Teachers' attitudes toward their work influence the way in which they implement educational policy. Literature on the subject is reviewed. The effect of past policies on teacher attitudes and how teachers might influence future policy decisions are discussed. (JL)

The Youth Opportunity Grant program (YO) represented an innovative approach to improving education and employment opportunities for at-risk youth by targeting resources in high poverty areas and incorporating strategies that experts have identified as effective for serving this population. The Department of Labor (the Department) awarded 36 grants…

This Digest examines the key issues surrounding the implementation of schoolwide reform. It discusses how whole-school reform results can be dramatic but that schools must take special care with implementing the reforms. It examines the importance of outside assistance in reform efforts and reports that design teams are typically used by schools…

The process of reviewing and renewing a program of general education is complex, challenging, and often frustrating. This paper is presented with the aim of facilitating the process from inception to successful conclusion. Practical guidelines and suggestions, derived from long experience as faculty member, academic administrator, and consultant,…

Studies in five Missouri districts identified eight characteristics deterring change and constituting an "informal covenant" between teachers and principals. Eight corresponding conditions essential to change include relating changes to a school's culture, knowing local procedures and sensitive issues, recognizing moments when changes are…

Change strategies must include informal school networks and norms. Implementation plans must involve teachers and principals prior to training. (Author/JM)

This commentary on inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs raises issues concerning why so little progress toward inclusion has been made; quality of early childhood instruction versus inclusion expectations; the need to "just do it" (inclusion); and the need to allow for the child's individual preferences. (DB)

The Memphis Restructuring Initiative's first-year data-gathering efforts have yielded implications for policy and practice. This article discusses findings and implications in seven areas: opportunity to choose, goals and directions, professional development, "constructivist" teaching and learning, authentic assessment, disjunctures…

Reviews one system successfully used to implement Total Quality Management (TQM) principles and techniques in a student affairs department at a large public university. Discusses TQM applications and argues that implementation of TQM requires both planned staff training and an organization-wide culture change. (RJM)

The rapid introduction of a faculty evaluation program at the University of Liverpool is described, addressing such issues as the consultation and negotiation involved in getting the program accepted, the changing role of the department head, and the program's part in the institution's overall academic plan. (Author/MSE)

In the newly competitive realm of higher education, strategic planning offers a systematic method for defining colleges and universities in order to enhance their strengths and market positions and to shape their futures. The focal elements of strategic planning and benefits and limits of strategic planning are discussed. (MLW)

Whole language supports a grass-roots approach to teaching through student writing that combines reading and writing across the curriculum with literature and interdisciplinary units. The whole-language approach has great value at the middle level but is time-consuming and requires considerable staff development and administrator support. (MLH)

A discussion of the implementation of the Total Quality Management approach at Oregon State University over a number of years describes the planning process, steps and issues in implementation, specific results achieved, obstacles encountered, and lessons learned in the process. (MSE)

Presents an evaluation of a multimedia training program, supported by a videoconference link, for senior secondary school staff in the use of a computer-based management information system and the subsequent impact on the school organization. Discusses change strategies, implementation, and implications for the design and delivery of professional…

An administrative team member/restructuring facilitator analyzes the failure of a block scheduling reform in a small, suburban district. The prevailing dynamics that obstructed success were fear of change, propagandizing of data, and a culture of complacency. These problems could have been avoided by training staff to work in longer periods,…