This is an analytical report that looks across four district case studies (published between 2007 and 2009 by the Small Schools Project) to reflect on what happens when a district commits to the goal of graduating each student ready for college, career, and citizenship. The report describes four challenge areas--differentiation and…

The final report describes a 3 year project to develop research utilization modules to improve educational services through camping for the physically handicapped. An introductory chapter lists four major project goals--to research the state of the art of camping for the physically handicapped; to systematically identify the competencies needed…

Examines the issues and lists available options for these questions: why don't teachers (1) teach about the future, (2) use results of educational research, (3) focus on teacher-student interaction, (4) assign grades from a competency criterion, and (5) teach the structure of mechanical drafting. (SK)

Analyzes 86 articles in the first 7 volumes of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Vocational Education Research and organizes them in 3 categories: learning and teaching, policy context, and improving research. Concludes with implications for policy, practice, and future research. An appendix lists articles by topic. (Contains 106…

During the past 10 years, a partnership between researchers and practitioners in educational research has developed in Oregon. In 1965 the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission was established. Since then, the commission has carried out research and influenced the development of various aspects of teacher education, certification, and related…

The complexity of the supervisor's role, the lack of research regarding supervisory behavior and relationships, and the need for development of a theory of supervision all seem to emphasize a demand for extensive research in the field of instructional supervision. Such research is particularly needed if supervisory programs are to be improved and…

The desirability of a comprehensive assessment of social welfare students is suggested. The multidimensional system of grading is described as a flexible approach to better student evaluation, which complements performance-based curriculum designs. The synergistic effects of a set of objective assignments in a social work research course is…

Because of lack of time and a dearth of specific programs, vocational education administrators have difficulty in acquiring additional education. Three major steps have been taken to remedy this situation: (1) research has been conducted to identify and verify the competencies important to vocational administrators; (2) competency-based modules…

Because of an expressed need for staff development for vocational education administrators, research was conducted to identify and verify the competencies needed by vocational administrators; competency-based modularized materials were developed to address those competencies; and a variety of competency-based training program strategies were…

Australian implementation of competency-based training fails to recognize that mere competency statements are inadequate as a basis for teaching. Many vocational teachers lack sufficient background in psychology for successful implementation. Good curriculum documents can help by incorporating key research on skill learning, transfer, expertise,…

This report on the state level use and application of the 1971-1977 Adult Performance Level (APL) study contains two reports: "Competencies for Adult Basic Education and Diploma Programs: A Summary of Studies and Cross-Reference of Results." by Joan Keller Fischer and "The APL Study: Science, Dissemination, and the Nature of Adult…

The first of two papers presented in this publication examines the problems of establishing and maintaining a rapport between colleges of education and local schools for their mutual benefit. In an ideal setting and relationship, colleges would conduct research and controlled demonstrations, with the results of the research being implemented by…

A project in Louisiana surveyed local vocational education programs and local application plans and compared them to assessed needs, skill levels, and quality program standards. The project was implemented through nine strategies, which included project staff development, assessment of local plans, needs assessment, development of an assessment…

This curriculum guide is designed to prepare secondary school students for entry-level and career-level positions in the largest area of employment in distribution and marketing--retail merchandising. Developed for use in the twelfth grade competency cluster phase of New York State secondary marketing and distributive education program, this…

These five papers prepared for the annual Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Senior Executives' Conference emphasize policy implications. "Does Research Influence Policy?" (W. Hall) makes the point that some important policy decisions have been taken on nonexistent or flimsy research evidence. The next four papers are research…