The concept, organization, and operation of an interactive network for curriculum change is described, and data concerning the impact of this collaborative activity on instructional practice in public schools and colleges is presented. Specifically, the paper focuses on (1) the characteristics of a prototype model for harnessing the innovative…

Most studies either concentrate on situational variants or relate specifically to differences in interpersonal relationships involved. Therefore, difficulties arise in setting up control groups, the timing of post-measurements, and the use of varied intervention techniques. Dilemmas are caused by focusing on projected, rather than on desired,…

Change in social systems is often stimulated by individuals or groups of individuals who effectively link practice institutions, such as school systems, with knowledge producing organizations, i.e., universities. As basic research is developed and applied to practical problems, these individuals act to communicate this knowledge to those who may…

The Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) is a nonprofit research and development corporation whose purpose is to improve human performance, particularly in organizational settings, through behavioral and social science research, development, and consultation. HumRRO research and development work in a wide range of special training and…

This case study of the organizational structure of the Brazilian Literacy Movement (MOBRAL) describes the various organizational changes made as the mediating agency attempted to develop a large-scale national program within the existing social structure. Steps in the organization's development are traced from: (1) Beginnings in 1970 under the…

Several general approaches to organizational effectiveness are outlined, and three specifically relevant to higher education institutions are examined. Literature on the causal relationship of various areas of institutional achievement as a basis for a discussion of empirical findings and issues in assessment of institutional achievement. (MSE)

Discussion of the effects of the new information age and new technologies on business and higher education was originally given as the keynote address at EDUCOM '87. Highlights include new organizational patterns; a new paradigm for lifelong learning; the necessity for integrating research and instruction; hypermedia; simulation; and artificial…

The Online Computer Library Center, which provides catalogs and interlibrary loan services to most of the nation's libraries, is approaching a financial crossroads and must decide whether to diversify or cut back services. One option would serve academic and research libraries better; the other option would serve public libraries better. (MSE)

The University of Queensland's use of organizational theory to incorporate student evaluations of instruction into annual faculty evaluations and tenure and promotion decisions as a means of planned institutional change is discussed. (MSE)

Discusses the context within which office automation takes place by using the models of the Science of Creative Intelligence and Transcendental Meditation. Organizational structures are compared to the phenomenon of the "collective consciousness" and the development of automated information systems from manual methods of organizational…

Franklin and Marshall College concluded it would come closer to its educational goals by reducing its size. Use of a planning model to project institutional finances based on tuition, gift, grant, and enrollment estimates predicts a potential major improvement in the college's position. (MSE)

A Catholic men's college suffering from declining enrollments and financial problems became coeducational, redefined its governance system, reorganized its program structure, generated new cash reserves, and expanded its offerings beyond the traditional liberal arts concept, resulting in substantial gains in institutional strength. (MSE)

Agrees with the Carnegie report that schools must be rebuilt, rather than merely repaired. Describes the organizational structure and six common principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools; gives examples of working, experimental school programs; and describes several studies currently being prepared. Eleven footnotes are appended. (IW)

This staffing survey of 34 Geac minicomputer-based circulation system installations (public, academic, state, and special libraries, library consortia) was designed to identify the variables which affect staffing needs. Discussion covers differences in responses, types of staff positions, core and ancillary job duties, application training,…

Argues that teaching must become a profession--entailing both expertise and relative autonomy--if public schools are to improve. Outlines elements of professionalism and proposes means to professionalize teaching. (MCG)