The underlying methodological approach of the CEFR is defined as being "action-oriented" and task-based (Council of Europe. 2001. "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment." Cambridge University Press: 9), although it explicitly leaves room for a variety of approaches, since the CEFR…

This blueprint provides an overview of the technical assistance (TA) practices and collaborative learning structures that support state education agencies (SEAs) in whole system implementation of Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) Domains and Features, and in the development of state-level infrastructure hospitable to…

As part of its work to advance the multiple pathways approach to high school education, the James Irvine Foundation engaged the Bridgespan Group to develop a framework for assessing the nature and needs of the fields in which nonprofits operate. These agents of change often struggle to understand how to focus their field-building investments and…

This guide aims to help education policy leaders develop effective policy in support of good teaching and learning. It provides tools and resources that help policy leaders to: (1) Look back at the research on strategies and practices that have been proven to bring about results for the greatest number of students; (2) Look around in order to…

This booklet is the product of a small but diverse group of parents and professionals who came together to try to alleviate the problems posed by the escalating struggle for power in the schools. They hope that through parent-implemented Follow Through programs, discontented members of the community can be made to feel that they have a significant…

The purpose of this guidebook is to clarify why policymakers should expand the focus of school reform to encompass a reframing and restructuring of education support programs and services and to offer some guidance on how to go about doing so. Section 1 deals with the need to restructure support services and offers ideas for new directions.…

The data are clear: Too many students are not doing well in school. Too many are experiencing interfering barriers, most of which are not internal dysfunctions but are associated with neighborhood, family, school, and peer factors. If the situation is to change, schools must play a greater role in providing supports for students experiencing…

The multielective system in the high schools of the North Hunterdon district in New Jersey failed to provide students a sense of belonging, warmth, openness, and importance. The multiunit high school model, developed to answer these needs, groups students into learning communities of 20 to 125 students each. Each learning community is focused on a…

The Peer Review Workgroup of the Community-Engaged Scholarship for Health Collaborative developed a novel set of quality community-engaged scholarship characteristics and a resource package aimed at two primary audiences: faculty seeking promotion or tenure based on community-engaged scholarship; and review, promotion, and tenure committee members…

This document is a resource developed for educators trained in the Professional Learning Team (PLT) process by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL). The PLT process is a research-based model for effective schoolwide professional development that results in teachers changing their instructional practices. This publication provides…

Guidelines cover: (1) The Key Person(s); (2) Needs Assessments; (3) Long-Range Goals; (4) Information Collection; (5) Inservice Training; and (6) Implementation Model. It is suggested that once the basic commitment has been made to incorporate microcomputers in an educational program, districts must proceed with well-devised plans. Core…

Based on the Florida Linkage System Project, this training program introduces school personnel to methods and resources for group problem-solving and decision-making. The program focuses on developing and refining skills for communication, data gathering, problem analysis, decision-making, goal setting, and program development. A primary objective…

This guide draws from numerous evaluation models to provide a frame of reference in the development and execution of an evaluation plan for pilot programs. Emphasis is on the development of an evaluation design; construction of instruments or the analysis and interpretation of results is not discussed. A selected bibliography for further in-depth…

This annotated directory provides practitioners and service providers with references to existing programs, tools, and resources that school improvement teams may use to design and implement projects. The directory draws on a variety of products developed or used by state departments of education, school districts, regional educational…

This book describes in detail the rationale and assumptions, the methods and procedures, and the goals and strategies that go into the establishment of a Tutorial Community School (TCS). The goal is to help other schools adopt these concepts, totally or partially. A sequential approach is offered for implementing each of the major Tutorial…