Discusses delivery systems in distance education and suggests that too much time is spent on choosing a delivery system rather than analyzing distance education as a whole. Presents a distance-education hierarchy that includes hardware systems, software systems, telecommunications systems, instructional systems, educational systems, societal…

Discusses the need for paradigm shifts during the next decade that address the following challenges: (1) the wider range of student ability and mastery; (2) high attrition rates; and (3) differing and often contradicting perceptions of students, faculty, and administration. Contains 180 references. (TGO)

Suggests strategies for school librarians to build a power base and become involved with the teachers and students. Highlights include surveying teachers regarding their needs and then responding with bibliographies of resources and flexible lesson plans, joining planning teams and committees, and encouraging student use of the library. (LRW)

Inter-institutional collaboration and team teaching can enhance distance education. Of particular interest to those who are new to distance education or collaborative relationships, this article discusses several issues that should be considered in the planning process to avoid potential roadblocks and to maximize returns. (Author/AEF)

For substantial change to occur, a school system must understand the components of change: identifying assumptions, analyzing choices, making commitments, selecting and implementing appropriate actions, and engaging in critical reflection. Schools must also identify and manage key success factors for building capacity (ability and willingness) to…

This article describes Effective Behavioral Support, a systems approach to enhancing the capacity of schools to adopt and sustain use of effective processes for all students. Implementation across four major areas of the school system is discussed, including: (1) schoolwide; (2) nonclassroom; (3) classroom, and (4) individual student. A sample…

Distinguishes between the different 'themes' of educational reform in developing countries over the past 30 years: (1) planning/management and efficiency reforms; (2) quality reforms; and (3) curricular reforms. Discusses planning/management and efficiency reforms and quality reforms in detail. Provides references. (CMK)

Advocates a new form of long-range educational technology planning and presents as an example the North Rockland (Garnerville, New York) Central School District Technology Planning Grid. Describes infrastructure and hardware, and discusses team planning, staff development, and resources. (AEF)

Describes how Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon developed a matrix that identifies major assessment requirements and a calendar that shows the timing of activities necessary to meet these requirements. Discusses each assessment requirement as well as inconsistencies that exist between requirements. Contains one data table and 11 references.…

Examines preservice teachers' (PSTs) perceptions of technology and their future plans for implementation. The survey results raise general implications for teacher preparation programs. The major implication is that although computers are seen as important, PSTs are not preparing themselves to implement them successfully and powerfully into…

Examines links between educational research and the policy and planning process in Laos. Reviews social and economic conditions influencing Lao education. Describes the use and nonuse of research in educational policy and planning, focusing on decision making and outcomes in a Lao government/Asian Development Bank educational assessment. Suggests…

This article reviews transition as it relates to students with learning disabilities (LD). Specifically, it provides a discussion of transition planning for individuals with LD, an overview of state and federal mandates and initiatives that influence transition practices, and a discussion of transition practices. (Author/DB)

Focuses on assessing student learning in relation to the National Standards for Music Education, covering topics such as content-related evidence of validity (the extent to which an assessment covers the content of instruction), assessment frameworks, weighing content areas, and frequency of assessment. Provides recommendations. (CMK)

Discusses the importance of collaboration between teachers and parents to help support students and describes teacher-created Web pages that help simplify communication and planning. Explains Web page design that can include general class descriptions, unit outlines and timetables, unit and project information, and student progress reports. (LRW)

Without effective planning, interactive distance education can drain economic and personnel resources. Discusses questions (needs, costs, faculty selection, faculty incentives, time for training and planning, promotion and tenure, probability of success, impact on student services) designed to provide a basis from which administrators can obtain…