A model program, developed by the Institute for the Development of Educational Activities (/I/D/E/A), to prepare staff development specialists for school improvement projects is described. In this model, trainees experience the staff development processes they will be implementing in schools during their training.

Examines three major decision elements in the program design process: (1) learner participation patterns, (2) educational provider characteristics, and (3) instructional design models. Each shapes and directs the actions of the program designer and the program outcomes. (JOW)

This paper presents four challenges facing multidisciplinary teams (MDT): (1) ensuring efficient use of available time; (2) developing the skills and knowledge base of team members; (3) assigning available personnel resources; and (4) developing strategies for reduction of team member stress guidelines for planning internal MDT evaluation…

Describes the development and implementation of New York City's School Improvement Project (SIP), a program designed to improve schools through school-based planning groups. Discusses the program structure and outcomes, and indicates that SIP schools with greater student achievement show more commitment to the SIP process. (Author/MJL)

Describes the selection of hardware and refinement of lesson sets for the Computer Tutor project, a computer literacy program in the Palo Alto schools which uses tutors to teach programing skills to students, staff, and parents. An overview of the program in its second year of operation is included. (JJD)

Interviews were conducted with elementary secondary teachers, who used a new curriculum management system, to ascertain how the teachers perceived their work and the degree to which they reflected upon the purposes behind what they were doing. The perceived alienation of the teachers toward the new system is discussed. (CJ)

Discusses creation of computer classroom environment by implementing Logo, a computer program language designed to develop knowledge of programing, mathematics, and problem solving. Five questions are examined concerning Logo environment, attributes, elements absent in Logo environment, reasons for creating environment, and how to begin. Six…

The approach to designing decision support systems for academic library management which is described explores online retrieval of profiles of user productivity, resource utilization, and resource availability. Database models, implementation considerations, database management systems, a sample application, and supplementing manager's judgement…

Studies in five Missouri districts identified eight characteristics deterring change and constituting an "informal covenant" between teachers and principals. Eight corresponding conditions essential to change include relating changes to a school's culture, knowing local procedures and sensitive issues, recognizing moments when changes are…

Part of a special issue on organizational research utilization, this article analyzes two National Institute of Education programs--the Research and Development Utilization Program and the Experimental Schools Program--and finds that a key reason for nonutilization of research is the "policy vacuum" in which research is conducted.…

Change strategies must include informal school networks and norms. Implementation plans must involve teachers and principals prior to training. (Author/JM)

In describing the just community approach to moral education developed at Cluster alternative high school, the author focuses on the setting of collective norms and relationships between these norms and Kohlberg's moral development stages. He finds this approach to moral education to be more comprehensive than the moral discussion approach. (SJL)

This article first examines what experts and research say about parent involvement and then discusses the attitudes, knowledge, and skills critical for professionals to work effectively with parents of the handicapped. The last section offers practical suggestions for launching a parent program. (Part of a theme issue on mainstreaming.)…

Outlines the experiences of one small district in introducing microcomputers. Lessons learned concern a computer checkout procedure and teacher inservice training. (JM)