South Carolina adopted grade-level content standards in 1997 and required curriculum assessment in 1999. A model for implementation of these requirements is presented that includes rationale, definitions, a planning activity chart, and 10 elements of planning and implementation. A case study illustrates how one rural school district with limited…

Explains a strategy that school librarians can use to transform their programs into vibrant elements of K-12 education. Discusses articulating a vision and an agenda, including information literacy instruction, reading advocacy, and information management; strategic management and planning, including flexibility and using a systems approach; and…

Describes the U.S. Department of Education's Strategic Plan for 2002-2007, outlining its five objectives: (1) improving access and academic outcomes; (2) strengthening accountability; (3) finding effective funding sources; (4) strengthening minority serving institutions; and (5) enhancing the literacy and employment skills of adults. Presents…

Surveys the new directions for research in the humanities that are both under way and projected. Digital applications and collaborative partnerships are key elements. Discusses collaboration and partnership; new strategic directions for the British Library; the British Library's e-strategy; collaborative e-ventures in support of research and…

Describes the "ABCD" model for integrating spreadsheets into elementary science instruction, which consists of four steps: analyzing the software and curriculum; brainstorming connections between parts of the software and the content areas; creating connections among the curriculum, the brainstorming information, and noncomputer classroom…

Discusses issues in institution-wide information networking, focusing on two major forces in research and education institutions: the network as an information and technology platform, and as organizational structure. Looks at how the organization uses information and coordinates activities and allocates resources so information use creates value…

The Library of Congress Strategic Plan (1997-2004) targets for improvement: service to Congress; security for personnel, collections, and buildings; human resources, including hiring and staff development; and technology innovation to make collections more accessible. This article examines the purposes, assumptions, and budgeting of the plan and…

Higher education's response to crisis must focus on developing institutions' competitive advantage. Technology is the basis on which institutional renewal must occur. American higher education is not using technology intelligently because it is driven by teaching, not learning. Today's technology fundamentally changes the relationship between…

Explores, from the campus president's point of view, potential pitfalls and policy issues raised by engaging the student affairs staff in educational fundraising. Presents suggestions for chief student affairs officers in addressing concerns of the president and assessing the cost-effectiveness of involvement of the student affairs division in…

The Hattiesburg (Mississippi) Area Education Foundation (HAEF), a local fund serving the community's educational interests since 1988, recently evaluated its own organizational effectiveness and identified barriers to its work (multidistrict environment, business ambivalence toward education, and white flight). HAEF encouraged five districts to…

Many school buildings are in dire need of renovation, expansion, or replacement. Brief case studies from around the country illustrate the importance of finding out why people vote for or against a construction referendum. Lists recommendations for a strategic campaign. (MLF)

Explores how to analyze various political processes which affect resource allocation to libraries. The marketing of library "products" is discussed, and practical strategies for assisting the individual librarian in political processes are offered. (AEF)

Provides guidelines for producing CD-ROMs. Issues include target platform; disc architecture and formats; data integrity and performance; CD-ROM recording systems; publishing service bureaus; insurance concerns; a step-by-step production strategy; cost comparisons; and spreadsheets for decision support. (AEF)

The history of performance indicators for evaluation of institutions of higher education in the United States and Europe is chronicled to provide a context for understanding the definitions and methods used to develop them. Performance indicators are defined and described in relation to other measures used for assessment of institutions, drawing…

A faculty workload study and several related campus initiatives at Kent State University (Ohio) are described, including institutional participation in a roundtable on the future of the university and the initiation of a major institutional strategic planning process. A particular focus of the efforts is on an expanded view of scholarship in…