This study compared the allocation of human resources of a K-12 unified school district in Southern California to the Evidence-Based model (Odden & Picus, 2008). Using document analysis and interviews of key administrators of the district, data was input into a spreadsheet to identify gaps between current practice and the Evidence-Based model.…

The last several years have seen unprecedented advancements in the application of technology to the life sciences, particularly in the area of data generation. Novel scientific insights are now often driven primarily by software development supporting new multidisciplinary and increasingly multifaceted data analysis. However, despite the…

This publication outlines a process for developing, instituting, and maintaining school improvement in a systematic way. The seven steps in the process are to (1) identify the problems affecting student performance, (2) establish standards by which to measure the success of improvement efforts, (3) collect appropriate data, (4) analyze the data…

A comprehensive five-year program is outlined for the improvement of library services, particularly programs which can be assisted by the Library Services and Construction Act. Prepared by the State Library staff and based on the program developed in 1972, it provides brief descriptions of the State Library, as well as public, university, school,…

The value of Strong's sentence-combining materials in increasing the syntactic maturity of first-year university students is tested and found positive. (KR)

Briefly describes a performance contract" which guaranteed to raise the reading and mathematics level of potential high school dropouts...one full grade level in 80 hours of instruction." (Author/AA)

An attempt to improve the quality of the life that many socially disoriented youth live in a mojor urban area is described. (CK)

For the past two years, Colby Junior College, in New London, New Hampshire, in cooperation with Operation Crossroads Africa of New York City, has successfully operated an eight-week secretarial improvement course for African office employees. (Author)

Describes the five winners of the APPA's Effective & Innovative Practices Award. These facilities management programs and processes were recognized for enhancing service delivery, lowering costs, increasing productivity, improving customer service, generating revenue, or otherwise benefiting the educational institution. (EV)

An ex ante benefit-cost analysis was conducted of applied tree improvement programs in the North Central Region from 1986 through the year 2030. Results for 24 tree species indicate that ex ante evaluation of the programs is difficult, but the intuition of professionals has built-in efficiency considerations. (TJH)

This document supplements the advice given in "How good is our school?" (HGIOS)--third edition and "The Child at the Centre"--second edition which set out comprehensive quality frameworks and provide helpful advice on the process of improvement through self-evaluation. In particular, this document provides advice on the…

Local school administrators, board members, and unions are in the best position to devise the compensation, evaluation, and professional development models that work for their communities. Many changes in personnel policy will be the subject of negotiations between school boards and local unions. But the state also has a vital role to play in…

With the state's latest preschool expansion initiative, New Jersey public schools have an opportunity to help reach thousands of additional young children who will ultimately reap the educational rewards of a high-quality preschool program. In those districts that do not already provide preschool, administrators will themselves become students as…

Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) often go above and beyond the call of duty to encourage engagement and provide support to traditionally underrepresented students. This issue of Lumina Foundation Focus magazine, titled "Pillars of progress," examines MSIs and their efforts to maximize student success. Following the President's Message, In…

This year's annual report of Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) celebrates the continuing expansion of opportunities for high-quality education and career preparation available to Philadelphia youth. These opportunities--offered by an ever-growing set of partners and program providers--are present in neighborhoods and communities all across the…