States are in the leadership position to effect pervasive and comprehensive changes needed in the educational system. There exist five key dimensions for analyzing initiatives resulting in systemic changes: (1) infusiveness, building upon existing knowledge; (2) pervasiveness, effecting improvements in all key components of the system, including…

This manual is intended to assist individuals with disabilities or their families to protect their rights and solve their problems through developing appropriate advocacy skills. Chapter 1 defines advocacy, discusses different types of advocacy, and examines attitudes towards advocacy that may help or hinder its practice. Chapter 2 describes basic…

Due to challenging social conditions such as poverty, homelessness, illiteracy, unemployment, and drug abuse, teachers are faced with taking on new roles in order to meet students' needs. The roles of political activist, advocate, resource developer and manager, counselor, and vocational specialist are discussed in terms of their relationship to…

This article reports survey findings from a comprehensive, critical assessment of quality management initiatives at 22 pioneering colleges and universities. The 83 respondents identified key benefits of Total Quality Management (TQM) and major frustrations and problems. Key benefits included: increased involvement of people; increased listening by…

This introduction to the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) on college campuses first reviews the development and application of TQM principles in Japanese industries and recent implementation in industries and the Federal Government in the United States. Twelve principles of TQM are then identified: (1) a focus on quality; (2)…

This guide, intended to help rural educators improve their school or district, connects general knowledge about educational change efforts and knowledge about conditions and characteristics specific to rural education. Chapter 1 discusses common strengths and weaknesses of rural schools and describes values and social patterns in small schools and…

This paper presents a proposal for integrating liberal arts study within teacher education programs for the purpose of improving education through change in the education curriculum, the role of educators, the education of educators, the cooperation of educational agencies, and the place of education and knowledge in society. An extensive…

This review of effective practices in state-wide systems change was conducted as part of the PEERS (Providing Education for Everyone in Regular Schools) Project, a 5-year collaborative systems change project in California to facilitate the integration of students with severe disabilities previously at special centers into services at regular…

Introducing enduring innovations into a higher education organization requires commitment and support from colleagues. Organizational change involves three steps: (1) mobilization; (2) implementation; and (3) institutionalization. Without institutionalization, the innovation is likely to be terminated despite how well it may be communicated and…

This brief paper summarizes a roundtable discussion on the relative lack of use by special education researchers of a variety of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Discussion addressed: (1) the types of knowledge that could be generated by using a wider range of research methods (e.g., structural equation modeling and associated methods…

Strategic planning can assist a rural school district to determine its future, rather than allowing others to determine it. Strategic planning is a discipline and a process that produces a results-based, action-oriented plan for the next 3-5 years. Organizations either ascend or decline, and strategic planning can help an organization create a new…

The Alliance Library System (ALS) is one of 12 regional library systems in Illinois, providing a full spectrum of support services for 300 member libraries of all types (public, school, academic, and special) located in west central Illinois. This paper describes the process by which ALS implemented a voice/video/data network connecting their four…

This feature issue of "Impact" focuses on person-centered planning with youth and adults who have developmental disabilities. Featured articles include: (1) "Centering on People: A Quiet Revolution" (Judith A. Snow); (2) "Look-and Understand-before You Leap" (Brian Abery and Marijo McBride), which describes the basic principles and values…

This collection of papers discusses homophobia in the field of education and challenges established practices and theories. Chapters are: (1) "Constructing Knowledge: Educational Research and Gay and Lesbian Studies" (W. G. Tierney, P. Dilley); (2) "A Generational and Theoretical Analysis of Culture and Male (Homo)sexuality" (J. T. Sears); (3)…

The Latin School, a private K-12 school in Chicago, is integrating technology into the school environment and teaching its ethical use. Recognizing that children and families need assistance in adjusting to current rapid technological change, the school developed the Parent Education Initiative, which attempts to get parents involved in the…