Describes the application of a comprehensive planning process to the library media program in the Lincoln (Nebraska) Public Schools. Highlights include identification of program needs; curriculum integration; a study of school library media center collections; use of technology; and essential elements for program change. (eight references) (LRW)

Indiana school district saw need to improve elementary students' achievement test scores and made commitment to change culture to ensure that all students learn well. Staff, parents, community, and students were introduced to school improvement effort based on effective schools research. Efforts show significant academic improvements in Indiana…

This overview describes the prevalence and etiology of the population of children who are deaf blind; considers service delivery and resource systems currently in place; and discusses current and future issues including provision of transition services, lack of qualified teachers, and lack of related and support services. New initiatives are…

Evaluates a model for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk reduction through training popular opinion leaders. Interventions in three gay communities produced dramatic reductions in the gay male population's high-risk behavior. Results support the utility of norm-changing approaches to reduce risk…

Studies sexual behavior and condom use in 103 men attending an urban outpatient drug abuse treatment center in Seattle (Washington) before and after initiation of a condom giveaway program. Results indicate that male clients will take and use condoms when they are readily available. (SLD)

Increasingly, states seeking to improve teacher education are establishing teacher qualification standards. Several have authorized independent boards to determine licensing criteria; many are asking a national agency to accredit their programs. Other groups are producing guidelines, standards, and tests for evaluating new and veteran teachers.…

Describes the conversion of graphic design studios at Virginia Commonwealth University from traditional to electronic environments. Interviews with undergraduates, graduate students, lab assistants, faculty, and administrators regarding the changing environment are summarized; and resulting conclusions and recommendations are presented. Examples…

Describes planning backwards, the Coalition of Essential Schools' educational policymaking strategy for high schools. The article discusses five possible dilemmas in planning backwards: outcomes or exhibitions, local or remote authority, rigid or flexible standards, apartness or authenticity in assessment, and curriculum scaffolds built of courses…

This article describes the University of Utah's approach to preparing teachers of students with disabilities for change in the schools. The discussion addresses coursework and field experiences which stress the process of change, through the examination of professional roles, socio-technical systems analysis, cultural perspectives, and ongoing…

Analyzes why the current complex of social institutions and systems does not effectively serve poor children, highlighting the lack of early or preventative help for families and inappropriate organizational structure. Offers a series of five principles for a new foundation based on prevention, comprehensiveness, continuity, and accountability.…

Portland State University (Oregon) has substantially changed its administrative organization through multiple, interrelated strategies: consolidation of units; streamlining of middle management; staff training and professional development; a quality initiative; campus technological conversion; and joint ventures with a sister institution. A clear…

A discussion of the implications of health care reform for academic health centers (a complex of institutions which educate health professionals) looks at problems in the current system, the role of academic health centers in the current system, financial pressures, revenue sources other than patient care, impact on health research, and human…

A discussion of recent changes in Israeli higher education looks at the system's structure, emergence of private law schools, the upgrading of some vocationally oriented postsecondary institutions to academic status, academic tracks of study within regional colleges, and possible future developments. Some comparisons are made with trends in other…

Significant increases in college faculty productivity will require fundamental restructuring of faculty members' work, which will meet with resistance. It will mean maximizing essential faculty-student interaction, integrating new technology fully into student learning processes, and enhancing learning through peer interaction. (MSE)

The role of increased teacher unionization during the current period of reform in Australian education is examined critically. It is argued that conventional industrial-style unionization is not supportive of educational values and that a more inclusive model of educational accountability is needed. (Author/MSE)