Describes some obstacles to the acceptance of concepts and practices related to quality in developing countries. Explores possible paradigm faults as reasons for the negative reactions often found, and concludes that culture alone is not the reason quality concepts are not more readily transplanted. Discusses the desirability of short-, middle-,…

Emphasizes the importance of proper planning during rehearsals by breaking it down into five separate paths: (1) learning lines (blocking), music, and choreography; (2) integrating musical numbers and dance sequences into acting scenes; (3) putting completed scenes into sequence; (4) integrating technical elements into completed parts of the show;…

Proposes that strategic planning is a linear, rational model best suited for managing change under conditions featuring an equilibrium between internal and external environments. Suggests conventional managerial/planning techniques are inadequate for the turbulent 1990s, where many variables are in constant flux. Presents a paradigm change model…

Discusses benefits of project monitoring in a Canadian international aid project to assist the Brazilian National Industrial Learning Service with creating two technical colleges. Project monitoring focuses on three dimensions: inputs, outputs, and outcomes. Opportunities for intervention and planning input are greater and more frequent than…

Presents a management model for pricing and enrollment planning that yields optimal pricing decisions relative to student fees and average scholarship, the institution's financial ability to support students, and an average cost-pricing rule. (SLD)

Presents a way to frame individualized education plan (IEP) meetings using the concept of self-organizing systems, which can produce novel outputs from dynamic interaction among system components. Identifies components of an IEP system, their complex nature, and responsiveness to impacts and suggests ways to improve meeting outputs. (SK)

Describes a study examining relationships among three broad sets of variables: strategic planning in school districts; school district achievement in reading, language arts, and mathematics; and school district financial and demographic factors. All 178 Kentucky public school districts were asked to participate; 127 replied. Significant…

Relates the history of First Impressions, an early childhood initiative in Colorado. Insights gleaned from the First Impressions story are offered for advocates of early childhood education. (BG)

Four factors--the perceived needs of the faculty, the perceived needs of the market, the competition among institutions, and the competition within institutions--represent the major forces behind the development of new academic programs. Two case studies in Missouri and New England are described. (MLW)

Defines strategic planning, outlines its key elements and activities, and summarizes the difficulties of applying a top-down, profit-driven process to education. Explains Strategic Planning for Educational Reform and Improvement (SPERI), a set of manageable, concise procedures for top school administrators. Describes SPERI applications in an…

Principals and others involved in strategic or operational planning decisions need a data collection process with a systematic internal and external scanning structure. Internal data originate from students, school climate, finance, and human resource variables. External data include demography, government finance and budgetary allocations,…

Provides a planned sequence of events and activities for launching a new choral program beginning with becoming acquainted with students, the band director, and other faculty members. Outlines techniques for the first and the second semester to ensure a successful program, and suggests music for inexperienced choirs. (LS)

Examines various permutations of the concept of "core curriculum" and then assesses the crucial planning, design, and development tasks in relation to the core curriculum. (TE)

Redrawing school attendance boundaries is one of the most sensitive tasks a school board faces. Factors to consider include the following: (1) life span of the change; (2) effective date; (3) racial balance; (4) resource equity; and (5) program, public, and financial impact. Outlines a process for developing redistricting plans. (MLF)

Describes the efforts of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) to provide a coherent, national vision for Catholic education and catechetics. Focuses on the USCC's efforts to support tax relief for Catholic education, monitor proposed legislation, and collaborate with other national, Catholic, and professional organizations. (DMM)