Describes the Diversity Research Initiative (DRI) at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, a project that used the university as the site of inquiry into issues of diversity and invited a diverse group of undergraduates to acquire research skills by participating in this initiative. Explores the problems and successes of the DRI and draws…

Although seriously needing clarification and cleanup, California's charter legislation is demonstrating its capacity as an educational policy power tool. The legislation favors strong elements of the existing system, including dedicated, forward-thinking staff, boards, and union leaders. Weak elements--micromanaging boards, unsupportive central…

A reform initiative's demise is often due not to its ineffectiveness, but to its inability to deliver immediate results. Beginning with a clear vision, educators move through a "ready, fire, aim" sequence that creates "products" along the way. Charting progress can help maintain everyone's faith by distinguishing between long-term and immediate…

Discusses how electronic portfolios show considerable pedagogical, student-outcomes, and program assessment promise but have been plagued by numerous logistical and implementation problems. Describes using an efolios project to solve these problems, enabling students to concentrate on writing rather than on technology and to create an electronic…

Provides a background of government efforts to incorporate telecommunication and computer technologies to improve government performance and enhance citizen access to government information and services. Describes this symposium issue which discusses key issues that affect the success and implementation of electronic government initiatives. (LRW)

Describes the implementation of a version of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR), called the DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) program, throughout their school. Presents their experience with the program in the KWL format (what we KNOW, what we WANTED to know, and what we LEARNED). Provides a bibliography of 12 young adult short stories used in the…

Describes how teachers implement a spelling decoding strategy within a first-grade language arts curriculum. Considers how the investigation of one spelling-decoding instructional strategy was a coming-to-know process that led the authors to value intentional word study that was connected to but not necessarily embedded in authentic contexts. (SG)

Total Quality Management is a system for creating organizationwide participation in planning and implementing a continuous improvement process exceeding customer expectations. It is built on the assumption that 90 percent of problems are a result of process, not employees. Implementation at Oregon State University has nine phases. (MSE)

"Strengthening School Transitions for Students K-13," conceived and sponsored by NASSP and other organizations, was a project helping seven demonstration school districts address student transition problems. This article summarizes program accomplishments, critical transition points, and keys to success and describes each demonstration…

The staff at the Career Center at Florida State University redesigned an existing career planning course to infuse new student learning materials that would provide exploration of gender-related work-family options. This article describes the process of redesign, specific options offered, and initial results of the project. (JOW)

The authors describe a series of workshops given on the topic of scientific literacy. Titles included (1) Human Genetics, (2) Microbes and Man, and (3) The Science of Growing Plants. They discuss program development, implementation, content, and outcomes. Policy-related observations are included. (Author/CH)

Discusses three essential components of successful cooperative education programs (commitment, pacing, and support) and offers practical suggestions to teachers, such as arranging groups efficiently, determining group size, deciding how long groups should stay together, and deciding when group learning is appropriate. Teaching social skills is…

The Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) has developed both formal and informal reading assessments reflecting current reading theory. A test development committee created a MEAP blueprint of four elements: constructing meaning, knowledge about reading, attitudes and self-perceptions, and topic familiarity. Includes two references. (MLH)

Describes a teacher induction program with four goals (1) to establish a support team; (2) to help new teachers develop skills and judgment; (3) to explore numerous teaching strategies; and (4) to provide inservice experiences for mentors. The program involves a personal development plan and special topic seminars. Includes 13 references. (MLH)

The authors describe their observations, as administrators of the Personal Adult Learning Lab at the University of Georgia, about the role of educational technology in adult self-directed learning and the adult learner's reaction to technology. The ways in which the lab is using computer-assisted instruction and interactive video technology are…