Explores the nature of the impulse which, in the 1920s, led Scottish teachers collectively to commit themselves to supporting educational research. Argues that involvement in research was seen as a means to achieve professional status for teachers. Contains 23 references. (Author/SV)

Problems in the process of selecting new administrators are discussed, including confidentiality, resumes and letters of recommendation, the interview, committee membership, and inside candidates. (MSE)

The report of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy's Bylaws and Policy Development Committee addresses policy statements of several other committees, resolutions received from association units, and a specific charge from the association's president concerning policy formation procedures. (MSE)

Discusses insights from both the instructional design community and members of research groups seeking to transform typical classrooms into "learning communities," and encourages discussion among members of these two communities. Gives an overview of frameworks for instructional design, and the principles of learning communities. (71…

Guidelines for using grandparents as school volunteers include the following: identify specific tasks and volunteer interests, provide inservice training, let volunteers choose assignments and schedules, and evaluate and give recognition. Grandparent education councils can provide leadership for their involvement in schools. (SK)

This article offers suggestions from the University of Redlands (California) and other universities on improving Alumni Board Handbooks. Considered are seven basic elements of the handbook; possible additions (such as a glossary of alumni-related terms and sample fund-raising letters); and the need to consider format, method, and cost in handbook…

The work of the Visions Education Task Force suggests that Jenne's conceptualization of strategic planning in the public sector can be remarkably effective. A necessary condition for effectiveness was a supportive setting. The rational process of strategic planning proved inappropriate for addressing nonrational issues related to the community's…

Five women and 2 men aged 68-84 formed a Seniors' Advisory Committee to suggest ways of enhancing gerontological content in an undergraduate nursing program. They reviewed courses, advised faculty, recruited other older adults, and participated in courses and seminars. (SK)

Massachusetts middle school's Classroom-by-Committee program is based on town council model of subcommittees. Students briefed in self-management techniques choose committees that meet their needs while helping them develop critical thinking skills, set goals, identify problems, and generate solutions. Teachers facilitate learning, guide students…

Discussed is the way in which a limited number of astronomy research initiatives were chosen and prioritized based on a consensus of members from the Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee. A list of recommended equipment initiatives and estimated costs is provided. (KR)

A Nevada school board has instituted an internal audit committee to review how well the school system is operating, financially and otherwise. Describes committee organization and suggests a code of conduct for school systems that addresses the following situations: gifts, influence, conflict of interest, privy information, and confidentiality.…

This history of the Federal Board for Vocational Education, established in 1917, reviews controversies over its constitutionality and control of education; criticism of its director, Charles Prosser; its contributions to vocational education; and reasons it was abolished in 1946. (SK)

Discusses how college presidents who were asked by the Knight commission to suggest changes in athletics programs founds themselves caught between forces focused on winning and on academics. (EV)

Describes how to conduct a successful effort to hire university faculty and administrators. Discusses using the school's mission statement, the search committee, the charge to the committee, involving the appropriate community, selection criteria, the position description, candidate evaluation, and making the appointment. Concludes by summarizing…

To encourage women and minorities to seek administrative positions, boards should balance committees that screen and interview by gender, race, and ethnicity. Success depends on offering desirable, full-time paid internships, and mentoring opportunities paying realistic salaries and benefits; downplaying extraneous expectations; and showing…