An obsolete, unworkable approach to achieving high standards is top-down dictation of goals and minimal staff compliance. A constructivist change strategy is based on collaboration. It is an action research and development process enabling everyone to understand the problem, reach agreement on goals, and share responsibility for implementing…

Describes the framework in which the research library at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) reengineered its technical services operations. Focuses on the activities of the "Before Team" in evaluating, measuring, and redesigning the work processes that occur before the library receives an item. Discusses the results. (Author/AEF)

A growing number of researchers are questioning the usefulness of reform strategies that do not provide teachers with specific information about how to implement changes. The replication of successful programs depends on giving teachers the tools they need to carry out reforms by explaining them in detail. (SLD)

A three-year project that examined the impact of an inservice program and consultation processes in facilitating the inclusion of students with emotional or behavioral disorders into general education settings in 25 school districts found that immediate implementation of the consultation process was needed for districts to implement learned…

An ASBO member and chair of New York's School Emergency Response to Violent Events (SERVE) explains how this program tackles violence and teen suicide. SERVE teaches the basic principles of hostage situations, uses a confidential reporting system, and advocates safety audits and risk-reduction strategies. (MLH)

Presents results of a policy study of implementation of the transition mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Five "model sites" and four "representative sites" were identified and visited. Results of the cross-case analysis focus on factors supporting and posing challenges to implementation. (Author/DB)

Discusses planning for the implementation of the Information Literacy Standards in schools. Provides a list of resources that focus on the history and development of the concept of information literacy. Discusses the importance of learning about local and state standards. Lists issues to work through when collaborating on a plan. (AEF)

Studied the implementation of the Federal School to Work Opportunities Act of 1994 in 47 school districts in upstate New York using a backward mapping policy analysis model. Variation between federal intent and local adaptation was explained by characteristics of the particular high school and the perceptions of local stakeholders. (Contains 60…

Describes Hawaii's Healthy Start Program (HST), its ongoing evaluation study, and evaluation findings at the end of two of a planned three years of family-program participation and follow-up. HST uses home visitors to help prevent abusive and neglectful parenting. Found significant differences in program implementation among the three…

Describes how extended reference service is offered within the electronic environment at the University of Central Florida Library. Discusses how new technologies, specifically electronic discussion lists, facilitate reporting and program implementation within the library community as a whole. Summarizes underlying principles, alternative…

In response to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments (1997), the Virginia Department of Education implemented a statewide mediation system that includes eight mediators to resolve parent-school conflicts involving special-education issues. An impartial third party helps disputants reach agreement in a nonthreatening atmosphere.…

Describes how staff members at one school instituted a gay/straight alliance (gsa). Cites books that can help educate people on the issues. Discusses initial preparations; advertisement of the meetings; establishment of ground rules; speakers; implementation of a staff in-service; the importance of straight allies; and ways teachers and librarians…

The startup of 465 federal 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs has propelled the idea of school/community collaboration onto national and local agendas. Collaborative action teams in the Southwest have identified three factors that encourage collaboration: the organizing group's commitment and diversity, administrative and campus…

Reports on a small-scale study investigating the implementation of teacher assessment in Italian primary schools where English is taught as a foreign language. (Author/VWL)

Community-service programs that lack administrative or community support are destined to fail. The success of mandatory programs depends on careful preparations, stakeholder buy-in, academic merits, program quality, staff support, safeguards for students, accurate recordkeeping, and recognition of long-term educational benefits. (MLH)