A study showed that 80 percent of medical schools were collecting outcome data, but there was a lack of coherence, integrated analysis, and longitudinal study. The purpose of examining outcomes is to gain sharper focus on the achievement of institutional goals, facilitate program improvement, and assure competence of graduates. (Author/MLW)

Evidence that a structured faculty development program deliberately seeking to create change can yield lasting benefits is found in the experiences of 10 University of Nebraska faculty members, who reported both internal and external changes resulting from the program. A basic model for bringing about lasting change includes four elements: power,…

It is argued that higher education should be marketing according to principles for marketing services not products. Unique features of services, implications for marketing, and application of service marketing principles to college and university recruitment are explained. Research on seven successfully marketed colleges and universities and…

An interview with Stephen C. Hall and Constance F. Towler of the Harvard University Office for Information Technology (Massachusetts) addresses issues in implementing management techniques to improve and maintain program quality. Topics include motivation, executive-level knowledge and support, specific changes made, and response and assistance…

In this article, the author discusses how after-school programs are very popular with the public. A series of annual voter surveys conducted by the Afterschool Alliance shows public support consistently running in the 90 percent range, with 76 percent of voters even going so far as to say they would be willing to pay additional taxes if more…

One goal of site-based management in schools is to move decision making on policy issues closer to the point of implementation. Therefore it is important for teachers and administrators at a site to have the information and assistance necessary to make informed decisions. To help site personnel gain this information and evaluate data, a "site…

This booklet offers state, district, and school leaders guidance both in understanding comprehensive school reform and in identifying effective comprehensive school-reform programs and the organizations that develop and help implement them. It focuses on the new federal program known as the Comprehensive School Reform Development (CSRD) Project, a…

Early retirement plans are perceived as being beneficial to school staff and financially advantageous to schools. Four out of the five assumptions on which these perceptions are based are incorrect. The one correct assumption is that early retirement will make affirmative action programs move ahead more rapidly. The incorrect assumptions are: (1)…

Offers suggestions for spending staff development money effectively. Ideas include the following: (1) keep your money close to the classroom; (2) use consultants to train your own trainers; (3) beware of embarking on numerous small-scale reforms; and (4) beware of pressure to copy other school improvement methods. (CJH)

Describes one school district's approach to improving student achievement on standardized tests. Increased scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test have not been the only positive result of this systemwide effort. Students and parents, for example, have become more conscientious about their course seletions. (CJH)

A public relations audit can show how efforts measure up, whether they are parents programs, media relations, or faculty/staff communication. A sample inventory form is included. (MLW)

Evaluation of the school-based, collaborative inservice program implemented by 10 elementary schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky, indicates that ideal conditions are not essential to school improvement. Based on the effective schools research model, the project also provided evidence that local schools will adopt successful programs after pilot…

This manual provides a synthesis of research-based dropout prevention and intervention and offers examples of interventions that show evidence of effectiveness. This has proven to be a difficult task because the intervention research on dropout and school completion that can be used to inform practice is incomplete (Dynarski & Gleason, 2002;…

Discusses seven important criteria of successful infant/toddler child care programs. Criteria include: (1) positive interpersonal relationships; (2) a sound philosophical base; (3) clear delineation of policies and procedures; (4) good staff selection, planning, and development; (5) feedback to parents; (6) a strong support base; and (7)…

For a pilot program to succeed, administrators should take the following steps: state the program objectives; keep lines of communication open with school staff; broaden available resources; be clear about expected time demands; see that staff members know the availability and how to handle funds; and take time to review, assess, reflect, and…