Soil science provides the educational framework to integrate components of earth science systems, to understand the causes and consequences of spatial variability, and view dynamic processes impacting ecosystems in a holistic perspective. This book, a special publication of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), identifies and analyzes…

This is a model technology course which offers a starting point for those administrators and prospective instructors who need ideas about the nature of a course to teach technology to non-technologists. This course is based on the premise that technology should be taught as part of the liberal arts or general education core at the undergraduate…

Human systems engineering (HSE) was created to introduce a new way of viewing collaboration. HSE emphasizes the role of leaders who welcome risk, commit to achieving positive change, and help others achieve change. The principles of HSE and its successful application to the collaborative process were illustrated through a case study representing a…

This book describes the implementation of a learning theory based on a holistic interpretation of brain research in two schools--Dry Creek Elementary School (Rio Linda, California) and Park View Middle School (Yucaipa, California). It describes how these two schools engaged in a process of restructuring based on changing mental models. Data were…

Several key concepts shed light on the traits and processes of leadership in educational settings. First, the term leadership can be understood as the act of persuading others to set aside individual concerns and pursue a common goal, with communication representing a key ability of leaders. The Communication Model provides a useful, open systems…

A credit-based qualifications system within the framework proposed in the Dearing "Review of Qualifications for 16-19 Year Olds" could enhance the United Kingdom (UK) qualification system in the 21st century. The United Kingdom currently has over 14,000 qualifications and more than 100 awarding bodies, which makes it difficult to compare…

After a decade of institutional turmoil, including a succession of four chief executive officers, efforts were undertaken at one educational institution to identify the cultural dynamics at play in the organization and reframe its approach to management. A brief survey was distributed to over 125 people on the college's management council asking…

Although educational reformers frequently use the words "system,""systemic change," and "systemic approach," many lack a fundamental understanding of the systems concept. This paper describes the application of systems theory to the problems of educational reform and educational assessment. It introduces basic concepts and principles and describes…

This report reviews the outcomes of a forum convened to examine policy and practice issues surrounding the annual evaluation of effectiveness of programs and services for students with disabilities. At the forum, alternative approaches being used by states to implement program evaluation were discussed, along with issues in gathering…

During the summer of 1993, site-visit teams visited Arkansas, Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, and Oregon to interview the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) lead agency staff about each state's child care management information system (MIS). The state information work group and experts recommended states with innovative, unique, and…

This document discusses the application of a systems approach for family counseling for African American families with a family member infected with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It begins by citing statistics that illustrate that there exists a disproportionate representation of cases of AIDS among African Americans. A discussion on…

This book describes the evolution of New American Schools (NAS) and its strategy for reform during its first 6 years of operation. After a short introduction in chapter 1, chapter 2 outlines the potential contribution of school designs and design-based assistance to education reform, focusing on the nature of NAS designs, the character of…

This guide presents a comprehensive strategy, called "environmental management," for alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention in institutions of higher education. The environmental management approach utilizes, in addition to educational programs, changes in the physical, social, economic, and legal environment accomplished through a…

Practical information for businesspeople in support of fundamental, collaborative educational change is presented in this report. The first section points out that fundamental educational restructuring is necessary in a changing society with different needs and that school business partnerships are required to implement systemic change. The…

This bulletin explores the roles that various stakeholders have in systemic reform and offers some recommendations for action. Data were derived from a review of research on systemic education reform and interviews with four Oregon administrators. Chapter 1 provides a sampling of the diverse groups that are calling for reform and offers some of…