Reports on a pilot study in which a proposed design model was developed to characterize intergroup communication among designers, developers, and users. Design roles, themes, and networks based on two histories of design situations are described for several design phases; and future work is suggested. (24 references) (LRW)

Since 1987, Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) Public Schools' Propel project has been using student portfolios to integrate assessment with learning and is now piloting portfolio assessment for public accountability. Unlike Vermont's system, which asks for students' best work, Pittsburgh's assessment reflects what the community typically expects from its…

In fall 1990, 25 Los Angeles elementary and middle schools piloted a multifaceted character-education program that diminished discipline referrals and improved student achievement. (MLH)

Investigates, in a pilot study, the range of reading experiences offered to British junior level students. Finds that quiet reading periods (although brief and frequently disturbed) and the sharing of texts were common features in the classrooms observed. Finds a wide range of reading experiences in some cases but aimless and superficial reading…

One major obstacle to collaboration is perception of value--especially in urban areas where resources are shrinking and social problems are increasing. Sharing of resources is weighted by considerations of proximal benefit and proximal concern. This article shows how a New Orleans full-services school pilot project successfully garnered funding…

Evaluated Wisconsin's Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) program of class-size reduction through a quasi-experimental, comparative-change design. Results for 1996-97 and 1997-98 are consistent with the positive effects shown for Tennessee's Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio program (STAR). (SLD)

Describes innovative strategies that schools and universities are using to save money and reshape operations. Focuses on ideas in energy efficiency and facilities improvement, direct purchasing, energy management, retrofitting buildings, ceiling insulation upgrades, automation systems, electric demand programs, facilities programs, warranty…

A pilot program engaged adults aged 55-84 in mental fitness activities to stimulate creative thinking, problem solving, memory, mental flexibility, risk taking, and confidence. The changes in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes support mental fitness as a critical component of healthy aging. (SK)

A greater challenge than collecting and organizing data is transforming data into easily accessible, useful information that staff members can employ for school improvement. A New Hampshire district developed four guiding principles. They prioritized instructional change, instituted staff training, stressed communication of results, and invited…

Boston's Diploma Plus program helps 16- to 22-year-old dropouts gain the skills and confidence necessary for graduation, continued education, and work. The program establishes high expectations, enlivens teaching and learning, measures progress by actual performance, and builds in continuous assessment and challenging postsecondary experiences.…

Developed a model and an operational measure of collective teacher efficacy and tested the measure in a pilot study involving 70 teachers. Also used the instrument to study collective teacher efficacy and academic achievement in 47 urban elementary schools. Results show collective teacher efficacy to be positively associated with student-level…

Describes a pilot study at the Open University of the United Kingdom that used a computer mediated communication (CMC) tutor group for a distance learning course. Highlights include the role of the tutor; benefits perceived by students; comparisons with face-to-face tutorials; and tuition issues. (LRW)

Describes a pilot mediation program that offers an empowering alternative to problem resolution used by mental health consumers receiving treatment at an inpatient psychiatric center. The training program uses mental health clinicians and consumers (peer advocates) to act as assistants in mediating disputes between consumers and between consumers…

Reports results of a pilot study that examined the level of information and concern that users possess about copyright in electronic resources and what methods users would prefer to use to obtain copyright management information in electronic resources. Results show that few users are willing to devote more than 10 minutes to locating copyright…

In 1989, an ambitious Princeton University senior had an idea. Inspired to bridge the educational gap in the United States, Wendy Kopp formed a pilot program where enthusiastic grads like her would flood inner city schools and clean up the proverbial neighborhood. She even gave it an imperative and patriotic moniker: Teach for America. Seventeen…