Discusses how universities can serve the American city within the context of traditional university values, thus promoting change in a context of extraordinary institutional continuity. The paper examines the value of university-owned and operated public schools, explaining their effectiveness in addressing acute urban problems. (SM)

Discusses a program to provide a genuine English-speaking environment for language teachers in Outer Mongolia in order to consolidate the use of language structures and increase oral fluency. The article demonstrates that removing the students from their normal living environment was an essential feature of the program. Students and teachers rated…

Reports on an INSET course for the staff of an international school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The article argues that all teachers involved in the support of English-as-a-Second-Language learners can best communicate with each other and facilitate their students' learning through the medium of "common codes," which are defined and…

Restructuring will be a major activity of many colleges and universities in the next decade, requiring difficult decisions. A proactive approach is most effective. Considerations include acknowledging the importance of leadership in the process; managing leadership; deciding on restructuring versus incremental change; managing the size and…

Details the specific steps used in the National Coalition's study-team approach in identifying and solving learning problems. The article describes the study-team process used in the Spring Independent School District in Houston (Texas), provides examples of its activities, and evaluates its performance. Lessons learned from the experience are…

The response to a study of institutional mission, faculty development, and curriculum revision in Catholic higher education focuses on the ten recommendations made for strengthening Catholic higher education and its institutions. Areas of urgency and weakness are identified. (MSE)

Canadian educational reform involves "top-half" provincial policy makers and "bottom-half" communities, schools, and local jurisdictions. Policy reforms in curriculum, instruction, and assessment are on the right track while those in teacher education and community development are not. Local implementation concerns are…

By analyzing an unsuccessfully implemented project (a federally funded reading initiative), staff at a Michigan elementary school gained understanding about the countless dilemmas accompanying the change process. Real and lasting changes must be related to positive existing practices and require adequate time, support, and collaboration. (MLH)

Describes how the teaching style of two law professors in Israel was changed after a treatment for improving instruction. Identifies three factors that influenced student opinions about their teaching effectiveness: personal characteristics and aptitudes that negatively affected classroom behavior; lack of sufficient pedagogical knowledge; and…

Notes the prevalence of violence in schools and discusses approaches to reducing violent behavior. Presents the strategy of using children's literature as part of a comprehensive program planned and implemented by the school in collaboration with the local community to create caring and peaceful early childhood classrooms. Includes an annotated…

To minimize the effect of partisan politics on curriculum development and change, we must encourage broad involvement of educators and citizens in discussions about such curricular issues as the balance of subjects, social and intellectual skills to be emphasized, standards to be set, and how to develop the personal characteristics important to…

Examines the effects of scarcity and abundance as they might apply to quality in early childhood programs. Maintains that scarcity limits good teaching and suggests that well-stocked supply areas will reduce hoarding. Argues that having adequate supplies on hand reduces wasted time and stress, and enhances workplace quality of life. (KB)

This commentary on "The Effects of Family-Centered Service Coordination: A Social Validity Study" (Romer), discusses findings that the three service coordinators did not change their behavior to be more family-centered after one workshop and that it took follow-up work to get their behaviors to a minimal level of performance. (CR)

In 1996-97 the New England College of Optometry revised the faculty promotion and tenure process by recognizing the diverse and unique contributions of all faculty. The redefined process is structured to accommodate ongoing changes within the academic community. The institution's governance structure, guiding principles for tenure and promotion,…

Recommends identifying elements in the physical classroom and the daily schedule that may contribute to children's aggressive behaviors. Suggests observing the child and looking at the daily routine as the basis for creating a suitable environment. Lists ways to reduce stimulation and stress, and identifies benefits of extended play time. (DLH)