dedicated, forward-thinking staff, boards, and union leaders. Weak elements--micromanaging boards, unsupportive central…

Although portfolio assessment offers exciting alternative to traditional testing methods, ensuring accurate representation and measurement of student performance is challenging task. As Vermont's experience shows, reliability of teacher evaluation is very low, and setting acceptable standards is difficult. Before adopting portfolio approach,…

Reviews small-scale, exploratory research into British schools' management of concurrent educational reform innovations generated by government, local education authorities, and the schools themselves. Describes changing innovations patterns, key factors influencing their adoption and implementation, the central management strategies employed, and…

The 1936 curriculum was an important innovation in the history of Belgian primary education. According to a recent study, educational practice did not fundamentally change. Personal tensions and rivalries, lack of continuity in educational policy, and failure to involve teachers in the decision-making process greatly inhibited the new curriculum's…

Although educational improvements have occurred over the past 30 years, few have had optimal effects. Three functional areas (teacher-organization-intervention) jointly influence an innovation's success. Realization of innovations appears to be more influenced by subjective experiences and culturally bound opinions than by well-managed…

A survey of 145 schools found that all had experimented with innovative purchasing approaches. Many used electronic methods, such as credit-card, fast-track requisition (most popular), bidding and purchasing, and data interchange. Results suggest that nonelectronic innovations (just-in-time, cooperative, direct, and consortium leverage purchasing)…

Discusses innovative information services, including new services and the redesign of existing services. Describes the development process, including assessing the market and developing a marketing plan; and explains the implementation process, including monitoring client satisfaction and quality control. (LRW)

Explores why learning communities have become so pervasive in higher education and the challenges faced by the learning communities movement, including challenges of student learning and faculty development, diversity, institutional change, and purpose. (EV)