A study investigated whether Louisiana school districts and schools involved in the SPUR (Special Plan Upgrading Reading) program were implementing and maintaining essential elements of the project five years after termination of state funding and external support. Subjects were the 66 superintendents or their designee at the district level as…

This report examines career development approaches and practices implemented at six West Virginia school-to-work (STW) sites. The sites were the original local partnerships funded by the state's federal STW implementation grant in 1996. Site visits gathered information needed for development of a comprehensive career development self-assessment…

An investigation was conducted of the implementation of a new orientation procedure for adult basic education students in 17 classes spread throughout three rural counties and one city in the Dublin, Virginia, area. The new orientation procedure was contained in a guide that called for teachers to implement it in five consecutive class periods.…

One of the keys to enabling children from disadvantaged backgrounds to be successful in school and later in life might be to provide them, through mentors, with exposure to literacy and numeracy, and to introduce problem-solving techniques to them early in their school careers. This study was concerned specifically with the mentorship experiences…

Congress has raised concerns about difficulties rural school districts face implementing the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA). This report describes: key challenges rural states and districts face; strategies rural districts have developed; expenditures and resources related to rural districts? compliance; and guidance and assistance from the…

This special report discusses the new federally mandated school voucher program in the District of Columbia, which is the first federally-funded voucher program in the country. The voucher program is being run by the U.S. Department of Education ("DOE") in cooperation with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, and administered by a private…

A study of instructional change in three schools reveals that a change strategy should take advantage of existing communication networks. Where there is little interdependence among teachers, administrators need to encourage its growth and replace the egg crate form of organization with arrangements that increase teacher interaction. (MLF)

Describes development of an instrument to define and evaluate certain aspects of the model and assess its use. Levels of implementation were significantly lower than levels of agreement with the model. Differences could not be attributed to student/staff ratio, or the training and experience of the student personnel administrator. (JAC)

Describes a study which examined teacher self-evaluation programs in British school districts. Questionnaires were sent to local education authorities (LEAs) to determine the extent to which the authorities were becoming involved in program development and to investigate the processes by which LEAs created their guidelines for teachers. (AM)

A committee of students, faculty, and administration at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine developed a program designed to encourage a climate at the college conducive to maintaining a high morale. The program is described and results of the Medical School Learning Environment Questionnaire are outlined. (MLW)

Data from elementary and secondary principals and teachers identified six recommendations for improving school based professional development: (preparing an articulated mission; planning for professional development at the school and practitioner level; implementing the plan; providing broad support for professional development; building and…

Structured interviews were conducted with 27 elementary school principals, general educators, and special educators concerning inclusive education for students with severe disabilities. Comments were categorized and compared by professional role and level of implementation. Analysis identified both agreement and some differences in perception of…

Data from 13 supported employment programs and 680 employees with developmental disabilities show little or no increase in wages or hours outcomes for people in jobs acquired in the late 1990s compared to the early 1990s. There are, however, improvements in the typical features of job acquisition, roles, and orientation. (Contains references.) (CR)

Evaluation of 120 participants in a supported employment program suggests that successful program implementation led to on-going employment in community work sites, increased wages, and ongoing opportunities for interaction with nondisabled peers. Important procedural components included development of comprehensive Individualized Program Plans…

A case study is presented of an elementary school preparing to implement a full-time mainstreaming program for students with learning disabilities. Based on observations, interviews, and surveys of students, parents, and teachers, it is concluded that fundamental changes in instruction are necessary for the regular education initiative to work.…