This article presents a framework for conducting effective evaluations of programs for gifted students, reflecting current best practice. The evaluation framework proceeds through four stages: preparing for the evaluation, designing data collection and analysis, conducting the evaluation, and reporting findings and follow-up. A planning matrix is…

During the past 50 years, educational planning has evolved into a recognized, somewhat esoteric field of study. The four major planning models are rationalism (comprehensive and bounded), incrementalism (or muddling through), mixed or environmental scanning, and goal-free (developmental) planning. Sound educational planning is people-oriented and…

The alternative futures approach helps administrators identify signals of changes and emerging discontinuities in sectors of the external environment that require their attention or response. ED QUEST is a strategic planning model integrating futures research techniques and divergent thinking methods into a participatory group process that…

Provides an overview of this special issue, which focuses on computer-based integrated learning systems (ILSs). Highlights include a definition of ILSs; historical background; research evidence on the effectiveness of ILSs; planning requirements; vendors' perspectives; educators' viewpoints; and the future possibilities of ILSs. (LRW)

Explores the role of prespecification and planning in education, noting arguments against the use of behavioral objectives. Much of what is unnatural in schooling is the overemphasis on prespecification of learner outcomes. Because adults reconstruct knowledge for children, children must be encouraged to make and negotiate meaning through…

Disagrees with Psacharapoulos that theory and qualitative research have little value in studying educational problems. Emphasizes the importance of local context to educational planning, and the need for more thorough discussion of the concepts used in comparative education, consistent use of terminology, and honest elaboration of researchers'…

For comparative education to provide a valid contribution to educational policymaking, attention must be given to the context of decision and the possible enlargement of the decision-making population. Recommendations and writings must be geared to their audience and should draw on other related disciplines. (SV)

Bjorkquist and Lewis's model for training research includes workers' concerns (autonomy, compensation, health, and worker-environment fit) as well as influences on training outcomes (performance deficiencies, learning conditions, and worker commitment). Rosen's reaction considers whether meaningful worker participation in planning can take place…

Examines the limits of what constitutes "school improvement." Critically assesses whether large-scale reorganization initiatives in two (British) local education agencies embody elements of a school-improvement initiative. Policy makers could maximize such initiatives' potential by incorporating a school-improvement focus into their…

Examines the planning process behind successfully providing full access to distance-learning programs for all students. Distance learning under the regulatory mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act is addressed along with facility design considerations and the impact of regulatory requirements on design options. (GR)

This investigation provides a measure of the rate and type of change that is occurring with instruction-related Web sites. Discusses the impact of these changes when developing or using online or print-based materials in terms of planning and cost related to course revision and course maintenance. (Author/LRW)

Describes Turkey's Basic Education Programme that mobilizes resources for a major investment in school facilities through earmarked taxes and public contributions. The program's plan to expand universal 8-year education, improve the quality of instruction and materials, strengthen management capacity to provide basic education, and monitor and…

Discusses three areas essential in reporting on school improvement plans: process, which refers to the legitimacy of procedures used to assess the improvement plan; equity, pertaining to methods that show both low- and high-achieving students benefiting from the plan; and reporting, which refers to clarity of presentation. (JDI)

Physicians' self-appraisal by reflection on practice generates learning that is more likely to result in commitment to change, compared to formal self-assessment programs. Self-assessment will be used increasingly as emerging technologies facilitate it. (SK)

Offers a case study of Rhyddings School, a comprehensive 11-16 school in Lancashire, England, as it rethinks its approach to school planning. Provides a critique of existing practice before outlining and developing a new planning framework. Evaluates a new "strategic intent" and "futures thinking" planning model and provides a…