Planning teams trained to facilitate the Institute for Development of Educational Activities, Inc. (IDEA) school improvement program headed pilot programs at nine Oklahoma City schools. This paper summarizes a study examining the program's implementation process, its contribution to participating schools, and benefits for future participants.…

Within an individual building, the School Improvement Process (SIP) provides a focus for staff development and an evaluation of results that are linked to student outcomes. SIP emphasizes a building level, bottom-up planning and decision-making process. This article presents a case study of an individual school's use of SIP. (IAH)

Implementation of the Illinois Educational Reform Act of 1985 in local school districts during the year before and the two years after its passage was studied through an analysis of school board meeting minutes. Policy questions about the place of school boards in the educational reform movement are raised. (SLD)

The Delaware experience shows that staff development can be a positive force for change in schools, that principals can be effective facilitators for staff development, and that teacher involvement in training, discussion, and observation will help foster collegiality and acceptance of change. Includes 13 references. (MLH)

For beginning principals, delegation is an important skill and an effective way to learn about staff members. After defining the school's strengths and weaknesses, a principal can set concise, realistic goals and communicate them to the school community. A general blueprint for action (including communication, assessment, planning, and…

Describes Prince George's County Department of Social Services foster home recruitment and retention program. Identifies elements necessary for the success of the program. (RJC)

From the demise of numerous "New Social Studies" programs initiated 25 years ago have sprung some guidelines for revising curricula and promoting educational change. Some lessons: Avoid too many course offerings, involve teachers in early stages of projects, and design programs to meet major goals. Above all, such programs need to be relevant to…

The article describes the operation of a medically based support system within a school district for programs for children with severe emotional disturbances. Examples are given of the consultation services of a pediatrician and psychiatrist in one district. Six guidelines for establishing such a support system are offered. (DB)

When a well-conceived combination of innovative learning strategies is used, the results are generally more favorable than those attained using any single strategy. Broadening the scope of planning and implementation will not only help integrate innovations, but will enhance opportunities for collegial sharing. Integration guidelines are provided.…

A medical humanities program emphasizing clinically oriented training is described. The four-year required curriculum, in which students accompany attending physicians on rounds, is taught by faculty representing a wide range of medical and non-medical disciplines. The approach is seen to challenge good teachers and evoke humanities themes from…

Describes a case study method to determine the effects of the Carl D. Perkins Act at both the state and local level in Texas. Assesses these effects within the context of the state's major reform movement. Provides examples of vocational education delivery over a two-year period, summarizing mixed results. Includes four references. (MLH)

Describes a process for improving the baccalaureate and fifth-year education of early childhood teachers. Discusses development and implementation of guidelines for teacher accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Associated problems are discussed. (RH)

Physical fitness is an ongoing process and should be included in planned instruction throughout the year. Options are presented for scheduling fitness activities during the school year, within a motor skill unit, and within an individual lesson plan. A sample yearly plan and lesson plan are included. (IAH)

Describes three strategies for involving faculty members in setting school goals and implementing programs to reach these goals. Offers principals suggestions for developing building-level faculty committees through administrative advisory and instructional improvement councils. Such activities enhance instructional leadership. (MLH)

Neither hyperrationalist nor decentralist reform strategies will seriously improve educational quality. Successful reform strategies incorporate three dimensions: the authorized movement, regional or localist responses, and conversation, involving changes in school rhetoric. States must create a context for developing organizational competence at…