In a case study of a large Australian university the metaphor of panarchy is used as a means of describing and understanding the complex interrelationships of multi-scale institutional projects and the influences of a variety factors on the potential success of e-learning initiatives. The concept of para-analysis is introduced as a management…

Despite the growing interest in 1:1 computing initiatives, relatively little empirical research has focused on the outcomes of these investments. The current special edition of the Journal of Technology and Assessment presents four empirical studies of K-12 1:1 computing programs and one review of key themes in the conversation about 1:1 computing…

This series of papers was originally presented as a symposium at the annual meetings of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) held between April 9, 2007, and April 13, 2007, in Chicago, IL. The authors represent school districts and departments of education across the…

Time limits on benefit receipt became a central feature of federal welfare policy in the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). Proponents of welfare reform argued that the time limits in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, would send a firm message to recipients that welfare is…

The Center's policy and practice analyses have shone a light on how school improvement efforts deal with the various factors interfering with students having an equal opportunity to succeed at school. Unfortunately, the picture that has emerged is rather bleak. Given the continuing difficulties related to reducing dropout rates and closing the…

Describes a plan for providing leadership to the field of technology education. Techniques include formation of an entrepreneurial task force with concrete goals to facilitate change. (CH)

Describes the efforts of a Denver (Colorado) comprehensive high school to develop a "Direction 2000" plan to restructure its purposes, goals, and program. In the awareness and planning stages, participants listed the school's strengths, compiled a "why change?" list, and outlined 10 attributes of a restructured school. (MLH)

The eight-step leadership model for implementing technology education, presented here, is one in which leaders use the principles and practices of individual and organizational transformation. (JOW)

Differences in theories of actions may be a source of considerable conflict in education reform. An analysis of the first two years of the ATLAS Communities Project shows how different theories of action contributed to significant disagreement over issues on the process of change, nature of curriculum, and personal and organizational development.…

This paper explores some key findings from the recent two-year evaluation of a national pilot to introduce Restorative Practices (RP) in Scottish schools. A Restorative approach emphasises the human wish to feel safe, to belong, to be respected and to understand and have positive relationships with others. It recognises the fundamental importance…

Among the important factors in the success of organized change efforts involving local schools are direct personal contact of local entrepreneurs and internal advocacy groups, moral and technical support of the district administration, access to interpretive information about new ideas and teaching programs, and faculty acceptance of innovation.…

Emphasizes the need to address the human side of technology when upgrading equipment and systems. Stresses the importance of involving employees in technology design and implementation and ensuring that training practices support the new way of doing things. (JOW)

Suggests ways in which teachers may plan and incorporate effectively whole-language theory into existing programs in which basal materials are established and accepted. (RS)

Compares the assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of seven approaches frequently used in the public sector to involve large numbers of people in planning and implementing change. The approaches are real-time strategic change, search conferences, future searches, strategic options development and analysis, strategic choice, technology of…

Changes in the career landscape require commensurate revisions in career development (CD) to ensure it meets the needs of both employees and employers in this era of multidimensional career paths. Drawing on a model from the past, we propose building a strong career culture based on the relational approach to CD. Implementing a relational strategy…