Public relations should be an effective two-way communications system between school and public and can be implemented in seven steps: plan the public relations program; identify school publics; assess present communications effectiveness; plan to involve students, staff, and community members; identify key message sending agents; develop and…

The academic planning process begun in 1975 by a new chancellor is described that had as its objectives reassembling a shaky academic program, rebuilding staff morale, and regaining commitment of the academic community, outside community, and legislators. The process involved extensive external and self-evaluation, with periodic review. (MSE)

An eight-stage model was developed for implementing a five-month program of sustained silent reading. Data from 65 intermediate grade classrooms (using individual students as analysis units) revealed no significant differences on standardized and informal measures and no significant interactive effects. The teachers' summative evaluation found the…

Evaluates the programs and services of a large student union at University of Maryland, in relation to campus subgroups including employees, graduate students, and minority groups. Results indicate the union may serve as a model of differential programming. Suggests different groups use the union differently but are generally satisfied. (JAC)

Reports the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a training program for foster grandparents employed at a residential center for disturbed children. Describes training objectives focused on the role of the foster grandparents in helping their charges to develop socially acceptable behavior. A cognitive problem-solving strategy was taught.…

Classroom discussions focusing on four topics relating to racial prejudice were used to strengthen students' self-esteem and change attitudes. A series of detailed stimulus questions were provided to help children explore the issues, understand them, and stimulate positive action. Results indicated the program activated positive racial attitudes.…

Teachers in this high school "shadowed" selected students to see the school through students' eyes. The teachers noted both strengths and weaknesses. The latter included class interruptions, low expectations of low achievers, and inadequate learning time. (JM)

Describes the mentoring program at Canisius College, New York. Program evaluation showed it had a positive impact on the retention and academic performance of freshmen and provided an opportunity to demonstrate the college's concern for students. Both faculty and students reported benefits from the program. (JAC)

Describes a four-hour career orientation program provided by employment center counselors for all West German students in grade eight. Program provides: career information; an opportunity to discuss career needs and career decision making; and an overview of employment services available. Includes a career-orientation questionnaire. (RC)

Evaluated the effectiveness of an alcohol education training workshop for teachers in elementary secondary education. Results indicated workshops increased teachers' knowledge about alcohol and alcoholism, understanding of discussion-leading techniques, and some aspects of coping skills. Several components of teacher attitudes about the use of…

In 1969 Meharry Medical College established a summer program, the Biomedical Science program, for undergraduate minority students interested in careers in medicine or dentistry. Two follow-up surveys examining the program's impact study medical and dental school admissions among participants and student opinion regarding the program's influence.…

Most administrators approach program reduction as a budget issue; in reality, it is a governance and planning issue of major importance for the 1980s. Steps in a planning process for program discontinuance (including pitfalls) are described, based on a national study supported by the Exxon Foundation. (Author/LB)

The authors examine the potential and the limitations of alternative schools for disruptive students by discussing positive features, such as small student-teacher ratio and enhancement of self-concept, and negative aspects, such as the tendency toward racial isolation and possible use as a tool for social control. (SK)

A three-year effort to develop a university health maintenance organization (HMO) into an effective clinical teaching site for the team practice of primary care is described. Initial resistance to team practice and teaching, assessment of HMO team development, and the effectiveness of the HMO as a primary care teaching site are discussed.…

Summaries of impact evaluations are presented to indicate the extent and types of studies that have been conducted. Studies reflect various segments of the field: employers, continuing professional education, adult basic education, career education, external degrees, libraries and counseling, continuing education of women, and discussion groups…