Four change models are viewed as representing the range of strategies currently employed by schools in improving education. Intended as a source of assistance to those who wish to undertake a more thorough examination of these models, this article, in outline form, summarizes the distinguishing characteristics of each model along with the…

The results of a study of five midwestern school districts suggest that the abandonment of program innovations or revisions may be related to a lack of understanding of how schools work as social systems and how political processes influence change efforts, as well as a failure to appreciate the many dilemmas facing those who attempt to facilitate…

This study attempted to identify which tactics used by administrators had the greatest influence on the introduction of special education curriculum innovations. Surveys and interviews with administrators in 39 sites were used to gather data. The administrators were those identified as advocates of a particular innovation, the Social Learning…

School buildings designed in Norway during the early 1970s were frequently of the open plan type. This document briefly describes problems faced in the designing of open plan buildings and planning and implementation of educational activities appropriate to the new facilities. In anticipation of future elementary school construction, the document…

To increase the possibility for successful programs and to determine the validity of the concept of bilingual education for limited English-speaking children, this discussion centers on issues which militate against full-scale implementation of bilingual education programs in some school districts. The narrative defines innovation as an "entity…

An intensive study of innovative projects in five elementary and secondary schools provided an opportunity to examine teacher participation in pre-implementation activities. Particular attention was paid to the motivation and roles of participants. It was found that participation is complex and varied. There were three major findings: (1)…

The Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) for staff development is an empirically-based conceptual framework which outlines the developmental process that individuals experience as they implement a new innovation. The model is based on the assumption that, when persons responsible for implementing change via inservice programs have relevant…

The question addressed in this thesis was, "Does the decision source for change make a difference to a teacher's or implementor's organizational commitment and job satisfaction?" It was hypothesized that the decision sources for implementing Individually Guided Education (IGE) in schools does not affect the teacher's commitment to the school and…

A comparison of current views of "teaching methods" or "methodology" from the standpoint of curriculum plan and instructional procedure demonstrates that the views are more complementary then contradictory and that they illustrate approaches to teaching and learning of a foreign language by the researcher, the educator, and the teacher. (Author/CB)

Describes the Principal-Teacher Interaction Study that focused on the interventions made by nine elementary school principals and their staff and on their involvement together in the implementation of new curricula. Examines what principals and others did in the process of facilitating change and what effects their interventions had on the…

Discusses the power that local school districts and schools exert over the eventual success or failure of state government initiatives. Analyzes three major hurdles that reform efforts must surmount at the district and school levels: affecting classroom instruction; eliciting a commitment of local resources; and becoming integrated into other…

This is a report on a best practices conference conducted by the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges. The conference was designed to allow the 19 state community colleges to share their most valuable innovations, programs, services, and other ideas for enhancing community college instruction, administration, and overall effectiveness. The…

This report offers a commentary on the recent development of community colleges in Shanghai (China). The seven institutions were established in the early 1990s to provide community education to local residents in hopes of facilitating mass higher education in China. The report describes important characteristics the colleges seek to impart…

To avoid the pitfalls of past curriculum projects, marine educators must be aware of what affects a teacher's willingness to use new ideas and materials. Summarized are findings from a study of factors which influence the extent to which teachers are receptive to educational innovations. (Author/WB)

Discusses factors revealed by educational research that improve student learning and over which administrators and trustees have some control: school atmosphere and instructional time. Offers 14 steps for implementing research findings into educational innovations. (NEC)