This article describes the successful effort to reduce illiteracy in Cuba by sending young student teachers into the rural areas to teach reading to workers in isolated spots throughout the country. (JD)

Discussion of agricultural and rural development extension systems in developing countries emphasizes the importance of a communication system and the goal of improvements in the socioeconomic status of farmers. The use of various instructional materials is discussed, constraints to development are reviewed, and the importance of feedback is…

Addresses the problems of child survival and development in developing countries by discussing the biomedical causes and the concomitant social determinants of high infant mortality rates. Describes four intervention strategies recommended by UNICEF: growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breast feeding, and immunization. (HOD)

Advocates the point of view that teachers should take the responsibility of maintaining personal professional libraries and discussing theory in order to increase their effectiveness. (DF)

A five-year school climate improvement program at a Colorado school district reduced discipline referrals, thefts, vandalism, and the daily absentee rate. The key to the program's success was directing the students toward responsible and humane behavior and helping them develop positive interpersonal skills. (MLF)

This document is the Horry-Georgetown Technical College comprehensive assessment of missions, goals, and objectives. The assessment addressed the mission statement of the college as well as its long-term goals. The mission statement was unchanged. In regards to long-term goals for the college, the college deleted one goal that had already been…

Each year staff members in the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Division of School Improvement, conduct onsite visits to each of the most improved schools, K-12, as identified by the ABCs of Public Education. Using a structured-interview process, staff members talk with administrators and teachers to determine what strategies…

As with so many guides for school improvement, the U.S. Department of Education's March 2006 Non-regulatory Guidance document entitled, "Designing Schoolwide Programs," continues to marginalize the essential role of student/learning supports. This brief report analyzes the guidance document with a specific focus on how to ensure Title I schoolwide…

This videotape and discussion guide offer a workshop plan that draws on an elementary school's innovative and successful application of Dr. Edwards Deming's Quality Principles. Designed to introduce teachers, administrators, school-board members, parents, and community and government leaders to quality assurance, the videotape uses on-site footage…

The role of the Iowa Ambassador to Education is to be a liaison between the state department of education and primary and secondary schools. To prepare for the year of conversations across the state, the ambassador formulated three questions that she asked everywhere she went: 1) What is good about your school? 2) What would you change to improve…

The Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI) aims to stimulate sustainable systemic improvements that enhance student performance in mathematics, science, and technology in 66 Appalachian counties characterized by persistent poverty. To support this aim, a major ARSI goal involves development of partnerships among families, communities, and…

This proceedings contains presentations and workshop summaries from the 3rd Annual Exemplary Institute for educators of Native American students. Presentations include: "Quality in Learning: Romancing the Journey" (quality management at Mount Edgecumbe High School, Alaska) (Todd Bergman); "Creating a School-wide Literacy…

Integrated school-community projects benefit both the rural community and the rural school in many ways. On the community side, such projects can stimulate the local economy, improve the quality of life, and strengthen the bonds of community. Schools gain resources and community support for educational initiatives, have the opportunity to develop…

Described is a six-step school improvement process that evolved during attempts to assess needs, plan improvements, implement changes, and evaluate success at a Michigan school district's elementary schools with disadvantaged pupils. The process involves parents and school staff identifying needs and setting priorities for staff development. (PP)

Improvement of teaching performance can be accomplished within the teacher evaluation process if the approach is positive and nonthreatening, with considerable emphasis on peer- and self-evaluation. (Author/SJL)