Discusses the need for school restructuring. Topics include diversity of the student population; funding; the adoption process for new ideas and educational innovations; the need for systemic change; approaches to change; and the role of instructional technologists, including the instructional design process. (LRW)

Describes techniques for teachers to use during rock climbing and ropes courses in order to challenge participants to succeed, including validating participants' feelings; explaining expectations of the activity such as safety, maintaining respect for others, and challenging physical and emotional limits; establishing participant goals; and…

This article proposes that more leadership is needed in the scientific community to combat inertia in research and education and for progress in higher education and scientific research to occur. This means using new techniques, designing funding mechanisms that promote more adventuresome research, and supporting the independence of creative young…

College and universities are struggling to address a decline in public trust. College athletics can be used to enhance public perceptions of higher education by having coaches and players promote education; highlighting multicultural athletes' successful teamwork; and encouraging athlete participation in community service projects. (MSE)

The process by which the new Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and achievement tests were developed is outlined, highlighting the evolution of new formats and emphases. It is proposed that the tests, which incorporate extensive changes, encourage genuine learning and respond to increasing cultural diversity in the population. (MSE)

Reform of undergraduate education will only succeed if undergraduate study is reconceptualized as a process of gaining proficiencies, learning to think critically, and strengthening character traits, not simply taking a series of courses. The college environment must also support this kind of individual development. (MSE)

Reviews the history of Brazilian decentralization policies, including those implemented by the military regime of 1964. Describes the experiences of democratic public school administration initiated in the 1970s-80s. Analyzes the move toward decentralization and democratization of public school administration in federal and state constitutions and…

Educators' response to the quality assessment and assurance provisions in Estonia's proposed higher education reform law is discussed. It is argued that copying the ready-made standards of Western European countries is not realistic or appropriate. Institutionalized attitudes about vocational education are also examined. (Author/MSE)

New Australian postsecondary education and training policies are examined, particularly as they are being implemented in specific institutional settings and as they affect educational equity. Broader implications of the policies for overall postsecondary reform and for mass higher education are also analyzed. (Author/MSE)

This paper contrasts research knowledge and practice knowledge in special education; describes factors that moderate the influence of research on practice, including teacher knowledge and learning, teacher attitudes and beliefs, and context; and considers issues in reconceptualizing the relationship between research and practice in special…

This British paper argues for a proactive approach to educational reform in the management of special education. Educational change is seen as both necessary and as an opportunity for renewal and for implementation of a revised definition of special educational need. (Author/DB)

This article suggests ways to develop individual employees' capabilities to minimize the negative effects of workplace stress in higher education, particularly that caused by organizational change. It is argued that early action to prepare employees for change is more beneficial to individuals and the institution than treating dysfunctional…

Provides an overview of a six-year collaborative literacy project. Discusses several key elements, processes, and beliefs that played a crucial role in the transformation of literacy practices in a small K-8 school district. Discusses time for growth, literate and thoughtful inservice sessions, imaginative expansion of roles, ongoing support and…

"Job role dissonance" may be experienced by educators who embrace an alternative paradigm for working with students having learning problems. Institutional and other obstacles to true restructuring and better service delivery may include legal mandates, the systemic nature of schools, parents' belief systems, and time limitations of staff.…

This article describes service outcomes for people with disabilities, achieved by local Oregon communities during the past five years as they have implemented a community capacity building model called the Community Transition Team Model. Principles of successful programs included active participation of diverse stakeholders, change viewed as a…