Review of quality assurance programs in higher education in developing countries considers best practices, the relationship of quality assurance to economic development, characteristics of universities in developing countries, and barriers to quality assurance activities in these countries. Stresses that quality assurance programs in developing…

Examines popular approaches to performance and organizational improvement to see what flaws they contain and how continued practice will impede progress. Discusses benchmarking; quality management/continuous improvement; needs assessment; training; downsizing; reengineering; system(s) approach; and strategic planning. Describes the Organizational…

Details development of "Fridays at the College" program in which middle school students and their teachers participate in enrichment programs lead by college professors. Discusses the evolution, goals, structure, and benefits of the program, as well as the advisory period that focuses on student development. Provides a model of college…

Highlights how schools currently address mental health; discusses new directions that build on emerging reform themes and reframe prevailing reform models; and outlines ways pupil-service professionals can develop a proactive agenda for shaping the future of mental health in schools. (Author/MKA)

This article describes how a group of elementary teachers set out to master their instructional software to turn the collection into an effective aid for enabling the success of students with and without disabilities. It discusses planning for systematic intervention and positive outcomes through the use of computer programs. (Contains…

This article discusses recent experiences with successful special education mediations. It examines several mediation cases, focusing on common elements that may have contributed to successful resolution, including the skills of the mediator, training for mediation, development of an educational plan, the assistance of well-trained advocates, and…

Discusses Parent-to-Parent support programs for parents of children with special needs, focusing on the matched experience of two parents, results of a national survey of Parent-to-Parent programs, guidelines for starting a Parent-to-Parent program, and resources for those interested in Parent-to-Parent support programs. (Author/DB)

Describes the implementation in the Fall River (Massachusetts) Diocese of "AIDS and the Arts," an elementary school intervention program designed to increase students' decision-making capacity, broaden their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and teach responsible social behaviors. (YKH)

Discusses the application of Vygotskian principles in a teacher developmental education program, particularly the idea of teacher self-identification in culture. Defines the international perspectives in the development of the cultural historical concept. (MMU)

A powerful vision can help a school focus its values and reach beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary. No matter how well-formulated a vision can fail if inappropriate or when poorly communicated or implemented. A Northeastern Regional Lab document entitled "The Walk" can prompt school community members' reflective thinking in the…

Tells what has happened the last two years at the University of Louisville's English department. Presents a brief explanation of why the University of Louisville's English department decided to redefine their mission--moving all professorial faculty into first-year composition. Offers some general comments about what the author has learned as a…

Discusses a Canadian public library's outreach program, whose objective was to connect with those families who were unable to access the library. Highlights include: the value of partnerships; funding and sponsorships; the visiting library for children; recruitment and training of volunteers; gift books for children; story boxes; community book…

Presents three specific curriculum recommendations that have been implemented at one counseling psychology program to increase the didactic and experiential scientific core. Recommendations include requiring an ongoing research practicum, a qualitative methodology course, and an advanced integrative research design course specific to the…

Professional counselors must assume the responsibility for the continued expansion and growth of the counseling profession. Article provides counselors with practical strategies to strengthen their public image and promote more positions and programming, particularly, at the elementary level. Background information is included on public relations,…

Explores and describes the relationships among elementary school counselors and their principals in programs that were deemed exemplary and beneficial for school communities. Findings indicate that a description of the role of the counselor, development of mutual trust and communication, and maintenance of support are components in building…