While curriculum development can be difficult, implementation of changes can be equally problematic. However, implementation of a new program offers many opportunities for campus renewal and curriculum development, reevaluation of academic and administrative practices, and enhancement of community and institutional relationships. (MSE)

Evaluation of problems in implementing inclusion of students with mild to moderate mental impairment in general education classes of a suburban middle school identified lessons such as the following: (1) allow sufficient resources to the project; (2) provide active leadership by individuals with positive attitudes; and (3) convince the staff that…

This paper takes the position that many early childhood personnel embrace inclusion at the conceptual level but ignore or discount its implications at the applied or child level. Discussion of policies and practices of inclusion as they may affect individual children and families serves as the basis for recommendations for fostering successful…

This commentary on inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs raises issues concerning the value-laden nature of advocacy for inclusion; the need to "just do it" (inclusion); risks of advocating for children versus programs; and the need to integrate with regular education despite its major problems. (DB)

In 1987, the University of Utah began changing its basic campus media format from 16mm film to half-inch videotape which resulted in changes in classroom design and in the way technology is used. Summarizes the implementation process, mistakes made, and lessons learned. Includes the Instructional Media Services department's technology classroom…

Institutionalizing the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education and the Faculty and Institutional Inventories will require teachers and institutions to overcome obstacles to change, develop new perspectives for improving education, and apply strategies of planned change, including creating and sustaining a leadership team.…

Syracuse University (New York) has found that the focused, collaborative approach to institutional administration embodied in Total Quality Management is beneficial. It requires allocation of adequate time and resources, observation of others, communication, addressing high-need areas first, and willingness to adapt, but it may bring resistance…

Activities at Delaware County Community College (Pennsylvania) in implementing Total Quality Management are examined and compared with criteria used by the United States Chamber of Commerce for making quality awards to businesses. Assessed areas include management leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, employee development, teamwork,…

Describes a case study focusing on the first year of a three-year change initiative in which holistic curriculum was implemented in a kindergarten through grade-eight school (Simcoe Street School) in Ontario (Canada). Documents the success of the implementation and its continued use as part of school philosophy. (SLD)

Hudson, Massachusetts, an industry-based, socioeconomically diverse community with 2,800 students in six schools, developed a comprehensive preK-12 service-learning program. Parent support, ongoing professional development, curriculum planning time, administrative support, and sustained funding have helped the program achieve districtwide…

Establishment of an experiential integrated curriculum at an urban Florida high school yielded six realizations: systemic change takes time; change requires patience, perseverance, courage, and a tough skin; plan extensively before beginning; credibility with faculty lies in quantitative and qualitative student evaluation data; involve those with…

By analyzing an unsuccessfully implemented project (a federally funded reading initiative), staff at a Michigan elementary school gained understanding about the countless dilemmas accompanying the change process. Real and lasting changes must be related to positive existing practices and require adequate time, support, and collaboration. (MLH)

The future of educational design, development, and improvement lies in integrating "how" with "what" and "why." Critical strategic thinking factors include abandoning comfort zones; focusing on ends, not means; linking all three planning and result levels; starting with an ideal vision; preparing measurable…

Education reform, as a change process in daily teaching and learning activity, has never been easy. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), a recent nationwide education reform initiative, demonstrates again that change is never easy and not always successful. As a matter of fact, "many innovations in education are either total or partial…

In 2007, the Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) requested that the RAND Corporation monitor implementation of year 2 (2007-2008) of the district's Excellence for All (EFA) initiative and provide feedback to district staff, the PPS board, and other stakeholders. In 2008, RAND expanded to a more comprehensive focus on effective implementation of EFA's…