Identified key elements of the "theory of action" embodied in reconstitution reforms and examined them in light of findings from a 2-year study in 3 schools. Evidence suggests that the theory of action in such reforms may be seriously flawed, as dominant patterns of implementation ran counter to the major premises of the policy. (SLD)

Integrates literature that addresses implementation approaches and phases with media selection research to provide a descriptive framework for understanding and predicting media use during planned change implementation. Concludes by synthesizing the findings that emerge from the integration of these bodies of literature and describing implications…

A literature review classified four streams on total quality management (TQM) in education: (1) definition and measurement; (2) normative studies; (3) conceptual models; and (4) implementation and assessment. Phases of TQM implementation were identified: awareness and commitment, planning, program implementation, and evaluation; future directions…

Examines the limits of what constitutes "school improvement." Critically assesses whether large-scale reorganization initiatives in two (British) local education agencies embody elements of a school-improvement initiative. Policy makers could maximize such initiatives' potential by incorporating a school-improvement focus into their…

Study of the implementation of management National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in three British organizations identified problems with the competency-based format. Although NVQs are supposedly based on actual workplace practice, candidates work toward criteria that may not match roles and responsibilities and developmental work is…

Explores aspects of implementing an elementary professional development school (PDS) with a faculty of 80 teachers over a 1-year period. Findings of this ethnographic case study report the visions of teachers in this PDS, the processes that impacted the sharing of teachers' visions, and the PDS efforts that encouraged teachers to explicate and…

A survey of 145 schools found that all had experimented with innovative purchasing approaches. Many used electronic methods, such as credit-card, fast-track requisition (most popular), bidding and purchasing, and data interchange. Results suggest that nonelectronic innovations (just-in-time, cooperative, direct, and consortium leverage purchasing)…

A key task for individual student affairs offices is to demonstrate the impact services have on the academic mission of the university. Article describes the process that one student affairs office followed to implement a system of program evaluation and the positive impact of this endeavor. Provides implications for other student affairs offices.…

Discusses the development and implementation of a surgery-patient education program in two Dutch hospitals. Evaluation of the new program shows that the specified information was provided to only a limited extent, partly because of problems with the implementation process and partly because some information was made available for patients to use…

A three-phase study identified current practice and potential good practice in the implementation of General National Vocational Qualifications in Britain. Although good practices were found, flaws were also apparent. A systematic induction program was deemed an integral part of implementation. (SK)

Studied the views of Israeli principals about school decentralization and restructuring policy. Findings from a survey of 50 principals shed light on the potential of the reforms, the hardships principals face implementing them, and the complexity of implementing decentralization policies. (SLD)

A study of two elementary schools identified school conditions affecting implementation of Kentucky state reforms of primary education: innovation advocates, teacher-relevant implementation strategies, and supportive principals. Essential elements were a fit between leadership style and faculty needs and time to develop collaborative working…

A study investigated the extent to which secondary business teachers in the Southern region (n=156) are aware of and implement the National Standards for Business Education and the value they place on them. Implementation in the region was relatively low, and members of the National Business Education Association were no more likely to use them…

Discusses a study of interdisciplinary teacher teams during the second-year implementation of teaming in a middle school. Based on observations and interviews, this article identifies the major context, design (structure), and process features of each of the four teams, and discusses implications for practice. (Contains 51 references.) (MLH)

An ICT strategy and an implementation plan for teacher education were created in a co-operative process. Visions and expectations of staff members and students were registered by questionnaires and by making notes during sessions in which the strategy was created. Thereafter, an implementation document, where the staff development programme and…