In 1989, Queens College (New York) launched its Big Buddy program pairing college students with homeless youngsters. Designed to assist homeless children and increase the college community's sensitivity to homelessness, the pilot project helped provide a secure environment, build positive relationships, expand the children's world, improve…

During 1990-91, Michigan schools piloted an innovative portfolio approach enabling students to discover, document, and develop employability skills in academics, personal management, and teamwork. Not an improved sorting system, the project encourages students to recognize successes, seek opportunities to improve skills, and gain confidence in…

This article synthesizes 55 Quebec (Canada) pilot projects on mainstreaming of pupils with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, physical or sensorial handicaps, or mental handicaps, at preschool and elementary levels. It focuses on extent of integration, interventions, training and support for teachers, and evaluation methodology used.…

Process evaluation of the Partners for Prevention pilot project testing an office-based system involving 17 Denver (Colorado) physicians in an effort to increase cancer prevention indicates the value of the program philosophy as well as various deficiencies in its operation. New strategies suggested by the evaluation are being tested. (SLD)

Uses a case study format to describe a British rural primary school's experience with evaluating a School Teacher Appraisal Pilot Study. Tips are provided for others embarking on similar ventures. Findings showed that appraisal does not take place in isolation and that long-term effects depend on its integration with other review and development…

Summarizes a study to identify the sources of job satisfaction, job benefits, sources of self-fulfillment, and personal strengths that women bring to the superintendency. Based on 51 interviews with urban and rural women superintendents, results showed that both groups have similar leadership characteristics befitting a new model that values…

As middle school educators refine interdisciplinary teaming, numerous challenges have emerged, notably the development of interdisciplinary units and personality-compatible teams, design of instruction to challenge honor students while motivating low achievers, and integration of subject areas into thematic topics. As the New Kids pilot project…

Even as Goals 2000 (the latest manifestation of factory-model schooling) is being adopted nationwide, a smaller, but growing counter-movement aimed at decentralizing and democratizing public schools has emerged. Manifestations include magnet and charter schools and the new, smaller, autonomous institutions called in-district charter or pilot…

Describes research projects in four experimental schools in Osijek, Croatia, that were interrupted by war. Pilot projects featured lectureless classes, independent study, increases in learning activities, and alterations in school surroundings. In all the experimental schools, significant changes occurred, but academic achievement results were…

Responding to local businesses' negative comments about area graduates' capabilities, White Plains (New York) Public Schools initiated a pilot work-based-learning program that clearly specified connections between high-school and workplace learning. Five case studies illustrate program goals achieved via individualized apprenticeship plans…

A pilot project provided adopted persons, biological parents, and adoptive parents with supportive counseling through a mutual-aid adoption-triad group in search and reunion. Evaluation findings indicated that participants felt positively about the group experience. Findings suggest that this approach can serve as a model for postadoption search…

Discusses online text-based collaborative learning environments such as Multi-User Dimensions (MUDs) and Object-Oriented MUDs (MOOs) and describes a multimedia-enhanced, Web-based MOO (WOO) called SpaceALIVE! that was the subject of a pilot project with Singapore secondary school students. (Contains 15 references.) (LRW)

Describes a school in France, which is the only complex in Europe that attempts to create a synergy among the activities of leisure, work, technology, training, and education. Discusses the evolution of the project, the design and flexibility of teaching spaces, information technology and communications strategies, and the project's success. (RJM)

Explores the progress of Fenway Middle College High School, in its third year as a Boston pilot school (an in-district charter-school alternative). Significant areas of autonomy remain untested. Fenway learned the value of an experienced, caring, diverse faculty; networking and reorganization opportunities; and idealism to counter "bigger is…

Notes that multimedia computer programs may provide promising opportunities for the training of initial reading and spelling skills. Examines a recently-developed program's efficacy and impact on the motivation of the users. Finds that the amount of non-task directed behavior of those who had practiced with the computer significantly decreased…