Recommends institutionalizing curriculum policy initiatives for gifted learners at state and local levels that are compatible with new state standards and assessments and also consider flexibility, differentiation, and articulation in planning and implementation. Support structures such as grouping and teacher education must also be incorporated.…

The effectiveness of transition planning for individuals with mental retardation was investigated by comparing outcomes of 322 adults who graduated from high school in 1985 with 82 who graduated in 1993. The class of 1993 demonstrated better outcomes in several areas of adult adjustment. Recommendations for improvements are discussed. (Contains…

States that when Oklahoma State University discovered a zero-correlation between at-risk student placement and subsequent classroom success, it developed a three-dimensional approach to placement, which incorporated a new, more sensitive placement exam, coupled with relatively high cutoff scores and new scheduling options for at-risk students.…

Examines the relationship between institutional spending patterns and performance funding standards at the 14 public community colleges in Tennessee. Analyses reveal a relationship between expenditure categories and performance standard scores, with higher scoring colleges spending a greater portion of funds on academic support and instruction…

Addresses the difficulties of integrating information technology in higher education that the authors maintain are rooted in psychological, sociological, and cultural factors that influence the structure of higher education, as well as the conception of teaching by the faculty. Discusses interaction between faculty and students and long-range…

Discusses how consensus planning encourages group participation and enhances the overall design and construction process. Describes values analysis and ways to include others in examining values, offers step-by-step instructions on how consensus planning works, and provides two examples of consensus planning in action. (RJM)

Considers the role anthropology can play in addressing multicultural issues in education. Maintains that through the study of various cultures students can build respect and value for diversity, understand that human behavior is influenced by culture, and create an understanding of the similarity of human experiences and concerns. (MJP)

The 1988 Education Reform Act and subsequent legislation sought to impose on English and Welsh educational services a form of site-based planning called "school development planning." This paper identifies key problems with this approach and instead proposes strategies for managing change and school improvement based on North American…

A case study of a planning effort in a low-income community describes how power was equalized between community activists and government planners. It shows that traditionally silenced voices need support to challenge authority, planners need ethical vision, and planning can be a learning process. (SK)

Three key ingredients contributed to the opening of Tigard-Tualatin (Oregon) School District's middle schools: a growing population, a new superintendent, and a committed board of education chair. Central administration can maintain an effective middle school by recognizing that young adolescents are unique, finding programs to address their…

Describes how public schools can develop plans for coping with decreased student enrollment and limited revenue due to military base closures. Describes how two school districts responded to the closure of two military bases (George Air Force Base and Norton Air Force Base) in San Bernadino County, California. Two figures are included. (LMI)

Briefly discusses questions in Canadian education that no one seems to be pursuing: what works, who will lead, why is there so much rant and "can't," how to end the isolation in education, where are the good things happening, and when can we see results? (SAS)

This case study discusses the use of public broadcasting technology for educational reconstruction and development based on experiences in South Africa. Highlights include an historical background of educational broadcasting in South Africa; policy frameworks; implementation strategies, including the government's role; and future strategic…

Discusses assessment management in music education, explaining that assessment management plans include assessment methods that are reliable, valid, and authentic, the development of an assessment schedule and assessment reports, and using results to evaluate the overall music program. Provides selected resources, the components of a plan, and…

Addresses how teachers have too little time to cover all possible music instruction topics in depth. Discusses the use of assessment as a starting place in planning. Asserts that assessment criteria should consider students as accomplished learners and states that music education must focus on what students should know and do. (CMK)