The Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) is a demonstration project taking place in 47 schools in Washington State led by the Washington State Board of Education (SBE). The schools are receiving funding and participating in professional learning and a statewide network to support implementation of mastery-based learning (MBL) and culturally…

Divided into three major sections, this document defines rural, discusses the role of the National Diffusion Network (NDN), and summarizes the findings of the 17 research reports included in Abt Associates' study of the Experimental Schools Program for Small Schools Serving Rural Areas. Section I, a summary reproduction from recorded notes of an…

This report describes ongoing efforts of the Maine Department of Education to encourage high school improvement through state-level actions. Three intertwined strategies have added value to the individual schools' improvement efforts, including: (1) the drafting of a statewide reform framework called Promising Futures; (2) the creation of a new…

This document addresses the first objective of a study to develop criteria to measure the effectiveness of vocational education demonstration projects. An introduction provides background to the project and the issue addressed here, namely the issue of interim and final acceptable evidence of project impact, including the criteria, documentation,…

This document addresses the second objective of a study to develop criteria to measure the effectiveness of vocational education programs. An introduction provides background to the project and the objective addressed here, namely the recommendation of proposal review criteria. Section II discusses development of the recommended criteria, which…

This manual has grown out of a multiyear statewide effort to institutionalize gender equity in a variety of educational settings. It presents a step-by-step process model for creating a climate for change that can be applied to educational innovations in general as well as change for gender equity. The following model components are explored: (1)…

This document presents case studies of eight demonstration projects selected to assess the practicality and feasibility of a monograph for improving and measuring the impact of vocational education demonstration projects. An introduction provides background of the project that developed that monograph and information on the case studies, including…

This article describes the Gironacel[R] project--a virtual learning environment produced by the University of Girona. The purpose of this tool is to make it easier for students studying quality management courses within engineering schools to understand what the "quality culture" is and how to implement the ISO 9001:2000 standard in a…

This report profiles 13 exemplary adult literacy programs and 6 innovative practices throughout Canada. Compiled through personal contacts of the researcher and knowledge of the field, the programs described represent institutional programs, workplace programs, and community-based programs. For each of the programs, the following information is…

This packet provides an update on the federally funded School-to-Work Outreach Project. Copies are provided of the profiles describing these exemplary models/practices/strategies identified in Fall 1996: SCRIPT (South County Regional Interagency Postsecondary Transitions), Gilroy, California; The STRIVE Program, Roxbury, Massachusetts; Pathways to…

In 1991, the New American Schools (NAS) Development Corporation was founded by a group of business and foundation leaders interested in investing in innovative designs for school transformation. This book describes the first 3 years of development and evaluation of 9 NAS whole-school restructuring designs. The designs were very diverse, as were…

This enthnographic study examines the process of implementing an interactive videodisc program in a senior high school. The research questions were: What happened during the implementation process and what factors facilitated or hindered the implementation of the innovation? Descriptive data were collected through participant observation,…

This report documents the objectives, methodology, and products of a study to develop criteria and standards for measuring the impact of vocational education demonstration projects. Section I provides background and describes the study's purpose and products. Section II summarizes the methodology used to conduct activities. Details of the…

Research on educational and criminal justice programs sought to clarify the relationship between organizational characteristics and innovation adoption. It focused on the reasons why organizations adopt innovations and the differences in clientele, staff, and decision-making participation between organizations adopting or unaware of an innovative…

This paper explores, from the perspective of a local practitioner, phases and effects of implementing a national education demonstration project at the local level. The pivotal role of the locality, its history and its economic realities, is emphasized. Drawing from her experience in planning and implementing a demonstration effort in a…