In this paper we discuss our development and use of a conjecture map for a large research project on the design and implementation of an online professional development model. Following Sandoval's (2014) model, we built the conjecture map to reflect our high-level conjectures (overarching goals of the project), the embodiment of the learning…

This paper proposes a framework for analyzing program design features that seem to matter in implementation. The framework is based on findings from a study conducted by the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE) between 2004 and 2007 that explored how reform ideas and practices created by five external provider organizations were…

Bullying has become a nationwide concern at the K-12 level. Guided by the theoretical framework of social learning theory, this study explored the perceptions of secondary education teachers about the bully-proofing program in place at one target middle school. Despite the target middle school's anti-bullying program, the incidence of bullying had…

Findings from a study that explored the relationship between school restructuring and school leadership are presented in this paper. Specifically, the research examined the processes involved in implementing the Primary Program, the first stage of British Columbia's "Year 2000" plan for the first 4 years of education. A survey of 2,547…

At the 1986 American Educational Research Association (AERA) convention, findings were presented from 14 schools that had implemented the "Reaching Success through Involvement" (RSI) strategy, which requires (1) the use of a comprehensive school assessment process; and (2) formal and informal participation of student leaders. The present…

In 1999, the Georgia Department of Education received a grant to implement character education programs in 25 schools. The intent of the four year grant was to identify schools with best practices to serve as models for the dissemination of successful programs in the state. The study included 6 high schools, 7 middle schools, and 12 elementary…

In 1987, Western Australia implemented a school-based management program called "Better Schools," which attempted to create "self-determining schools." Central to the restructuring effort was the establishment of school-based decision-making groups (SBDMGs), which permitted school staff and community representatives to exercise…

This paper assesses how three schools' change capacity influenced the implementation of school reform, specifically Basic education, a renewed curriculum in the first phase of secondary education. It reports on a study that examined the relationship between the characteristics of Dutch schools and their staff, the actual use of change capacity…

In developing a vision of schools capable of responding effectively to their challenges to change, futurists and reformers must solve two closely linked problems inherent in their positions. One problem is the risky business of predicting the future social and economic consequences of present trends; the other is the improbability of accurately…

The partnership between Memphis State University (Tennessee) and seven Memphis City Schools using school-based decision making (SBDM) has evolved into a unique cooperative relationship. The goal of the pilot SBDM initiative has been to restructure the schools involved. University researchers undertook to observe and document the change process by…

A survey of 35 principals was conducted to determine their perceptions about the impact environmental influences had on the desegregation planning process and its outputs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A model based on the principle of general systems theory was designed by the investigator and used as a conceptual framework to conduct the study. The…

Seven alternative approaches used by school districts dissatisfied with the Chapter 1 pullout model are described in this paper. The problems the districts encountered are discussed, and the viability of implementing similar programs in other districts is assessed. The seven programs include two replacement models, two aide-based delivery service…

Students are increasingly expected to be able to think critically, solve complex problems, and communicate clearly. Educators are expected to facilitate that learning in a variety of situations for an increasingly individualized student population. Therefore, educators who attempt to change their practices must become active learners. A school…

Proponents of school restructuring agree that it must occur with support from all stakeholder groups. This paper presents findings of a study that examined to what extent educational personnel engaged in restructuring (principals, teachers, and external facilitators of change) agreed or disagreed that 60 conditions identified in the research…

This paper uses the Organized Universe as a framework for describing a successful four-year program to improve the school climate at a junior high school in Houston. The program began in the Summer of 1978 and was part of a larger Teacher Corps project that included four urban inner city schools. The organizers of the project used a management…