Reports on a class on deviance that focuses on sociological and transformative processes imbedded in deviant groups. Specifically examines "deviance production groups," groups that turn normal people into deviants (Branch Davidians, Ku Klux Klan). The class is largely structured around group discussions and presentations. (MJP)

Using existing and new facilities more efficiently could accommodate increased student enrollment while producing significant savings in capital and operating costs. Ontario's Ministry of Education has identified 10 ways to increase facilities utilization, including innovative scheduling, year- round schooling, varied attendance plans, offsite…

With state budgets in trouble across the United States, many school districts have already been hit with midyear cuts. Morale is the first and biggest issue administrators and school boards have to tackle. Successful leaders must be able to forecast what lies ahead and plan for the future. Good communication with staff and the public is crucial to…

When schools consult with students about their educational experiences, students exhibit increased self-confidence, independence in learning, and commitment to school. Teachers become aware of students' creativity, insightfulness, and responsibility. At the school level, student consultation can change assumptions about student capabilities and…

Based on a series of focus group meetings, 15 students with mobility limitations (ages 9-15) and 12 parents identified four categories of barriers at their schools: the physical environment, intentional attitudinal barriers, unintentional attitudinal barriers, and physical limitations. Recommendations for promoting accessibility and full…

A number of issues involving the concept of quality of life as applied to persons with intellectual disabilities are summarized and a number of agreed-upon principles regarding its conceptualization, measurement, and application are presented. Public policy and disability reform are addressed as they relate to the quality of life concept.…

Recognizes the need to address the inherent systemic problems in providing mental health services to students, and describes the efforts and problems faced by the Center for the Advancement of Mental Health Practices in the Schools. Asserts that a systemic change requires inclusion of mental health principles in teacher education programs and…

Discusses how schools can avoid mistakes in building their school-improvement plans. The two most common mistakes are (1) using measures of student learning that are not sensitive to the actual learning occurring, and (2) having no system for interpreting and using the data. (Contains 1 figure and 11 references.) (WFA)

Project Kaleidoscope, based on a 2-year study of science and mathematics programs at 200 colleges, seeks to improve recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers in those disciplines, reshape introductory courses, provide faculty fellowship and research opportunities, revamp teacher education, and forge relationships among public agencies,…

It is argued that use of a management system can improve faculty productivity through reduction of rivalry and increased teamwork and collaboration. Monitoring of productivity with computers encourages self-competition. The five-stage process is described. (MSE)

Describes a planning process necessary for the successful implementation of a school of choice option. Topics discussed include resistance to change; development of an Organizational Status Report (OSR); developing a mission statement, goals, and objectives; a Community Communications Document (CCD); monitoring ongoing progress; and evaluation…

College students bring a variety of perceptions to the classroom about what it takes to succeed in a discipline. Attributional retraining, a therapeutic technique for modifying maladaptive perceptions into more adaptive ones, can enhance student motivation and academic achievement. The technique is most effective with students who are at high risk…

An Institute of Medicine study concerning dental education's future is summarized. Eight principles guiding the study are outlined, and findings/recommendations in each area (oral health status, dental education's mission, focus on health outcomes, research role, patient care, dental school's role in the university, accreditation, dental…

For libraries to succeed, a clear understanding of what services are in demand is necessary. The SWOT analysis technique for evaluating an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is examined, and barriers to effective diagnosis are discussed. (AEF)

An ethnographic study of how one elementary school changed from an ethnocentric to a pluralistic philosophy is reported. The study focused on the principal, bilingual staff, and parents of bilingual Spanish-speaking students during the 1990-91 school year. (Contains 13 references.) (LB)