Offers suggestions and strategies to help improve elementary and middle school science programs. Focuses on three variables important in planning to improve a science program: begin slowly, proceed steadily, and minimize the risk to the people (teachers, administrators, parents) who will be affected by the changes. (Author/JN)

Two cases illustrate an approach that considers characteristics and needs of each situation separately. One case involved the establishment of a new baccalaureate program; the second involved the remodeling of a master's program, undertaken from outside the program, by committee. (MSE)

One reason why teacher education programs are slow to change involves misconceptions about what change entails. Four myths about change are discussed, and strategies for overcoming problems, based on one school of education's experiences with introducing changes to better prepare teachers for mainstreaming, are presented. (PP)

Analysis of universities as organizations, characteristics of academic staff, and universities' change processes suggests why attempts to improve teaching have not been very successful: teaching is very complex; attempts at amelioration are relatively new; the theoretical base is weak; and focus on developing individuals may be inappropriate.…

Education currently is facing unprecedented problems, issues, and dilemmas which will probably increase in the future. Two types of change efforts, first and second order, which may be the most productive in addressing these concerns, are outlined and discussed in the context of short and long term developments within a school of education.…

In this discussion of diffusion in education, innovation theory and various models of the dissemination process are analyzed to point out ways that teacher educators can help improve educational practices. The importance of a strategy for innovation is stressed, and "linkage" is identified as a central contribution of teacher education…

Changes over the past decade have made teaching a more stressful profession. Stress can arise from public attitudes toward the schools, from a school's organizational structure, or from classroom problems. Strategies for coping with different types of stress are given. (PP)

This article synthesizes research on teacher effectiveness, school effectiveness, and organizational change and interprets what the findings imply for staff development in the schools. Nine research-based themes for staff development efforts are outlined. (PP)

The changing environment of higher education (economic conditions, students, the world of work) and its impact on higher education systems, educational programs, student services, faculty, and governance of colleges and universities are discussed. Institutions can reduce negative consequences by anticipating changes and developing strategies for…

The theories of progressive educators are compared to those of liberal-rationalist reformers such as R. S. Peters, P. H. Hirst, and R. F. Dearden. Particular attention is given to differences in their views on personal autonomy of students, the value of child-centered versus subject-centered curriculum, and the importance of authority in the…

Research literature dealing with the adoption and diffusion of educational innovations is summarized, and factors important in the adoption-implementation process are identified. A framework for assessing factors that may affect implementation and long-term use of health education curriculum innovations is given. (PP)

Marketing and health promotion share a number of goals and techniques. The PRECEDE framework, developed as a model for health educators, illustrates how marketing can be applied to health programs. Its application to meet the needs of a rural family planning clinic is described. (PP)

Colleges and universities in both Europe and North America are experiencing financial shortages and changing needs. Under these conditions, direction for the future must come from faculty and administrators, not outside managers. (Author/MLW)

Outlines an effort to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency of a small college housing department. Attempts to integrate management and education through a reorganization of custodial and maintenance procedures which allow staff members more time for student development programs. (JAC)

Observing that in affluent societies, education loses its primary significance as an economic investment and increasingly assumes the nature of a private consumer good, the author discusses problems this poses for educational policy development which, in the Federal Republic of Germany, is characterized by conflict between egalitarian and…