Universities of the Third Age (U3As) are volunteer-run organizations offering lifelong learning opportunities for older adults. A survey of 84 Australian and 14 New Zealand U3As estimated an annual value of their services of over $4 million and examined organizational and student characteristics, assistance from external organizations, and…

Presents a case study of the three-year Graduate Standards Programme developed by the former Higher Education Quality Council in the United Kingdom as an example of leading sector-wide change from within a national agency. Concludes that "good process" is more important than the static notion of "good practice" when seeking to…

A study investigated the effectiveness of a collaborative approach to the case management of child sexual abuse. Data from 323 criminal court files found a sex offense confession rate of 64 percent and plea rate of 70 percent. Fifteen cases went to trial and in six the offender was convicted. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Identifies six developments shaping the future of social work practice and field education, including: (1) economic globalization, (2) the changing political climate, (3) the growing use of technology, (4) demographic shifts and their impact on cities, (5) the changing nature of social service agencies, and (6) changes in universities. (Author/DB)

Full-service community schools may be the most popular examples of public school transformation. The success formula features interventionist, "wrap-around services" for individuals, children, and families. From this model and its lessons arises another model that stresses interdependence, collaboration, and enlightened self-interest.…

In the next decade, voluntary agencies will experience shifts in relationships with four constituencies: government, individuals, business, and funders. Trends influencing volunteer programs will include technology, diversity, collaboration, and new-paradigm thinking and leading. (SK)

Describes the first two years of a San Diego-based collaborative involving managed care organizations (MCO's), school districts, and other health care agencies. By establishing trust, developing overriding principles, and creating an interagency communication infrastructure, this collaborative has encouraged shared management of many student…

Describes how the Seattle Public Library is meeting the needs of the growing number of small businesses. Topics include networking with other small business agencies; assisting branch libraries; use of the World Wide Web; newsletters; trade shows; and local government connections. (LRW)

This paper reports on the evaluation of some elements of a multicomponent program involving more than 20 agencies aimed at improving accessibility of health and social services for the homeless. The case study approach shows how the organizational context, stakeholder characteristics, and methodological features can affect evaluations. (SLD)

In thriving school communities, members form a culture of reciprocal relationships that meet both school and community needs. The Los Alamitos (California) Unified School District opened a parent-paid preschool and an extended-day-care facility at each elementary-school site. Reciprocal relationships can be created via volunteer projects and…

To address disabled students' troubling outcomes, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services identified school-to-work transition as a major priority. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates that transition services be part of secondary students' IEPs. Principals' and parents'…

Discusses the regional accrediting commissions that provide quality assurance for the majority of degree-granting institutions in the United States. Considers the balance between accountability and innovation regarding new forms of educational delivery and describes draft guidelines being developed for evaluating electronic programs. (LRW)

The benefits that accrued to 14 agriculturalists as they performed evaluators' roles on a team examining water quality demonstration projects were studied. Results suggest that collaboration between the agriculturalists and evaluators strengthened study recommendations and were personally and professionally rewarding to the participating…

Describes programs designed to help foster children by expediting and advocating for appropriate school placement, academic tutoring, counseling, coordination of services, and guidance toward independent living. These programs have been found effective in prompt placement, facilitation of academic progress, and successful completion of high…

The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education has launched a project to align content standards with new performance-based standards for teacher preparation programs. Success depends on gaining consensus on content standards, defining "performance-based" in an accreditation setting, and determining curriculum…