This article reports the results of a longitudinal study of 35 Swedish comprehensive schools involving interviews with teachers, school leaders, students, and parents carried out in 1980, 1982, 1985, and 2001. During the 35-year period covered by the study, the schools experienced significant reforms. The most important of these reforms involved a…

Over the years, the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has experimented with various continuous improvement initiatives. Some projects fizzled owing to the universal killers of grand ideas such as inertia, inconsistent implementation, lack of buy-in, "flavor of the month" attitude, and the all-time favorite: if they ignore this idea it…

This is the final report of the National Evaluation of Student Support Services (SSS). SSS is one of eight federally funded grant programs that are administered as part of the Federal TRIO Programs within the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The SSS program, in particular, focuses on students while they are enrolled in college. In general, SSS…

State education data systems have often been described as data rich but information poor. Historically, these systems were created for compliance purposes and, therefore, designed and managed as information technology projects, but a culture change is under way. Educators and other stakeholders are beginning to value data as a tool to inform…

This analysis responds to a generation of criticism leveled at 1:1 laptop computer initiatives. The article presents a review of the key themes of that criticism and offers suggestions for reframing the conversation about 1:1 computing among advocates and critics. Efforts at changing, innovating, and reforming education provide the context for…

This paper reviews the literature on school effects and school improvement. The literature reveals that some schools are much more effective than others at optimizing achievement and other student outcomes, and that schools judged successful by these criteria tend to have in common certain leadership, goal commitment, and school atmosphere factors…

Research for Better Schools and a Maryland county school district developed a school improvement program to examine the relationship between the program and subsequent improvement. The program involved a self-assessment survey, choosing goals for the following year, assigning a committee of practitioners to lead the program, executing the plan…

Because an excellent education depends on a balanced program of academics and activities, the Idaho Commission on Excellence recommends changes in 17 areas, including proficiency tests for all sixth and eighth graders and core course requirements for high school graduation. Administrators should complete 6 hours of graduate work every 5 years, and…

This sourcebook synthesizes findings from studies on school improvement programs. The prefatory overview emphasizes key themes and issues addressed in the seven papers that comprise the body of the document, discusses the role of staff development, and examines the process of translating research into policy. The papers summarize the findings of…

The Canadian philosophy of adult education as exemplified in the projects described is derived from programs designed to improve socioeconomic circumstances of disadvantaged people. (BP)

Chapter 7 of a volume on school leadership, this chapter defines, describes, and suggests ways to improve climate at the school building level. After citing a number of definitions of school climate, the authors conclude that school climate is the feel an individual gets from experiences within a school system, or the global summation of the…

This self-improvement manual developed for experienced online searchers presents and discusses several alternative search strategies and their appropriate use to achieve the desired outcome. The manual is divided into two parts: (1) an eight step model of the total search process emphasizing how the decision of the information professional affects…

The report, consolidating the findings from various stages of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory project on interorganizational collaboration in the dissemination of information for educational improvement, includes theoretical considerations, practical applications, and interpretative commentary. The substance of the report is drawn…

The ten papers in this collection commissioned by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory take positions and speculate about particular obstacles which collaboratives and intermediaries face in working toward the improvement of educational practice and equity through regional approaches. The papers discuss (1) the essential characteristics…

This literature review examines four conceptual areas: (1) interorganizational collaboration; (2) the use of intermediary agencies; (3) the improvement of educational practice; and (4) the increase of educational equity. A focused review of the conceptual issue, a bibliography including research and literature citations, and abstracts of the most…