It is proposed that an external audit of a college advancement program is analogous to a periodic physical examination that offers objectivity and expertise. Audits are appropriate at the time of administrative transitions, performance difficulties, and even periods of sustained success. Guidelines and expectations are discussed. (MSE)

This article reviews the history of traditional service delivery systems for students with visual handicaps, demonstrates the need for change, and defines and describes the structure of the consultative/collaborative teacher model. The model stresses shared communication and joint problem solving between teachers and vision specialists. (DB)

Educators fascinated by restructuring should ask what promise this new idea holds for instructional improvement. Ultimately, restructured schools should make supervision a humanizing experience offering practitioners greater control over student learning. A renewed vision of school and university collaboration could transform both preservice and…

Studies behaviors that characterize effective curriculum consultants. Focuses on strategies reported by six experienced and six inexperienced consultants. Data organized into consultation model: initiation, planning, delivery, followup. Overt strategies, not the crude quantitative data (such as time spent), make significant differences. Work…

Based on the author's experiences working with several elementary schools, this article explores numerous issues confronting change agents who venture directly into grass-roots school reform projects. Focus is on the change-agent role and issues concerning ideology, power, and commitment. Outside consultants should be participants rather than…

Increasingly, colleges and universities are using consultants to help search committees find the right president for the institution. Search consultants bring experience, historical and national perspectives, objectivity, personal knowledge of candidates, and a professional approach. Energy, enthusiasm, and style are important consultant…

As educators introduce new technology into a district, school, or classroom, it is important to take advantage of children's natural ability, enthusiasm, and willingness to master new skills. Certain activities such as journal writing, picture-digitizing projects, and designated student experts help place the power of technology squarely in…

Prevention/intervention approaches such as violence-prevention curricula and conflict resolution are insufficient security measures. Three reasons for conducting school-security assessments are to prevent violence or prepare to manage it effectively, reduce risks and liability, and improve public relations by communicating commitment to school…

Explores some of the challenges now resident in cross-cultural consultation. Emphasizes the fact that cross-cultural consultants must be aware of their personal values and biases, be culturally empathic, be aware of their consulting model, and be able to make culturally sensitive adaptations to their approach to consultation. (RJM)

Effectiveness cannot be found in the mediocrity arising from programs that require lessons, teaching strategies, and precisely executed materials to ensure integrity. Expensive, scripted programs like Success for All are designed not to improve teaching, but to render the art of teaching unnecessary. (MLH)

New superintendents of three urban school districts turned to a group of "critical friends" from other school districts and education agencies to conduct formal evaluations of their school systems. Leaders in private industry have long relied on outside perspectives. The process can dispel professional isolation. (MLH)

General physical educators can take advantage of the skills and knowledge of adapted physical education consultants in order to provide instruction for students with disabilities in mainstream classes. This article describes student assessment, development of the Individual Education Plan, program recommendations, transition planning, and…

Discussion of adoption models for learning technologies focuses on how the use of models tends to channel and constrain thinking. Topics include the importance of practice over theory; needs assessment; committees or consultants; developing a framework; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; implementation; and evaluation and revision.…

The Family-Centered Preschool Model is a family support model for center-based preschool programs. The model utilizes family consultants-parents of children with disabilities-to augment the support provided by classroom professionals. Family consultants coordinate and facilitate formal and informal family supports, maintain a close liaison with…

High schools have traditionally worked on improvement in isolation, but a growing number have broken the barriers of isolation by working with a school improvement coach. An outside school coach, properly prepared and sensitive to individual and whole-school concerns, can provide a balance of pressure and support to initiate and sustain meaningful…