Needs assessment, a prioritizing procedure providing for equitable resource allocation, should be preceded by a three-phase preliminary investigation including preassessment activities; the formal assessment (data gathering, analysis, and priority-setting); and postassessment activities (assessment evaluation and utilization of results). This…

Discussion of current trends in distance education focuses on the use of compressed video and two-way video and audio configurations. Topics include planning and development strategies, cultivating a feeling of connectivity, guidelines for visual materials, communication between students and the instructor, copyrights, and suggestions for the…

Examines barriers to conventional education and explains how distance education can fill the niche markets created by these barriers. Curriculum barriers and economic barriers are discussed; core attributes of distance education are described; and planning for niche markets is addressed based on the core attributes. (Contains five references.)…

Wisconsin Cooperative Extension's use of strategic planning to develop programing resulted in the following conclusions: (1) strategic planning can create fears; (2) some will change and others will not; (3) county involvement reaps local rewards; (4) not everything gets done; and (5) the process must be institutionalized. (SK)

Educators at Bowling Green State University found that trying to apply a corporate model of strategic planning in a college environment was very difficult. This article recommends choosing metaphors carefully, anticipating undesirable side effects, and creating a need to know. Using noncorporate metaphorical models may prove effective. (six…

Discusses restructuring education and relates some personal experiences. Offers some ideas for getting started. (PRA)

Assuming that educational planning is a communicative process involving the transmission of symbols to effect change, this article offers a transformative approach consolidating three basic transformations (symbols, frames of reference, and behavior). The articulation of vision, the socialization of expectations, and empowerment are conceptualized…

Guidelines for eliciting useful feedback focus on planned opportunities, collection during programs, multiple methods, descriptive information, feasible changes, clarification from learners, investigation of prompt response to learner concerns, staff discussion, receptivity to change, and commitment of resources. (SK)

Despite the importance of strategic planning in education, studies show that principals apparently devote little time to reflective planning. A case study observing a British secondary school principal's thinking periods shows that time was spent on strategic planning without specific clock time being allocated, because planning was done…

Presents a comprehensive, theoretical model for organizing parent involvement in schools. The model addresses parents' needs (for communication, liaison, education, and support) and strengths (as sources of information, collaboration, volunteer energy, and policy-making expertise) to facilitate the development of school policy and parent…

Differentiates between activity planning, which does not produce demonstrable outcomes, and impact planning, which does. Impact planning is characterized by a matching process with the appropriate methodology, organizational fit, clarity, linkage to the college's ongoing organizational systems, and substance over style. Contains 11 references. (CK)

Defines log frames as tables outlining project objectives, activities, benchmarks, and potential problems. Describes how they were used to develop a curriculum for an agriculture degree program. (SK)

When planning a distance education program, providers should determine their purpose in offering distance learning, how distance learning will benefit students, what resources they will need, and whether instructors are prepared to teach on the Web. (JOW)

A systems approach to curriculum evaluation can produce better alignment among written, taught, and tested curriculum. Data and information gathered through comprehensive curriculum evaluation can also be used to improve other core areas of the system: organization, instruction, assessment, and professional development. A systems approach ensures…

Three focus groups of service agency representatives, state administrators, and rural service providers in Georgia identified their needs for geriatrics training, and barriers to accessing training. Results underscored the need for coordinated continuing-education planning. (SK)