Presents selected data comparing aspirations of rural youths with those of suburban and urban youths; discusses the roles of the school counselor and of the principal to examine how these roles relate to the fostering of student aspirations; and offers workable solutions for the principal and school counselor to work collaboratively in the school…

To develop an interdisciplinary curriculum, a district needs a field-tested action plan. This curriculum mapping plan's four phases--conducting internal and external action research, developing a proposal, implementing and monitoring a pilot unit, and adopting the program--can be accomplished over a three-year period. Procedures are described in…

Proposes advocacy role for social work in form of clinical activist model. Notes that, in this model, clinician's role is that of data gatherer and analyst, in addition to therapist. Sees client as centerpiece of change, revealing to clinician types of systemwide changes or reforms that are needed. Briefly discusses structural changes necessary to…

Describes how a brand new Massachusetts elementary principal enlisted teacher cooperation to establish learning priorities for the school, as directed by the superintendent. Beginning with a needs assessment and construction of a school mission, the planning team then developed a set of specific educational goals. Newly learned collaborative…

Presents strategies to turn one-sided conversations into meaningful dialogs. Suggests, if a conversation partner is not allowing equal time, trying the following techniques: repeat statement; keep going; match other person's voice; use rejoinder; ask harsh question; simulate anger; alter body position; wag finger; raise eyebrows; take notes; ask…

The 2-year process by which the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for Organizational Learning transformed into the self-governed Society for Organizational Learning illustrates new ways of conceiving organizations, the capabilities required for change, and critical elements of the process: diverse representation, grounding in business…

Presents marketing guru Guy Kawasaki's seven rules for revolutionaries, and examples of alumni relations innovators who are implementing change with cutting-edge programs, services, and business practices. Rules include: "jump curves" (look for new paths); "break down barriers" (challenge roadblocks of ignorance and inertia);…

Differences in theories of actions may be a source of considerable conflict in education reform. An analysis of the first two years of the ATLAS Communities Project shows how different theories of action contributed to significant disagreement over issues on the process of change, nature of curriculum, and personal and organizational development.…

The Margin in Life (MIL) Scale and Readiness for Change Scale were completed by 131 manufacturing workers. Overall, MIL predicted readiness for change. Readiness was predicted by employees' personal power, managerial position, and newness to the company. (SK)

Volunteers are affected by organizational change, though with a different focus and priority. There may be tension between volunteers and paid staff. Volunteers may pass through stages of resistance, confusion, integration and recommitment; they may have different change styles: resisters, adapters, or seekers. (SK)

Analyzed child care rules and regulations of four states from Child Care, Cost & Quality study. Found that the limited requirements set for child care personnel and community interaction departed substantially from professional judgments about what is needed in child care settings. Higher personnel standards, explicit emphasis on developmental…

Action research in small companies attempting change used concepts of paradox and metaphor to examine change processes. Findings include the need to (1) discover change in mini-worlds (parts of organizations), (2) appreciate first-order learning, and (3) stabilize change and handle the forces trying to change stability. (Contains 46 references.)…

Discusses six obstacles to one school district's middle level curricular reform and briefly considers the cultural reform recommended to overcome these obstacles. Notes the development of a responsive curriculum that incorporated student learning and standards. (JPB)

Describes forces that are causing libraries to make changes in how they do business and examines how libraries use management strategies to restructure their organizations. Presents two models that represent organizational structures designed to take into account the unique circumstances of libraries and addresses issues involved in moving to a…

The new concept of community must focus on the contributions of each group to the national culture and the uniqueness of each culture. It must define and affirm shared values. Common ground may best be found in civic culture. (SK)