For the past five years, colleagues in the Strategic Literacy Initiative at WestEd have been designing and implementing a professional development program focused on enabling teachers to build their understanding of the complexities of reading. In developing this program, centered around what they call a "Reading Apprenticeship"…

To ensure that educational tests do the least harm and bring the greatest good to the education of elementary and secondary school students, it is important that parents, teachers, educational administrators, and policy makers be actively involved in test construction and use. The purpose of this Statement is to provide a checklist of some…

In 1998, Connecticut's Public Act 98-243 mandated the development of an individual 3-year reading plan to address at-risk students, literacy instruction, professional development, and to forge stronger links with students' families. District reading plans were submitted to the Connecticut State Department of Education to be utilized as a rich data…

This bulletin provides an overview of substance testing, describes major indicators of the need for such testing, and summarizes the research for recent trends in substance abuse. It examines the practices of implementing a policy of controlled substance testing for appropriate categories of juveniles within the juvenile justice system. A summary…

This paper describes how Central Missouri State University converted to block scheduling to provide higher quality field experiences for education majors. The university changed its 50-minute Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes to 75-minute Monday/Friday and Tuesday/Thursday classes, with Wednesdays off for field experiences. This paper explains the…

These fact sheets were developed as part of the Child Care Partnership Project, a multi-year technical assistance effort. The Partnership Project provides a series of technical assistance resources and materials to support the development and strengthening of public-private partnerships to improve the quality and supply of child care. The fact…

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of the Oregon Building Capacity for Sustainable Change (BCSC) Project. This project provided a unique and comprehensive alternative professional development strategy for increasing the capacity of families and educators to effectively design, deliver, and continuously improve supported,…

This paper discusses some of the reasons for the shortage of qualified computer studies teachers in South Africa, as well as problems with current training programs. It then focuses on a new innovative learning program, leading to a degree in science education, being developed at the University of South Africa for the preservice and inservice…

The report describes both the problems faced and the strategies that have been implemented to resolve some of the problems in the Distance Learning Program at Tomball College in Texas. An examination of their Distance Education (DE) Program revealed multifaceted problems: instructor incompetence and curriculum inconsistency; student…

A model program, developed by the Institute for the Development of Educational Activities (/I/D/E/A), to prepare staff development specialists for school improvement projects is described. In this model, trainees experience the staff development processes they will be implementing in schools during their training.

Objectives and content of an interdisciplinary social studies-art program for elementary children are discussed. A sample lesson and evaluation activities from a successfully implemented pilot program are provided. (RM)

Reports on the use of applied behavioral science techniques to develop a performance appraisal instrument and system in a mental health organization. The system integrates individual, professional, and institutional values into an overall framework including parts of the organization in conflict. (Author/WAS)

Presents the model used to establish and operate the Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) Foundation. Describes KVCC, the selection of the foundation board and individuals to serve as fund raisers, the identification of businesses and industries serving the community, and foundation-funded activities and programs. (DMM)

Six guidelines are presented for the successful integration of school health services and school health education programs. Successful programs depend upon clear and well-understood objectives and an understanding and supportive community. (CJ)

A curriculum was designed to give preschool caregivers basic nutrition background through a programed self-instructional unit; incorporate nutrition education into existing parts of a typical preschool day; and provide learning activities designed to help preschoolers relate food/nutrients to health. Development of materials, caregivers'…