The Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI) aims to stimulate sustainable systemic improvements that enhance student performance in mathematics, science, and technology in 66 Appalachian counties characterized by persistent poverty. To support this aim, a major ARSI goal involves development of partnerships among families, communities, and…

This proceedings contains presentations and workshop summaries from the 3rd Annual Exemplary Institute for educators of Native American students. Presentations include: "Quality in Learning: Romancing the Journey" (quality management at Mount Edgecumbe High School, Alaska) (Todd Bergman); "Creating a School-wide Literacy…

Integrated school-community projects benefit both the rural community and the rural school in many ways. On the community side, such projects can stimulate the local economy, improve the quality of life, and strengthen the bonds of community. Schools gain resources and community support for educational initiatives, have the opportunity to develop…

Described is a six-step school improvement process that evolved during attempts to assess needs, plan improvements, implement changes, and evaluate success at a Michigan school district's elementary schools with disadvantaged pupils. The process involves parents and school staff identifying needs and setting priorities for staff development. (PP)

Improvement of teaching performance can be accomplished within the teacher evaluation process if the approach is positive and nonthreatening, with considerable emphasis on peer- and self-evaluation. (Author/SJL)

Describes a Tennessee program in which a facilitator project is sponsored jointly by a university and a school study council to accomplish cooperative field service, training, and program dissemination. (JM)

A sample of Black and White high school students in Atlanta and rural Georgia were asked about recruiting measures and campus programs which would make the University of Georgia more attractive to minority students. Racial differences in responses are discussed. (SJL)

A four-year coordinated program to improve the mathematics achievement and attitude of secondary students and teachers in Arkansas is described, Programs for leadership development, cooperating schools, curriculum development, inservice programs, and evaluation are discussed. (MK)

Describes and discusses the development of the Chautauqua movement in the late nineteenth century, its success, and its impact on American education and culture. Started to improve Methodist Sunday School teaching, the movement grew to educational facilities for liberal educational programs, combined with recreational experience. (MF)

Describes a schoolwide research improvement initiative that was designed to improve information literacy in a high school setting. Discusses self-study and examination of student work; cognitive issues; school culture; online resources that were developed; improving search strategies; discouraging electronic plagiarism; creating pathfinders;…

Presents tips for organizing an effective parent involvement program: (1) develop a philosophy statement; (2) value family values, traditions, and beliefs; (3) reach out to parents; (4) train for effective communication; (5) encourage parent involvement in program activities; (6) provide involvement opportunities; (7) seek parental input; (8)…

Considers the usefulness of educational indicators for helping small schools evaluate educational improvement. Describes a project to establish comprehensive and accurate data profiles for a small schools consortium in east central Kansas. Concludes the project has led to significant improvements in achievement, instruction, leadership, and school…

The history and main features of organizational behavior management (OBM) are compared and integrated with those of total quality management (TQM), with emphasis on W.E. Deming's 14 points and OBM's operant-based approach to performance management. Interventions combining OBM, TQM, and statistical process control are recommended. (DB)

Part-time vocational engineering curricula aim to transform experienced higher technicians into engineering managers. This is done by making use of previous experience in working positions and adding training in new situations. Job training is combined with academic training through courses and activities at an academic institution. Describes ways…

Contrasts the roles of performance technologists and other performance improvement specialists. Provides a matrix of strategies and tactics that performance technologists should be familiar with. Identifies regulations that can affect implementation of tactics, including EEO/affirmative action guidelines; employee safety and health laws,…