Discusses the redesign of educational systems and presents a designing matrix to help select boundaries of a new system. A conceptual framework for exploring educational system boundaries is described, systems models are discussed, and the three cells of the matrix are explained. (LRW)

Students find difficulty in learning linear algebra because of the abstraction and formalism associated with concepts such as vector space, linear independence, rank and invertible matrices. Learning the necessary procedures becomes insufficient, and imitating worked examples does not guarantee the maturity level necessary for understanding these…

The concept of paradigm as disciplinary matrix and exemplar is applied to industrial education. It is suggested that research on the rapid and profound changes in the field must proceed within an explicit conceptual framework that takes into account the unique structure and dynamic nature of the field. (SK)

Presents a matrix-continuum of systemic change defining six developmental stages (old system maintenance, awareness, exploration, transition, emerging new infrastructure, and predominating new system) and six key change elements (vision, public and political support, networking, teaching and learning changes, administrative roles and…

A 3-year core curriculum may be the fundamental change proposed for grades 9-12 in the "Standards." This article provides 2 examples for content differentiation for particular topics and problems. Some suggestions for adjusting the present curriculum to align with the core curriculum are provided. (YP)

The dominant issues in considering the use of tests developed outside the classroom to measure the impact of curriculum reform on higher order thinking are reviewed by a panel interviewed for this discussion. Panel members are: (1) Stuart Kahl, (2) Robert Linn, (3) Senta A. Raizen, (4) Lauren Resnick, and (5) Thomas A. Romberg. It is conceded…

A state educational indicator system being developed by the Pennsylvania Educational Policy Studies (PEPS) project at the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) is described. The extensive database that has been established as part of the PEPS project includes thousands of variables that are descriptive of the 500 Pennsylvania school districts.…

To assist the Agency for International Development in its decision-making process, a matrix which links sets of conditions in developing nations with appropriate types of educational development was produced. Key issues in the creation and use of typologies are discussed and standards for evaluating typologies are identified. Four typological…

Four key criteria used in academic program review (quality, centrality to institutional mission, competition, and demand) are defined and discussed. They are then applied to the process of strategic planning for an unspecified private university. Decision-making matrixes and their use are illustrated. (MSE)

Tabular procedures for analyzing open-ended responses were used to study a school district's educational reform program. Responses of a rural Arizona Career Ladder (CL) school district's teachers and administrators to three pairs of open-ended questions contained in the 1989 Perception Assessment Scale survey comprised the data base for the…

Part of an effort to more accurately describe the kinds of students attracted to and served by the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), this report examines the relationship of student characteristics to enrollment patterns and describes a method for clarifying the image of students served. Drawing on national enrollment growth patterns…

This paper describes the development, validation, and research application of the Computer-Delivered Instruction Configuration Matrix (CDICM), an instrument for evaluating the implementation of Integrated Learning Systems (ILS). The CDICM consists of a 15-item checklist, describing the major components of implementation of ILS technology, to be…