Critiques the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development's 1990 report "Public Schools of Choice" for joining the chorus of skeptics. On three major counts (equity, the present evidence for choice, and its risks compared to present school organization failings), school choice offers a reasonable alternative. Includes 29…

Describes cultural characteristics of small schools that may produce adverse reactions to expansion of educational opportunities through technological development. Suggests that leaders must share their vision with teachers to achieve staff consensus about methods of obtaining the goal and assure staff of security before technological change will…

Portugal's overall modernization strategy for becoming integrated into the European Community is outlined, the structure and constraints of its higher education system are described, and the role envisioned for higher education in the modernization process is discussed. (MSE)

Describes the New Hampshire Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program, a multiyear project initiated in the 1987-1988 school year to reshape the direction of guidance and counseling program in the state. Looks at early acceptance of the project, the monitoring network and peer training, and major phases of development. (NB)

One state curriculum guide too many produced the Principal's Advisory Council on School Improvement (PACSI), a Huntington, New York, principal's "kitchen cabinet" to handle curriculum overflow. In two years, PACSI developed three solutions: grade level objectives and suggested time allocations; monthly curriculum calendars; and…

In 1985, the National Geographic Society launched a new Geography Education Program to revitalize geography instruction in the nation's schools. Geographic Alliances in 27 states mobilize teachers, administrators, and policymakers to push for improved geography curricula. The society also produces high-impact publications and sponsors special…

Briefly discusses the impact of "A Nation at Risk" and identifies factors that will bring about successful educational reform, including changes in curriculum, methods of instruction, modes of testing, and teacher preparation and empowerment. A selected bibliography of nine items pertinent to the educational reform movement is provided.…

Discusses the reform of the foster care system in Japan. Considers the reasons for reform, the former problems of the foster care system, the major points of the reform, and the "special adoption" system. (RJC)

As former colonies struggle with economic development, consumerism competes with environmental awareness and concern. Developing countries should reject the models of the colonial past and create developmental strategies that preserve natural resources. (SK)

Presents results from a study of three community development models. The data are used to construct a model of the community development process as it is remembered and experienced by community workers and citizen participants involved. The model shows the change process in community development activities. (JOW)

According to a 1987 survey of administrators in 154 exemplary middle schools, certain implementation strategies are essential to ensure success, including participatory decision-making, leadership and philosophical vision, windows of opportunity, staff development, and evaluation and public relations expertise. Postimplementation strategies are…

Examined are reforms taking place in the grading system of High School District 214 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. School administrator effectiveness is the key to a successful and appropriate grading system. (SI)

The study with 64 speech-language clinicians and their 32 supervisors found that clinicians demonstrated greater completion of commitments made in supervisory conferences when written agreements were used and when the specific behaviors of supervisees could be followed and measured over time. Written agreements were more effective with beginning…

Teaching continuously requires more specialization and technical skills of teachers. The role of the paraprofessional in the school should be upgraded structurally and functionally to give teachers much needed assistance and free them from the burden of too many demands on their time. (JD)

The desire for profit, power, prestige, notoriety, visibility, community support, and organizational survival has replaced character building as a guiding value of school sport. Restructuring school sports can enhance social values by altering the social atmosphere and environment for participants regardless of the kind and level of their…