This technical report describes an in-depth study of the implementation of computers in a comprehensive school which had recently purchased 17 microcomputers. The study investigated the different factors that influenced the introduction of computers into the school at the teacher's level, the departmental level, and the school level. Analyses of…

The process of change in elementary and secondary schools has been the topic of several major studies conducted during the past 15 years. To date, however, information about the change process in different school settings has not been considered comparatively. This document examines and compares the process of change and the role of the change…

The use of blue ribbon commissions for higher education planning is discussed, and 25 reports produced by blue ribbon commissions in 23 states between January 1981 and March 1986 are reviewed. Blue ribbon commissions are established for a fixed duration to study a specific problem and are composed of eminent individuals from a variety of…

This paper examines some general principles affecting the timing, extent, and direction of fiscal changes in public school finance systems. To develop a framework that is applicable to a wide variety of states, the analysis concentrates on two dimensions: allocation and distribution. The median voter model and the fiscal neutrality model of state…

A consortium of high schools and colleges in northeast Ohio (Coalition for the High School of the Future), which was formed to revitalize the learning experiences offered at each high school, produced a low budget videotape to generate interest in its proposals for educational reform. The primary objective of the tape was to expand awareness of…

This examination of the future role of food and agriculture in world peace and prosperity presents a regional cross-country view of the Caribbean countries with emphasis on the Caricom English speaking countries within a global food system environment. Following an introductory section, the second of six sections focuses on two broad agricultural…

Responses of colleges and universities to declining revenues and enrollments were investigated, based on a 1983 survey of 334 four-year institutions. Scalogram analysis was employed to determine whether there was a hierarchy of institutional responses to enrollment/revenue decline and whether declining and nondeclining institutions can be…

Research indicates that leaders tend to be remarkably well-balanced people who embody four areas of competency: vision, the ability to communicate that vision, positive self-regard, and the ability to build trust with associates. The process of creating a vision of the future requires an understanding of the opportunities and threats present in…

Economic development efforts in small towns should focus on the birth, expansion, and retention of small enterprises. A consistent and rational policy towards new growth and an enthusiastic development team composed of individuals with knowledge of or access to others with knowledge of industrial sites, financing, utilities, labor, transportation,…

Proceedings of a conference on Virginia's undergraduate curriculum are presented. Attention is focused on the future of the traditional arts and sciences disciplines. Contents include: (1) a keynote address on benefits of studying the humanities, along with answers to audience questions (William H. Bennett, head of the National Endowment for the…

Without changing teaching methods or asking for additional funds, a small western Oregon elementary school district made dramatic gains in test scores in less than one school year. The superintendent spearheaded a cooperative effort by the district's administrators and teachers to revise the curriculum, beginning by compiling and displaying, in…

Drawing upon literature on the reform of teacher education, this paper identifies major areas in which there is continuing research or a need for more research. These areas are: (1) the purpose of teacher education; (2) teacher effectiveness; (3) the professional components of teacher education programs; (4) recommendations emerging from…

A study examined the influences that family, community, and work exert on the youth-to-adulthood transition as well as the dynamics of their interaction. Similarities and differences among the youth-to-adulthood transition as it occurs in the United States, Japan, and West Germany were identified. It was concluded that the links among family,…

In this paper a new conception of leadership for change is proposed--that of change facilitating leadership teams that are characterized by roles, functions, and team dynamics. As an introduction, the conventional descriptions of leadership in the literature are briefly cited. This is followed by a summary of recent studies and observations…

The opening section of this paper describes the author's first experience with collegial attempts at curriculum reform through practical inquiry, illustrating a process in which ideas are tested and developed in action. It is pointed out that this form of teacher-based practical inquiry is a characteristic feature of a certain kind of curriculum…