Provides an overview of research in educational implementation studies and presents guidelines on what works, and what does not, regardless of ideological bent toward educational change. (MMU)

Analyzes the experiences of three midsize Michigan school districts in implementing school desegregation programs under the Emergency School Aid Act (ESAA). Concludes that effective implementation requires clear goals and objectives, committed leadership, community support, and on-going political support. (FMW)

Introduces this theme issue by suggesting that the problems teen parents present for school and society cannot be adequately addressed without an understanding of the cultural and social frameworks that have led to their prominence in national political discourse. Argues that successful prevention programs cannot be developed without this same…

Summarizes the historical background, planning, and implementation of a School-Based Management/Shared Decision Making (SBM/SDM) program in Dade County (Florida). Highlights interim evaluation findings and recommendations. (FMW)

Describes three broad areas of challenge for the development of national curriculum content standards: (1) tension between leadership and consensus; (2) tension between flexible and specific standards; and (3) tension between up-to-date dynamic standards and reasonable expectations for systemic change. Examining tradeoffs necessary will result in…

If school choice options take place in school systems across the country, challenging opportunities may exist for the teaching profession. Analyzes the development of school choice plans by teachers and examines the impact of this process on the professionalization of teachers. Describes gains in teacher involvement, decision making, and autonomy.…

Identifies the following nuts-and-bolts issues that must be addressed when establishing school-linked service programs: (1) planning; (2) targeting; (3) governance; (4) information systems; and (5) staffing. Political and policy issues are extremely important in seeking partnerships among independent agencies in an intergovernmental setting. (SLD)

Explores the complexity of developing and identifying national curriculum content standards. This article introduces other articles on developing standards for studies in mathematics, social studies, English, the sciences, and advanced placement studies. The challenges for national standards are examined with awareness of the importance of these…

Explores and contrasts early efforts to set standards in mathematics and social studies, juxtaposing California's revisions of its history and social science curricula and the standard-setting approach of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Both programs achieved success in part because of their development strategies. (SLD)

Uses research on organizations to analyze the impact of coordination on program quality, efficiency, and accountability of programs providing school-linked services for children. Coordination is not a panacea, but it can improve the existing fragmented system by enabling a more holistic response to children's needs. (SLD)

Reviews efforts to develop national content standards for teaching English. Today's standards movements are distinguished from earlier efforts in that the learner is recognized as active, the meaning is socially and historically contingent, and the purpose is the development of language for political power and the creation and appreciation of…

Notes that homeless children lack many normal requisites for development and learning. Issues facing programs for homeless children in the early years are explored. Well-designed child care and school programs that provide family support can allow children to develop in spite of the turbulence of their lives. (SLD)

Examines the approach of the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Program to curricular development and assessment using the framework of D. Massell for agenda setting for content standards. Opportunities and constraints applicable to the current national standards movement are discussed. The AP program clearly meets capacity building and…