Strategic planning identifies results, based upon an "ideal" vision, to be achieved at three levels: individual, organizational, and societal. This article recommends a megalevel educational planning model that helps planners contemplate societal outcomes in a practical way. A holistic, proactive planning process involves scoping, data…

For Leon County School District (Florida), the most attractive feature of strategic planning was its focus on outcomes that enrich both schools and community. With a clear vision and mission approved by the school board, specific outcomes, and a realistic action plan, the district can better confront its current needs and future opportunities.…

Effects of goal setting and feedback on creative productivity (as measured by both creativity emphasis and quantity emphasis) of 54 subjects found that feedback improved creativity performance of subjects with creativity goals, creativity feedback was more valued than feedback relating to quantity goals, goal commitment was increased by feedback,…

Beginning teachers are advised to pace themselves; provide disciplinary options; learn to justify their teaching; be tolerant about student gripes; use the Socratic method to elicit thoughtful responses; refrain from killing discussion, solving students' personal problems, and insulting students' intelligence; listen to veteran teachers; begin…

Because intermediate students are hard to get involved and need lots of nurturing, middle schools must offer a wide variety of activities. School orientations, newcomers activities, recognition programs, clubs, contests, service projects, noon-time activities, and low-risk activities (such as informal dances and dressup days) enhance students'…

A Vermont middle school, a grade 7-8 union (regional) school, developed an orientation program to meet the needs of over 300 incoming seventh-grade students coming from 9 elementary schools in 5 different districts, plus a parochial school. The program is planned by a coordinating council and a student-guidance team; emphasis is on clear-cut…

Examines the implications of the term "goal directed," or "intentional behavior," in the context of instructional design strategies. Models developed by Piaget and Vygotsky regarding development and learning are reviewed; intentionality and situated activities are discussed and examples given; and principles regarding…

Describes five types of internships for aviation education: job shadowing, departmental rotation, single department based, academic, and specific task. Gives examples in two settings: airports and fixed-base operators. (SK)

Case studies help expand new nurses' critical-thinking ability, giving them the opportunity to make decisions, apply knowledge, and examine beliefs in a safe setting. (SK)

Students completed either the Strong Interest Inventory (n=114) or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (n=108), both (n=99), or none (n=106). Twelve weeks after interpretation, those who completed both showed more change, specificity, or certainty in their career goal. The Myers-Briggs proved as helpful as Strong in career decision making. (SK)

Describes development and implementation of a four- page strategic plan at Colby-Sawyer College (New Hampshire). Notes initial small group meetings of faculty and staff to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Explains the resulting plan's format which is organized around eight critical areas, three institutional goals, and…

Nurses' ability to think critically in clinical situations cannot be assessed by multiple-choice tests. Context-dependent test items that assess critical thinking are useful for orientation of new staff, competency testing, and clinical staff development. (SK)

In response to the documented incidences of homophobia in practitioners, advocates a more radicalized approach to counselor training titled Queer Theory. This approach forces individuals to rethink binary categories of "heterosexual,""homosexual,""male," and "female," and to accommodate the view of sexual…

Applies the concept of the Ethnocultural Assessment to the areas of sexual orientation. Offers a model for assessing how gay and lesbian clients have integrated their sexual orientation into their lives, a means for counselors to assess their own status with respect to working with this population, and a useful tool for training graduate students.…

Key issues in retaining adult students include precourse information and guidance, student induction, creation of an adult learning community, recognition of prior experience and adult concerns and aspirations, student support services, and attention to nonattendance. (SK)