Provides a definition for restoration ecology that is suitable for extensive terrestrial applications and presents a decision framework to help organize different phases of the decision process. Encourages a wider spectrum of participants and decisions than have been traditionally employed for restoration planning. (AIM)

Options (busing, magnet schools, vouchers, and charters) proffered to make urban public schools more effective have met with political debate and mixed success. Suggests 14 basic policy initiatives that have sufficient use and research support to create genuine opportunities for student success. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/MLF)

American Indian leaders must meld the holistic and cyclical world view of Indian peoples with the linear, rational world view of mainstream society. Tribal leaders need to be statesmen and ethical politicians. Economic and educational development must be based on disciplined long-range planning and a strong, Indian-controlled educational base.…

Proposes that technology planning is a key component in efforts to help schools realize the intended beliefs of learning technologies. Discusses four characteristics of successful planning for technology and the three major varieties of technology plans. Concludes that the problem with technology in schools begins with poor planning. (AEF)

Focuses on distance learning ventures. Discusses surviving for-profit ventures of traditional universities; other distance learning ventures that appear to be working; the state of virtual universities and consortia; lessons learned from online for-profit ventures; challenges; and a strategy for traditional non-profit institutions to develop a…

Explores the reasons for incorporating trend analysis of librarianship into library planning and marketing. Key financial and technological issues are reviewed, and the techniques of environmental scanning and alternative scenario-building to incorporate future trends are discussed. (AEF)

Discusses six fundamental information resources management (IRM) practices in successful organizations that can improve government service delivery performance. Highlights include directing changes, integrating IRM decision making into a strategic management process, performance management, maintaining an investment philosophy, using business…

Argues that rapid change and tight resources demand reality-based planning, rather than planning models that ignore internal and external customers or emphasize process over product. Describes the Strategic Guidance Model (SGM) which provides colleges with strategic visioning, organizational assessment, environmental scanning, quality improvement,…

Reports on the state of strategic planning for education and training in service industries, manufacturing, retailing, and entertainment organizations. A questionnaire surveyed 200 training managers in organizations of over 5,000 employees headquartered primarily in the Pacific Northwest and revealed that strategic planning is becoming a priority.…

Describes the stages of the change process when redesigning an education system: (1) initiating the process, (2) designing the new system, (3) planning the implementation, and (4) implementing the design. The common obstacles encountered during the change process (derived from a survey of 60 schools nationwide) are analyzed, and the status of each…

A nine-step method for defining and pursuing key performance indicators (KPIs), derived from a strategic planning process, is outlined, and its applications at the University of Northern Colorado and Illinois Benedictine College are described and tabulated. A chart summarizes current and projected KPIs for Illinois Benedictine College for each…

The Goals 2000 Act creates a framework for establishing high academic and skill standards. Offers ideas and suggestions for creating a community or school strategy to reach the National Education Goals. Lists key questions that require answers and ways that central office staff members can provide assistance to the local school site. (MLF)

Discusses chief factors that contributed to the rebirth of Chicago's central public library and its branch libraries: (1) a politically connected commissioner, (2) better funding, and (3) a central library. Highlights include a review of the library's administrative management styles, staff training techniques, past and current facilities,…

A New York State school district opted to use total quality management techniques to improve the district's performance and gain public support. After defining four key measures and establishing standards of excellence for each, the district concerned itself with the first measure, proposing an affordable tax rate increase. The proposed budget was…

Effective strategic planning for child care programs should involve a four-step process that focuses on scoping, or studying, desirable program outcomes; collecting data, including identifying a program's vision, mission, and needs; planning, which involves setting goals and measurable performance indicators, as well as determining program…