Researchers gave low ratings to 73% of fourth-graders' informative writing samples on NAEP's 1992 Writing Portfolio Study. Teachers blame changing demographics, science and math emphases, the self-esteem movement, standardized tests, and fast-paced lifestyles. Administrators must encourage student writing, support teachers, schedule more language…

Discusses planning strategies for the use of educational technologies and distance learning programs. Topics include the National Information Infrastructure; planning for educational change, including planning models and examples, long-term versus strategic planning, systems planning, incrementalism, and outcome-based education; and developing a…

Provides discussions of understanding violence in children's lives (Levin); helping children exposed to violence (Jackson); the role of day care centers in helping children cope with violence (Groves and Mazur); the influence of Power Rangers (Levin); creating a culture of nonviolence (Carter); listening to children to understand violence (Hopkins…

Paper responds to the article in this issue that describes the development and implementation of QUEST, offering support for the original description but disagreeing with certain interpretation, particularly characterizations of the Coalition of Essential Schools and the author's role in school restructuring. (SM)

Responds to the article in this issue that describes the development and implementation of QUEST. Though the paper agrees with many of the points from the original article, it suggests a divergent strategy for developing solutions to problems faced during educational change. (SM)

Responds to the article in this issue that describes the development and implementation of QUEST. The paper suggests that the original article admirably describes one school's naive, failed attempt at change, but it also makes many unsupported conclusions and allegations. (SM)

The processes and outcomes of the first stage in developing a new vocational education and training curriculum in Poland are discussed. Origins of the change initiative, the system context, and the role of the committee charged with setting standards and evaluating the curriculum are outlined. Implications for modern language training,…

Suggests that the school reform movement related to the World-Class Schools initiative is not beneficial for selected students. Coupling this initiative with the Goals 2000 standards will only increase the chasm between the have and the have-not students. School-linked student support services will be needed for the have-nots. (SLD)

Offers reflections from eight people (administrators, teachers, and parents) who all took part in the collaborative transformation of literacy practices in a small K-8 school district. Discusses growth processes, connections across role boundaries, and staff development. Appends a list of recommended readings. (SR)

This article proposes that higher education's ways of classifying institutions may serve as a hindrance to educational change and innovation, by defining institutions and their purposes too strictly. Accreditation agencies are seen as adversaries of change and experimentation in higher education. Greater flexibility and diversity are recommended.…

It is argued that while the restructuring of higher education may be necessary for the liberal arts college to thrive, it is imperative that in this process, the traditional values of the liberal arts experience be maintained and the teaching faculty continue to be recognized as the crucial cohort in the institution. (MSE)

Discusses "revisioning" the school library media program. Highlights include the power of school media specialists; comparisons to community businesses, including marketing, displays, themes, and materials and staff; library services and staff attitudes; and creating a new image. (AEF)

Contains reprints of four articles showing that librarians foresaw the impact of technology on libraries: (1) "Copyright and the Future of Authorship" (Barbara Ringer); (2) "Inventions and Books--What of the Future?" (Ethel M. Fair); (3) "The Changes Ahead" (Lowell A. Martin); (4) "Trial by Computer" (Basil…

Sharing personal life stories can be a powerful tool to confront stereotypes and educate about social justice issues. Effective use includes having a clear educational goal, choosing a story that conveys an experience that is understandable and relates to the educational goal, and providing a safe environment for voluntary sharing of personal…

Colleges and universities that have begun transformational changes are seeing strong, positive results, including better service to students, faster completion of transactions, more accurate and timely information, and reduction in administrative personnel. Three elements are common to the approaches taken to institutional transformation:…