A study of 120 teachers who participated in a staff development program explores the relationship between perceptions shared by effective teachers and teacher attitudes toward implementing new instructional practices. Implications for instructional improvement efforts are discussed. (JL)

Vocational education teachers' stages of concern over the implementation of competency-based instruction were analyzed in this study. A seven-stage model was used to assess changes in teachers' concerns over time and after instruction about the innovation. Results and recommendations are discussed with implications for educational change agents.…

This paper describes the results of a study into the conditions that facilitate the implementation of innovations. The following eight conditions that facilitate the implementation of technological and program innovations have been identified: (1) dissatisfaction with the status quo; (2) skills and knowledge; (3) adequate resources; (4) rewards or…

This document examines an innovative marketing strategy developed by South Texas Community College (STCC) to promote its technical programs. In 2000, STCC organized the "Business Conference Institute" to develop 1-day conferences with the Division of Business, Math & Sciences (DBMS). The creation of this Institute linked the College with the local…

Recent research indicates that 48 of the 50 states have school curricula frameworks that contain one or more elements that call for some form of media literacy education. Such findings indicate that media literacy is slowly becoming an integral part of school curricula. However, full adoption of media literacy programs has yet to occur.…

A current initiative at many institutions is the formation of "learning communities" that link or cluster courses around an interdisciplinary theme and enroll a common cohort of students. This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of students, faculty and administrators who were involved in a learning community to determine the…

Containing four sections of materials for workshop presenters to teach phonics and word recognition, this guide assists early reading program educators (grades K-3) in enhancing the Reading and Language Arts knowledge and skills of Texas students. Section 1, an introduction, defines the purpose of the guide and outlines six goals. Section 2,…

Why do teachers resist change? Major discrepancies exist between what policymakers believe about teachers, innovation, and classroom practice and what teachers believe about these things. A major void in theorizing about change and innovation is the failure to attend to the power relationship inherent in the implementation process. (BRR)

Describes IMPACT II, an experimental teacher-to-teacher network that encourages teacher-initiated innovations by offering "developer" and "replicator" grants. Reports the results of a survey evaluation of the project and concludes that innovation works best from the bottom up. (Author/WD)

Four steps to curriculum innovation are outlined: (1) identifying descriptive dimensions; (2) specifying practices implied by the innovation; (3) describing actual practices; and (4) comparing actual with intended practices across the critical dimensions of beliefs, objectives, instructional materials, and teaching strategies. (Author/CP)

Examines use of Title III/IV-C funds for implementation of innovative programs in North Carolina and those factors which contribute either to success or failure of a program. The extent to which the successful programs have been continued and/or shared and established in other schools within the system is also analyzed. (MER)

Network-based learning, unlike word processing or programming, does not require numerous computers and unlimited connection time. It can motivate students to become involved in a wide range of learning activities. Implementation barriers include infrastructure and access, the telecommunications-curriculum gap, and insufficient support and…

Discusses unanticipated effects of an electronic performance support system (EPSS) on one organization. Topics include EPSS as an innovation; vendor's familiarity with the organizational environment; choice of database and system interface; participation by user groups; information sources; implementation; and recommendations for future research.…

Relationships are explored between elementary school teachers' (N=13) collaborative interactions and implementation of a complex instructional program ("Finding Out/Descubrimiento") in science and mathematics developed for bilingual classrooms. Findings revealed an association between frequency of teacher collaboration and quality of…

Individuals interested in derailing school-based management lurk in most school communities. Some stakeholders are against true decentralization and can play their cards to subvert the process. Illegitimate intransigence can arise at the exploration or commitment stages. A sidebar shows how to defend against sabotage by making critical choices…