Summarizes a pilot study examining departmental effectiveness in a small sample of British secondary schools. The subject departments were chosen because a previous study showed they significantly enhanced pupils' learning. Effective departments boasted a climate for change; vision; collegiality; sound organization, resource management, and…

Despite promising research findings and enthusiastic participants, multiyear teacher/student relationships remain uncommon in U.S. schools. The multiyear approach offers great potential for summertime learning. Ambitious pilot programs in Attleboro and Worcester, Massachusetts, and West Bloomfield, Minnesota, are briefly described. (MLH)

A mini-pilot test was conducted by the Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration to develop training on enforcing the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The situation that necessitated the test is presented; mini-pilot test examples are explained; and pros and cons of the mini-pilots are examined. A sidebar contains suggestions…

Reports the results of a year-long home composting pilot program run by the city of Madison, Wisconsin. The study was designed to gather data on the amount and type of materials composted by 300 volunteer households and to determine the feasibility of a full-scale program. (LZ)

Discusses changes in training requirements of commerce and industry in the United Kingdom and describes a project, CASCADE, that was developed to investigate and implement the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques into computer-based training (CBT). An overview of pilot projects in higher education settings is provided. (eight…

For a pilot program to succeed, administrators should take the following steps: state the program objectives; keep lines of communication open with school staff; broaden available resources; be clear about expected time demands; see that staff members know the availability and how to handle funds; and take time to review, assess, reflect, and…

The Family Math Program is an outgrowth of the Equals Program at the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley. Piloted in 1982 in Richmond, California, this widespread program boasts a simple philosophy: Families "doing math" will get the same result as families who read--improved skills and enjoyment. The program also confronts parental…

Milwaukee's school choice pilot program allows 1,000 of the city's poorest students to attend nonsectarian private schools with taxpayer-financed vouchers. Only 600 of Milwaukee's 98,000 public school students applied for vouchers, although 55,000 met income requirements. Only 400 slots were available for voucher students in the 7 participating…

A year ago, a small Maine high school used cutting-edge instructional methodology, aggressive public-relations strategies, and community input to place its art department at the center of school improvement. Implementation of an interdisciplinary art, business-education, and computer-science course has elevated the art department's status and…

A pilot study investigated and developed the potential contribution of self-assessment procedures in the regulation of British day nurseries. Inspection staff in four local authorities used day-care self-assessment materials adapted for inspection purposes. Results suggested that self-assessment incorporated with inspection and development work…

Examines the structures of two teachers' beliefs about what makes mathematics intrinsically motivating and provides representations of their beliefs. Results indicate that the teachers became more attuned to the conceptual complexity and challenge of mathematics activities and placed less emphasis on task ease over their year of involvement in the…

Offers an overview of the initial 8 weeks of a creative-writing pilot project which was an adjunct to the already established vocational therapy for adults with mental illness. Discusses how the program attempted to address the psychosocial needs of outpatients living independently in the community, the majority of whom had not been exposed to a…

Elements of California's Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program, which provides new teachers with one-on-one mentoring and professional support in their first two years of practice, are being applied to UC Santa Cruz's pilot project for beginning principals. Principals need intensive coaching and support when assuming their duties. (MLH)

Conducts a content analysis of web pages to examine 26 United States Masters degree programs in public relations for their degree requirements, core courses, public relations courses, and optional courses. Finds a lack of adherence to the recommendations of the Foundation for Public Relations Research and Education. (NH)

Presents findings from the Professional Assessment and Comprehensive Evaluation System (PACES) Spring 2000 Fields Study in a large southeastern school district. PACES is a comprehensive, learner-centered classroom-based system that provides educators with information useful for teaching and learning. During this pilot study of PACES, interviews…