Tom Skrtic, associate professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas, is interviewed. His books include critical analyses of special education from numerous theoretical perspectives in the social sciences and humanities, as well as applications of organizational perspectives to past and current reform efforts in special and general…

A case study of an organization development intervention in a large New York State school district describes to staff developers the complex process of discovering and responding to organizational needs. The discussion focuses on understanding the problem; frameworks for diagnosis and intervention; and implementing the intervention strategy.…

Organizational culture is difficult to change, but the norms that exist are the easiest elements to identify and change. Even if changing the norms is not desirable, it is essential to understand and articulate them. A change in cultural norms is communicated through new expectations, different language, and new behaviors. (MSE)

Examines the impact of federal funding cutbacks on operations of 12 nonprofit social service agencies in 6 rural Ohio counties. Finds that mega-agencies have broadened their clientele, service offerings, and funding sources, while smaller agencies are squeezed. Discusses effects on service delivery effectiveness, local priorities, and public…

The status of the integration of students with mental retardation into regular schools in four European countries (Italy, West Germany, Switzerland, and England) is described, and possible variables influencing the change of systems are identified. (MSE)

In July 1993, DePaul University integrated its information technology and service functions under a new division of University Planning and Information Technology, consolidating formerly fragmented services to achieve a unified direction for information technology closely aligned with university goals. This case study discusses the framework,…

In most schools, restructuring involves a fundamental, comprehensive reformulation of school operations accompanied by intense scrutiny of everyday activities. This article traces a high school social studies teacher's growing bitterness and feelings of powerlessness as mandated restructuring efforts progressed at his school. A transition plan is…

Higher education faces many of the economic challenges of the corporate world. As financial pressures increase and the workforce changes, the campus human resource manager must understand these forces and actively promote change. Strategies include emphasis on training, cost reduction in operations, improved compensation, improved productivity,…

A study examined the current financial crisis and politics of retrenchment in two universities during the 1992-93 academic year: the University of Maine-Orono and the University of New Orleans. Emphasis is on the role played by faculty in process and the effectiveness of alternative methods of faculty involvement. (MSE)

Recently the University of Wisconsin-Madison merged three existing but disparate technology-related units into a single division reporting to a chief information officer. The new division faced many challenges, beginning with the need to restructure the old units into a cohesive new organization. The restructuring process, based on structural…

A study of the state of the college presidency revealed that five broad management issues have emerged: conflict resolution, coping with change, achieving continuity, need for increased collaboration, and justice and ethics in the education enterprise. Implications for managerial practice in the future are analyzed. (MSE)

The campus media center, the only campuswide service dedicated to support of the institution's instructional mission, plays an essential role in supporting college teaching but is often handicapped by lack of recognition, inappropriate administrative structure, and absence of strong leadership. (MSE)

Argues that questions about hardware, software, and teacher training are no longer the most important topics in educational technology. Today the major issues are related to instructional strategies, instructionally appropriate software, training and support as a process, and facilitative organizational structures. (Contains 16 references.) (KRN)

Describes the Total Quality Management (TQM) effort undertaken three years ago by Jackson Community College (JCC), in Michigan. Discusses the history of JCC, its early TQM efforts, the basic tenets of TQM, steps taken by JCC to integrate TQM practices into its evaluation methods, and benefits of TQM. (MAB)

Social and technological changes foretell higher education as a fast-growing, highly competitive business expected to provide nontraditional educational services. Colleges and universities are having difficulty identifying and taking advantage of these new services. Higher education can and must create a value-added university or face destruction.…