Describes and assesses the success of New York City's Hillcrest High School, an educational alternative offering a variety of courses and services. (DS)

This article presents suggestions for enhancing the success of inservice programs, with particular attention to the need for adequate follow-through. Issues addressed include selection of topics, specification of goals, adequate planning and support, and thorough preparation of those responsible for program development. (PGD)

Author feels that the success of an educational innovation should not be judged on whether it fulfills its promise 100 percent, but on whether it moves education closer to its goal. (Editor)

The authors present a discussion of Project PASS, an attempt to study and compare two computer-based school scheduling methods as applied in two schools. They evaluate some of the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems and suggest applications for each. (Editor)

Describes a locally developed writing program that includes a diagnostic device for pretesting and posttesting, a writing skills checklist, an individualized educational program format, a series of parent notification letters, and a remediation system involving all staff members. (Author/IRT)

Whenever performance assessment has been introduced into statewide testing programs, various potentially paralyzing difficulties have been encountered surrounding test accuracy, reliability, validity, or suitability. Programs in some states have been discontinued or placed in jeopardy. It is uncertain whether educators can overcome these problems…

Talks about the reorganization of a high school tutoring program to make it more effective. (LD)

Staff development is the key to middle school effectiveness, and this article lists characteristics of an effective staff development program, examples of activities and topics, and questions for program evaluation. (DCS)

Urges accurate assessment of program implementation and the determination of student performance in areas not measured by achievement tests. Offers indicators of hard-to-measure levels of achievement in teachers and students, as they have been developed in the Johnson City, New York, Public Schools' mastery learning approach. (JW)

Sketches the Ohio Department of Education strategy for making effective schools, that is, by defining school effectiveness and by citing the general factors influencing the conduct of effective programs. (JW)

Presents 10 comprehensive objectives related to instituting shared decision-making and individualized education in secondary schools. Illustrates applications of each objective with features from schools. (Author/JM)

Administrators, who assess others, cannot themselves be immune from assessment. A plan for administrator assessment is offered. (Editor/RK)

To assist incoming freshmen, a Colorado Springs high school initiated learning resource labs staffed with academic coaches. Combining study hall, homeroom, and advisory group, the labs offer adult tutors, workshops on conflict resolution and study skills, career and technology exploration opportunities, a learning styles inventory, free reading…

Students in this volunteer program have scored significant gains in reading performance, self-concept, grade point average, and attendance. (IRT)

Presents the Quality Reading Program Questionnaire, which has been used in more than 100 school districts to evaluate or improve existing reading programs. (Author/WD)