Short-term fixes may boost test scores without improving learning. Schools focused on higher standards and instructional reform should reorganize and condense state, district, and national standards; adopt a "less is more" approach; support collaborative improvement efforts; and link assessment to a high-quality learning environment.…

Examines the implementation of educational assessment policy in the United States, England, and Wales from the perspectives of power, what educators need to learn, and legitimacy. Findings suggest that assessment policy is useful for promoting easily observable changes, but not for deep modifications of teaching practice. (SLD)

Restructuring programs and reallocating resources (to smaller classes, teacher planning, professional development, and tutors for struggling students) constitute a complex, large-scale change process. Steps include recognizing the need for change, evaluating strategies, and creating a new educational strategy for all organizational levels. (MLH)

Abolition of the probationary year for British teachers in 1991 was short-lived, with new requirements for setting induction standards, monitoring performance, administering assessment, and deregistering new teachers introduced in the 1998 Teaching and Higher Education Act. A more imaginative and reality-based alternative is needed. (Contains 94…

Discusses the benefits of school uniforms in fulfilling the educational objectives of middle school reform. Considers the role of uniforms in establishing student affiliation with the school and in adolescent development. Describes the development of a uniform program and notes issues of cost and legality. (JPB)

Describes ways teachers can enhance students' vocabulary development through multiple contexts available in typical middle school classroom settings. Addresses questions about vocabulary learning and offers suggestions for enhancing vocabulary with narrative and expository texts that involve multiple classroom contexts. Considers the Vocab-o-gram…

Comprehensive school-reform models like the Accelerated Schools Project stress professional development and give educators specific, research-based strategies to address essential requirements for enhancing academic achievement. The federal Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration initiative provides necessary funding. Information sources and…

Investigated the relationship between the goals of the AmericaReads program for K-3 students and tutors' adherence to these goals by examining artifacts from the tutoring sessions, including audiotapes, interviews with supervisors, and questionnaires completed by tutors. Found an inconsistent fidelity to tutoring expectations, which was explained…

Suggests four methods for implementing a successful library planning process, based on experiences at the Anaheim (California) Public Library. Highlights include maximizing the level of public input; engaging staff at all levels in all stages of the process; assessing all input critically; and proper use in decision making. (Author/LRW)

Examined the implementation of "Looking After Children" materials in five Australian States and Territories. Found that few system changes were required for cultural reasons. Initial fears of increasing workloads were outweighed by positive responses from practitioners, caregivers, and youth with experience in the out-of-home care…

Describes various organizations that offer programs and services for youth in their early teens. Explains the philosophy of positive youth development that is an emerging theme in this long-standing but newly self-conscious field. Reviews principles of best practice and key implementation challenges. (SLD)

Under Policy Governance, superintendents get full authority to run districts, but their actions must be aligned with board policy and certain board-imposed limitations. Boards' policy can change dramatically with elections, causing a change in Policy- Governance climate. Board decisions cannot be changed unless a majority approves. (MLH)

Discusses a national study that compared tech prep with career and technical education. Looks at promising practices including formal articulation, career pathways, work-based learning, professional evaluation, curriculum integration, and evaluation. (JOW)

Reviews federal and state legislation affecting adult literacy education. Describes policy interpretation and implementation issues that affect the delivery of education. (SK)

Describes planning and first-year implementation of a doctoral cohort program for urban principals involving collaboration between Texas A & M University and the Austin Independent School District. Discusses the program's guiding vision, organization, and curriculum and contributions of other groups and individuals. Startup recommendations are…