The long-range planning strategy used at the University of the Redlands to boost alumni program productivity and increase the program budget is outlined. The effort consisted of a series of planning weekends and a number of subtle strategies to justify added resources. (MSE)

Offers opinions on what characteristics effective schools hold in common. Case studies of South Boston High School and George Washington Preparatory High School (California) reveal changes they made that led to dramatic improvements in their school's effectiveness. Also addressed are numerous lessons learned through past efforts to improve…

Discusses how entrepreneurs have helped reduce costs in health care and examines the major changes in the health care system that are simultaneously lowering costs and increasing quality. The author then explains how current reform proposals might affect these entrepreneurial innovations. (GLR)

Interviews assessed parents' thinking, strategies, and actions regarding homework. Found that parent concerns clustered around five topics; findings suggest students' homework represented a complex multidimensional set of tasks for parents, for which they often felt ill-prepared by limitations in knowledge and competing demands for their time and…

Educators cannot withstand the inevitable advance of alternative education and privatization efforts. Luckily, no one alternative will become the ultimate solution. Visionary educators can respond by adapting to new management and governance concepts, expecting increased accountability, creating teams, maintaining a customer orientation, planning…

Ideas for expanding vision-related rehabilitation services, possibly through the health care system, are addressed. Need areas include gaining support nationally and within states, professionalizing the vision-related rehabilitation field, using innovative health care practices, acquiring funding, and improving accountability. (SW)

While a "lame duck" college president may have diminished authority, he may also enjoy an unusual opportunity to move the institution forward. Outgoing presidents who pursue a substantive agenda during their final months can calm fears and second-guessing, preserve institutional momentum, and conclude their term with the satisfaction of a job well…

Discusses teacher leaders as an essential link in the process of successful, long-term change in a school. Discusses how to identify these instructional leaders and discusses the principal's relationship with these informal leaders. (SR)

Discusses insights from both the instructional design community and members of research groups seeking to transform typical classrooms into "learning communities," and encourages discussion among members of these two communities. Gives an overview of frameworks for instructional design, and the principles of learning communities. (71…

This article profiles "Northeastern University Magazine," discussing how this alumni magazine has changed its focus over the last several years to appeal to a younger audience and to present stories that cover the institution and its graduates as subjects worthy of study in themselves. (MDM)

Provides classroom techniques to help children develop the skill to pull back from turmoil or stress, evaluate their emotional states, redirect their energy, and find peace in their minds. Activities described include relaxation and breathing games, as well as calming physical activities. (HTH)

Educators have identified certain school-culture norms that may affect change, including collegiality, experimentation, high expectations, and honest communication. This article summarizes a study examining how principals in two elementary schools influenced these and other cultural norms during periods of curriculum change. Both promotional and…

This summary of a seminar meeting on professionalism in the field of rehabilitation of persons with blindness or visual impairment addresses: management of services; specialization of services; public awareness; and certification. (DB)

Three key principles for ensuring employee support of organizational change are management empathy with subordinates, effective communication, and participative management. (SK)

Virtually all reform measures proposed at the National Collegiate Athletic Association annual meeting pass by wide margins. Changes include reduced coaching staffs and scholarships, phasing out of athletic dormitories and training tables, limiting practice and playing time, reduced recruitment expenditures. However, substantive change is not seen…