Using portfolios in assessing literacy is explored, considering student portfolios and the teacher's class portfolio. Portfolio assessment is a valuable complement to externally mandated tests, but technical issues must be addressed if the portfolio movement is to survive. Portfolios must be linked to the broader task of instructional improvement.…

Some educational solutions to the problems facing young African-American males have been developed through the New Orleans (Louisiana) Public School Study on Black Males (1987-88). From the more than 50 study recommendations, 10 are selected to illustrate the range of strategies. (SLD)

This article argues that the U.S. dissemination system in education is unresponsive to organizational improvement needs, and that development of this bias is exacerbated by political, organizational, and programmatic thrusts in federal agencies. It is suggested that systems in the Netherlands and Denmark could provide useful models for adapting…

Analyzes educational practitioners' responses to the fundamental reforms proposed in President Bush's America 2000 educational reform initiatives. Considers national support for and resistance to three proposal essentials (accountability, choice, and deregulation). Discusses the efforts' possible derailment in favor of headline grabbing…

Presents seven steps for implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) in higher education: understand concept; ensure presidential commitment; develop a core of committed, knowledgeable people; establish TQM principles early; build on past strengths; be prepared to think and act differently; and develop systems thinking. Discusses considerations…

Financial and organizational problems in developing professional development schools are described. Structures and processes that allow these schools to contribute to the simultaneous reconstruction of the public schools in which teachers work and university programs in which teachers prepare are identified. (TJH)

Western countries' energetic reform efforts over the past decade are having insufficient effects on student achievement. School improvement literature suggests that policy makers focus on classroom practice, develop varied curriculum and teaching programs, consider reform context and staff development, build capacity, and improve research and…

Describes a new program entitled Faith in the City created to strengthen and enhance every aspect of Catholic elementary education in Washington's center city, and to find ways to help the schools grow by working together. (YKH)

Discusses issues involved in equitable access to technology in public education based on a Saint Paul, Minnesota, school district's experiences. Highlights include funding, uses of technology for teaching and learning, facilities design, strategic planning, inservice training, and evaluation. (AEF)

Examined interventions and strategies used by Chapter 1 Program Improvement (PI) schools to improve academic program and Chapter 1 services. Site visits to 15 California elementary and middle schools show that schools engaged in change have common elements: strong leadership, quality core curriculum, school autonomy, district support, and parent…

Utilizes one teacher's experience with the storyline technique to present a frank appraisal of the problems and opportunities inherent in this interdisciplinary method. Maintains that a comprehensive rethinking is needed in both the social studies curriculum and teacher education. (MJP)

Describes three key factors in restructuring at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis School of Education (collaboration, partnerships, and community building), asserting that if education, particularly teacher education, does not heed the signals issuing from the workplace and the public, those who prepare professional educators run the risk of…

Advocates change within the Indian-controlled schools from a mainstream, European-American education system, to a culturally relevant curricula that involves instruction of native languages and heritage. Lists schools that can serve as models for educational change, asserting that knowledge of one's native culture will allow for mainstream…

In 6 short years, principal Lirah Sabir salvaged a low-achieving, predominantly black elementary school in downtown Memphis. Her vision is to make students integral members of society. Impressive gains in student health and achievement; community, parental, and staff involvement; and curriculum and instruction are explained. (MLH)

This chapter describes Santa Fe Community College's use of the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory to guide iterative development of institutional improvements associated with student satisfaction.