Studies a California community college that is implementing the learning paradigm--shifting from simply providing instruction to actively enhancing student learning. Suggests that community colleges undergoing this shift should examine ingrained perspectives of teaching and learning, create annual growth plans, provide inservice programs, and…

For substantial change to occur, a school system must understand the components of change: identifying assumptions, analyzing choices, making commitments, selecting and implementing appropriate actions, and engaging in critical reflection. Schools must also identify and manage key success factors for building capacity (ability and willingness) to…

This article describes Effective Behavioral Support, a systems approach to enhancing the capacity of schools to adopt and sustain use of effective processes for all students. Implementation across four major areas of the school system is discussed, including: (1) schoolwide; (2) nonclassroom; (3) classroom, and (4) individual student. A sample…

Finds that, despite the 1997 Arizona endorsement of arts standards as recommended requirements for graduation, secondary school theatre teachers profiled in this study are not accountable for, possess no ownership of, and make no investment in implementing the state's theatre standards on a systematic basis with students in their classrooms. (SR)

Students at Clovis (California) Unified School District are benefiting from GoalSHARING, a program growing out of the district's first annual education congress. Hundreds of educators, parents, and community leaders convened to determine better ways to run the schools. Parent teams now initiate changes at district and school levels. (MLH)

Examines why curriculum planning falls short in site-based management and what can be done about it. Alternative curriculum-planning strategies include holistic planning, construction of thematic units to suit students' individual differences, and a multifaceted, cross-functional approach. Adapting corporate innovations and pursuing strategic…

Describes the construction and evaluation of a Web-based learning portfolio of authentic assessment. Discusses the design of the portfolio database; its implementation in a course at National Taipei University of Technology (Taiwan); and student opinions about the impact on the learning process. (Author/LRW)

Kentucky's school-based decision-making councils now function in 66% of the state's schools. Since 1991-92, these schools have learned that their councils must represent their local constituencies, gain the support of local political structures, shun legalism, concentrate on substantive education issues, and develop a democratically based…

Describes how participants interpret the process of implementing flexible access library programs in elementary school settings and how these programs evolve over time. Topics include educational change and reform, communication and public relations, support, adequate resources, professional development, and school climate. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the history and purpose of the case study method used to stimulate in-class discussion. Advocates the use of the guided case study method to ensure that substantive discussions take place and provides nine steps for using the method. Includes a sample case study worksheet. (11 citations) (BCY)

Data from the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health, a school-based field trial, are used to illustrate the use of process evaluation for understanding study outcomes. Teacher characteristics and fidelity to the program model had direct and independent effects on student outcomes from the program. (SLD)

Reports on the achievement of the first Waldorf public elementary school in Milwaukee (Wisconsin). Early experience indicates that Waldorf pedagogy, with its emphasis on the natural rhythms of everyday life, is an effective model for predominantly African American children in an inner city. (SLD)

Outlines the evolution of environmental education in Russia, based on authors' experiences in transforming curricula in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Summarizes changes adopted in the secondary school and in three regional universities. Evaluates specific problems of introducing environmental education at the pedagogical and engineering oriented…

Examines how a learner-centered Montessori school in Toronto, Ontario, defines, specifies, and implements its management decision-support system. Findings indicate a tightly integrated management system comprised of a few student-focused decision-support elements. Identifies relationships, resources, and particular organizational arrangements as…

Without effective planning, interactive distance education can drain economic and personnel resources. Discusses questions (needs, costs, faculty selection, faculty incentives, time for training and planning, promotion and tenure, probability of success, impact on student services) designed to provide a basis from which administrators can obtain…