The PREPS (Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools) consortium in Mississippi is described. The article discusses the consortium's purpose, the role of university researchers, what kind of research is conducted, function of the PREPS staff, PREPS membership, the kinds of problems that PREPS addresses, and suggestions for developing…

Students in Lawrence, MA, explored careers and increased future employment potential through a school/business relationship based on Japanese business practices. A description of this program and how the corporations trained students and teachers to use statistical charting techniques are given. (DF)

This report presents results from the fifth annual survey of Advanced Technological Education (ATE) projects, centers, and articulation partnerships. ATE has approximately 220 active awards. Of these, 163 ATE-funded projects, centers, and articulation partnerships were asked to participate in the 2004 survey. During the survey administration…

There has been a growing interest in placing sworn police officers in schools as SROs to improve school safety. The purpose of the National Assessment was to identify what program "models" have been implemented, how programs have been implemented, and what the programs' possible effects may be. To obtain this information, Abt Associates conducted…

Many educators believe that comprehensive school reform (CSR) holds real promise for improving schools, as many CSR programs are based in research and have documented success. However, in the past year, there has been increased emphasis on CSR programs' evidence of effectiveness and scrutiny of CSR evaluations' degree of rigor. Questions exist…

Citing young people's seemingly extensive--but actually superficial--knowledge about drugs, the author suggests that students need drug education which stresses self-awareness and decision making. He outlines the type of teacher training and community involvement needed for such a program. (SJL)

Assesses the meaning of performance in organizations' training programs. Analyzes and critiques the scenario of typical training program designs. Proposes operational conditions essential to achieving performance in a training program. (CSS)

A study chronicled the use of a process of planning for paraeducator supports by teams in 46 schools in 13 states during the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 school years. Findings indicated that the process assisted school teams in self-assessing their paraeducators practices, identifying priorities, and developing action plans and implementing them.…

A study examined views of teachers about the impact of honors classes on secondary students in regular classes with gifted students removed and on the gifted students in honors classes. Results show honors classes in basic subjects are positive for honors and regular students and for teachers of both. (MSE)

The Illinois Consortium for International Studies has developed a cost-effective program for community college students to study abroad. Currently, students study in England and Austria, and a program will open in Mexico. Emphasis has been on foreign study, but programs to internationalize the campus and curriculum are being planned. (Author/MSE)

Although the default rate on federally insured student loans is declining, the amount of student borrowing has almost tripled since 1990. Borrowers may be finding loans more burdensome, as nearly one-third are unsubsidized and amounts borrowed are steadily increasing. Also, the General Accounting Office has discovered serious program management…

This article provides a consistent framework through which educators may better identify and serve gifted and talented students by revisiting the dynamics of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) in relation to student achievement. Delivery and structural and organizational components of SEM are discussed, along with research supporting the model.…

Describes programs designed to help foster children by expediting and advocating for appropriate school placement, academic tutoring, counseling, coordination of services, and guidance toward independent living. These programs have been found effective in prompt placement, facilitation of academic progress, and successful completion of high…

The idea of institutionally sponsored employee mentoring programs, sometimes used in industry, is applied to personnel management in higher education institutions. The benefits and problems of such programs are discussed, and suggestions are made for program design at the entry level and for career development. (MSE)

A study asked 100 individuals with hearing impairments to complete alcohol and drug program pretreatment and posttreatment surveys. Following treatment, improvements were found in participants' attitudes, vocabulary related to substance abuse, and knowledge of issues relating to treatment. Ten recommendations for future treatment programs are…