A Texas elementary school is testing Edison's claim that a private company can manage a public school better and more profitably than a public school district working alone. Educators and parents already see improvements, but overenrollment has caused class size, scheduling, and computer shortage problems. Competition and payment problems could…

This article describes an ongoing support program in a Head Start program for grandparents who are serving as the primary caretakers of their grandchildren. Information is provided on the program's purpose and goals, the grandparents who attend, how meetings are run, experiences and incidental learning, and the progression of the group. (DB)

Peer tutoring has been used as an effective program for students with academic difficulties. This article provides information on the efficacy of considering behavioral function and structure and data addressing ecobehavioral variables to establish a productive learning environment. Infusing peer-tutoring programs with applied behavior analysis…

The national-service movement promises to become a source of democratic renewal. Participation can be seen as the practice of citizenship if the political realities are recognized. The movement could produce a new generation of public leaders with practical skills and concepts. (SLD)

Summarizes the status of assessment reform, based on visits to 14 schools. Documents key characteristics of various performance assessments (portfolios, on-demand tasks, projects, exhibitions, and teachers' structured observations); determines which factors influence their development, implementation, and effectiveness; and analyzes interactions…

Describes how videoconferencing was used at the University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) as a medium to deliver three modules to continuing education students over a five-year period. Discusses planning and implementation, and the move from conventional teaching to distance learning. Notes professional development reached an effective level and in…

Builds on an earlier study considering changes in the use of noninstructional staff in maintained (British) primary and secondary schools. Focuses on the introduction of staffing innovations (how they originated, how they were implemented, their perceived advantages and difficulties, and their estimated cost-effectiveness) in a new kind of…

Reports on the design, implementation, and evaluation of a teleseminar on instructional design and computer-mediated communication (CMC) at the University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba, Australia). Results show that CMC was a viable medium for professional development, that moderation of strategies influenced the nature of contributions, and…

The Georgia School Counselor Evaluation Program was developed in response to a legislative requirement to provide annual performance evaluations for all school counselors. The evaluation program is composed of two instruments and a set of procedures to ensure equitable evaluation for all counselors. (SLD)

Discusses the use of the Montessori method in Head Start programs, focusing on educational environment, teacher training, parent involvement, and funding. Outlines the phased implementation of a Montessori program and provides a list of Montessori publications and organizations. (MDM)

This article describes an orientation and mobility program serving 20 students with both developmental disabilities and visual impairments. It documents the low level of baseline behaviors and discusses program components, including the training staff, school environment adaptations, and individualized and community training techniques.…

During 3-year period, Arizona junior high school's site-based team developed and implemented 10-step process for becoming middle school. They assessed the school and community, researched school reform, built a team, developed a mission statement, set goals and empowered staff members, established teaching teams, trained staff members and parents,…

This article highlights how instructional management differs from behavior management in terms of common practice, and demonstrates how an instructional strategy used to address persistent academic errors, called "precorrection," can be applied to change chronic problem behaviors. Seven basic correction and precorrection steps are…

Different models for international activities in mental retardation and developmental disabilities are described, as well as principles that characterize successful international programs. A case study of an international exchange and technical assistance project conducted between a University Affiliated Program and Antigua and Barbuda, West…

Describes eight conditions that facilitate the adoption, implementation, and institutionalization of educational technology innovations and suggests applications to the transfer of portable software. Applications of these conditions involving educational technology in Indonesia, Chile, and Peru are evaluated, and guidelines for successful…