The training of school principals must be motivated by a desire to serve U.S. society. University preparation programs are ethically bound to act as a gatekeeper for school districts; focus on principal quality, and examine the motive, means; and product to ensure high program standards. (four references) (MLH)

Types of criteria for the development of formal adult education theory are (1) epistemological (ways in which categories of knowledge are judged to be intellectually sound); (2) communicative (necessity for a theory to communicate tenets clearly to practitioners); and (3) critically analytic (way in which a theory invites scrutiny of its central…

Revises a conception of the relationship between psychological science and professional practice. The profession's knowledge base should be derived with diverse methods and from multiple sources. Describes the mutuality of science and practice, and presents an evolving framework for understanding the epistemology of practice based on cognitive…

Using two studies, this paper argues that the controlled study of how specific variables affect others and the study of the same when embedded in complex educational environments should be based on two sets of assumptions underlying two paradigms, analytic and systemic, that differ as do quantitative and qualitative approaches. (RLC)

Examines some of the sources of bias that enter into counselors' formulations of causal hypotheses and client problem representations. Presents a study of the think-aloud protocols of 32 counseling psychologists as they examined the file of a clinically diagnosable individual, and explores the implications of the findings for the training of…

Jean Hill's article in the same "Journal of Curriculum and Supervision" issue critiques the interpretivists' alleged ambiguities, contradictions, and uncritically held assumptions, based on the a priori assumptions of his own positivist paradigm. Critical theorists would deplore the exclusion of Marxism, feminism, and race-specific…

Having completed the first five-year phase of a comprehensive research-based program aimed at renewing schools and teacher education, the Center for Educational Renewal at the University of Washington will begin a second study examining the ameliorative effects of school-university partnerships. This article discusses reactions to "A Study of…

The application of modern technology to rehabilitation theory and practice for severely disabled persons is examined. Covered are application of technology to support independent life, removal and prevention of environmental barriers, and the need for technology applications to be supported by a social system providing adequate transportation,…

Beginning educational researchers are advised to do the following: (1) choose a research focus with reference to events in the real world of education; (2) augment research with products and services to bring about improvements in educational practice; and (3) find an honest critic to review research work. (SLD)

Adult learner participation in program planning is accepted more in theory than in practice. Resistance to change and contextual constraints inhibit its implementation. Strategies addressing these two obstacles can encourage participation in situations where it meets learners' educational needs. (SK)

Examines how four preservice writing teachers arrived at the theories that shaped their composition classroom pedagogies. Finds that writing instruction can and will overcome some of the difficulties wrought by the theory/practice dichotomy. (RS)

Investigates readability levels of correspondence sent out by Gulf Coast area business offices. Finds that a large majority of the correspondence sent out from the offices under study is written at too high a reading level. Finds also that the greatest problem lies in syllable intensity--the use of "big" words where everyday words would have…

Critiques the present state of research in educational administration, discusses difficulties involved with developing and codifying a knowledge base, and presents possible solutions and faculty-oriented improvements. Although education and educational administration are concerned with applying concepts from many fields, education still requires…

Two studies are reported: one in which case study, evaluation, and action research inquiries were done for students' theses; the other involving a collaborative action research project by the staff at one British school. The effects on participating teachers are reported. (24 references) (Author/LB)

Examines and rates the background qualifications and qualities, identified by sport management practitioners through an examination of paper credentials, that are desired in interviewees vying for selection into sport management internship positions. (GLR)