As recently as five years ago, educators politely listened to, and largely ignored, suggestions that the world is changing at a dramatic rate and that education must adapt. Today, many educators agree that the traditional Industrial Age model of learning no longer adequately prepares students for their futures. As a result, many schools, and…

Next Generation High Schools are schools that redesign the high school experience to make it more engaging and worthwhile for high school students. In order to create such Next Generation High Schools, schools, districts, and States should utilize evidence-based strategies to transform high schools in ways that engage students and help prepare…

It is intriguing and frustrating that while research evidence on characteristics of effective staff development programs has existed for some time, these features are not commonly in practice. Most of the staff development conducted with K-12 teachers corresponds with the short-term transmission model, with no concern for what is already going on…

Findings from a study of school restructuring models and their impact on the teaching/learning process are presented in this report. Following an overview of different restructuring approaches, a theoretical model for restructuring is described. Next, the restructuring practices implemented by the Stearns Elementary School in Pittsfield,…

This paper proposes a framework for the application of psychology to schooling that engages collaboration among users and has the potential to improve education outcomes. The assumption underlying this approach is that effective application to social and schooling contexts are self-directed, active, and experiential. The Learner-Centered…

The goals of education for the next century require a new conception of accountability, one that seeks to create responsible and responsive schools. This volume tries to outline such a conception of learner-centered accountability, and show how it looks in action in real schools. The first chapter provides a conceptual overview of a…

This collection brings together writings on two powerful approaches to education, outcome-based education (OBE) and mastery learning. OBE is about refocusing on the people in the educational system and their success in achieving excellence as learners and teachers. The following papers are included: (1) "Toward a Network Description of…

After clarifying the meaning of restructuring through an analysis of the current educational paradigm, this document begins by differentiating between educational reform and restructuring and, similarly, between educational evolution and revolution. Paradigms are defined along with Kuhn's (1962) concept of the "paradigm shift." Clarifying,…

An increasing number of elementary school sites have begun to implement nongraded, multiage, primary developmental learning environments. Nongraded primaries are more than just a loosening of the age limits and a changing of the promotion strategies. This broad educational restructuring strategy provides a unique opportunity for creating new…

Examines reactions of three types of stakeholder groups (administrators/policymakers, early interventionists/teachers, and parents) to the National Center on Educational Outcomes' early childhood outcomes models. Group members represented either a general early childhood perspective or an early childhood special education perspective. Presents…

Argues that parents be included in developing a model for early childhood education. Recommends the careful consideration of the support parents provide their children for reaching educational outcomes, as well as the support received by parents. Addresses the composition of stakeholders involved in developing a model of outcomes and indicators.…

Discusses the necessary restructuring of the nations' schools to reflect the paradigm shift in society. Presents the findings of a study state and national reports of change initiatives since 1982 recorded in science education literature that compared various components, roles, and dynamics of educational systems in the dominant and new paradigms.…

This monograph is written to be used by school personnel and is a compilation of many ideas. The first chapter discusses the two key ingredients that school districts must consider to promote restructuring: leadership and teacher participation. Eight steps in the process and planning of restructuring are listed. As schools begin the process of…

This article addresses school reform and the challenges presented to educational leaders working toward social justice which is not limited to only academic achievement. Social justice as used here is education for emancipatory social change resulting in freedom to, that is, the opportunity for individuals to pursue work they value, and,…

This book reflects some of the debate following publication of the 1991 Further and Higher Education Bill, and it also draws on preliminary findings of a national research project funded by a partnership of government, business, and higher education that was designed to develop and test quality assessment methods. Chapters are organized in three…