Discusses the development and implementation of a surgery-patient education program in two Dutch hospitals. Evaluation of the new program shows that the specified information was provided to only a limited extent, partly because of problems with the implementation process and partly because some information was made available for patients to use…

A three-phase study identified current practice and potential good practice in the implementation of General National Vocational Qualifications in Britain. Although good practices were found, flaws were also apparent. A systematic induction program was deemed an integral part of implementation. (SK)

Proponents of school uniforms claim many beneficial advantages: improved academic performance, student safety, discipline, and school morale. Opponents say uniform policies violate the First Amendment and will not dramatically improve student performance. School leaders must juggle two conflicting ideals of justice: a student's right to freedom of…

The "Personnel Evaluation Standards" of D. Stufflebeam (1988) were used as a framework for the historical analysis of Louisiana's effort to implement a statewide program to evaluate its 45,000 teachers for the purpose of renewable professional certification. Using the "Standards" provided insights into the evaluation process…

Studied the views of Israeli principals about school decentralization and restructuring policy. Findings from a survey of 50 principals shed light on the potential of the reforms, the hardships principals face implementing them, and the complexity of implementing decentralization policies. (SLD)

Discusses the theoretical framework behind, the benefits of, the implementation of, and the perspectives on student-led conferences using portfolios. Presents suggestions for preparing a class to share their portfolios during their conferences. Notes that it gives students a clear sense of their strengths, their weaknesses, where they stand, and…

A decentralized teacher-coaching model has been adopted by several Los Angeles-area school districts through an initiative called Design for Excellence Linking Teaching and Achievement (DELTA). DELTA encourages coaches and beginning teachers to develop a personalized support plan, and stresses one-on-one relationships and support, not evaluation.…

In a Long Island school district, foreign-language study is part of every elementary school student's curriculum in grades 2 through 5. More than 90 percent of sixth-graders choose to study a language and have the chance to participate in 7-year and advanced-placement programs in these languages. (MLH)

Studied Comer's School Development Program (James P. Comer) in 23 middle schools in Prince George's County, Maryland. The study, involving repeated measurement with more than 12,000 students, shows that Comer schools implemented some of the program's central elements better than control schools did, but not all, or even most, of them. (SLD)

Comments on a study of Comer's School Development Model, indicating that the study, as conducted, was not a study of the model but a limited study of the effects of one application of the model's process. In addition, the evaluation was carried out over only 2 years for each group, when experience shows that at least 3 years are necessary to show…

Describes the development of the Watch, Discover, Think, and Act asthma self-management computer program for inner-city children with asthma. The intervention focuses on teaching two categories of behaviors: asthma specific behaviors such as taking preventive medication, and self-regulatory processes such as monitoring symptoms and solving asthma…

Describes a New Mexico high school's method of handling advanced-placement courses in a 2X4 block schedule that raises passing rates, compensates for loss of contact time, and gives most students opportunities to take desired AP courses. AP electives demand prerequisites and are scheduled only during spring semester. (MLH)

A carefully designed independent study program is a quick, efficient way to fill gaps, redeem mistakes, and create solutions for seemingly impossible problems. Success depends on understanding students' different situations, using proper supervision, requiring a paper trail, juggling multiple options, getting teacher support, and guaranteeing…

Provides an overview of practical methods and tools for assessment planning and implementation for service learning and civic engagement projects conducted by colleges and universities. Offers suggestions to help readers design their own program assessment plans. (SLD)

Examined the development of the Kentucky nongraded primary program at the state level and in six rural elementary schools from 1991 through 1998. Findings show changes teachers made in response to the program mandate and reveal issues that hampered implementation, including entrenched ideas about grade divisions. (SLD)