A practical view is offered to leaders, managers, and teams of how to think about their companies and reinvent them without losing the value and knowledge embedded in their current organization. Organizations can break through challenges and recognize entirely new business opportunities through the creation of interlocking, boundary-crossing…

As schools reform for the 21st century, educators are being asked to work together in more and more ways. Many have not been prepared to work together, and little additional time is being allocated for collaborative work. Two solutions are worth consideration: (1) to make more time and (2) to use time more effectively. As teachers and other school…

This handbook combines the outcomes of the "Symposium on Quality Schools" (April 14, 15 and June 2, 3, 1994, Toronto, Canada) with a continuing presentation of the quality philosophy. It is designed to guide the development and implementation of quality-driven educational programs. Quality schools are committed to creating enhanced…

This paper discusses how experienced teachers can keep their teaching fresh. Though professional development can help teachers stay current with educational techniques and practices, it is often not prioritized. Instructional changes that can recharge teachers so they provide students with optimal learning include: providing regular teacher…

Team-based student projects have become an intrinsic part of coursework in information technology courses. The rationale is that once students enter the work environment they will be required to work in teams. Challenges of teamwork are reviewed and factors influencing student team performance are identified. An approach is described which deals…

Teams can produce innovative solutions to complex problems, enabling organizations to be faster, more responsive, more competitive, and more successful in meeting their missions. These kinds of results are not guaranteed, however. When an organization sponsors a team, it is usually to address a challenge deemed essential to organizational success.…

Teams working in distributed projects go through the same stages and encounter the same problems as typical face-to-face teams. The main difference when the environment is moved to a distributed setting is that some problems become more complex, other problems become less noticeable, and some new obstacles occur. One of the main problems with…

This technical assistance manual contains guidelines for paraeducator roles, supervision, and skill and knowledge competency standards on which policymakers and implementers can build to improve the effectiveness of teacher/provider-paraeducator teams. The guidelines and standards were developed by a project of national significance funded by the…

The California city of Rancho Cucamonga has been given the task of developing a 4-square-mile area into a productive venture. There is already freeway access and a cargo railroad line, but sewer lines and various other services must be added. This lesson plan stipulates that student teams, each representing a specific interest in the business…

This book is part of a series of case studies that demonstrate better ways to educate Ohio's students. The case study is part of the Transforming Learning Communities (TLC) Project, designed to support significant school-reform efforts among Ohio's elementary, middle, and high schools. This report describes the implementation of an innovative…

For many schools, the idea of involving families actively in the decision-making and implementation efforts needed for school improvement is intimidating. As can been seen in the "School Snapshot" school leaders play a key role in creating a school culture in which parental involvement is not only accepted but also valued. Schools are now publicly…

Four activities are discussed, each of which have students working cooperatively in teams. The topics involved are estimating and counting, addition in a strategy situation, the concept of variable, and problem solving. Complete directions for the teacher are given. (LS)

Discusses two programs undertaken at engineering colleges in an attempt to transmit technology information from the body of knowledge to the potential users, especially small and medium sized companies. Concludes that the university mission can be partly fulfilled through the technology transfer program. (CC)

Learning theory can be an effective tool in dealing with problem behavior, in this case school phobia. Social reinforcement techniques were used by counselors and teachers to obtain and maintain improved attendance. (CJ)