Examines several factors limiting the implementation of the whole language approach, including mystification of the concept, lack of parent involvement, and overzealous implementation. Discusses ways to avoid these problems. (MM)

The staff at the Career Center at Florida State University redesigned an existing career planning course to infuse new student learning materials that would provide exploration of gender-related work-family options. This article describes the process of redesign, specific options offered, and initial results of the project. (JOW)

The authors describe a series of workshops given on the topic of scientific literacy. Titles included (1) Human Genetics, (2) Microbes and Man, and (3) The Science of Growing Plants. They discuss program development, implementation, content, and outcomes. Policy-related observations are included. (Author/CH)

School choice should be promoted only under conditions guaranteeing that costs will be outweighed by benefits. Implementing choice means developing an effective assignment policy, conducting parent surveys, providing for adequate staff involvement, committing to parent outreach, managing effects on individual schools, and setting up a…

Discusses three essential components of successful cooperative education programs (commitment, pacing, and support) and offers practical suggestions to teachers, such as arranging groups efficiently, determining group size, deciding how long groups should stay together, and deciding when group learning is appropriate. Teaching social skills is…

Any plan to create a communications/governance structure to empower stakeholders must address several questions: rationale, potential advantages and disadvantages, problems to be considered, format, committee structure and responsibilities, and evaluation techniques. Includes 10 references. (MLH)

According to a 1987 survey of administrators in 154 exemplary middle schools, certain implementation strategies are essential to ensure success, including participatory decision-making, leadership and philosophical vision, windows of opportunity, staff development, and evaluation and public relations expertise. Postimplementation strategies are…

Describes a project that used simulation to help students improve human relations skills. Principles of human relations and skills important to interviewing, listening, interacting, speaking, and report writing were emphasized. (JOW)

The Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) has developed both formal and informal reading assessments reflecting current reading theory. A test development committee created a MEAP blueprint of four elements: constructing meaning, knowledge about reading, attitudes and self-perceptions, and topic familiarity. Includes two references. (MLH)

Describes a teacher induction program with four goals (1) to establish a support team; (2) to help new teachers develop skills and judgment; (3) to explore numerous teaching strategies; and (4) to provide inservice experiences for mentors. The program involves a personal development plan and special topic seminars. Includes 13 references. (MLH)

The authors describe their observations, as administrators of the Personal Adult Learning Lab at the University of Georgia, about the role of educational technology in adult self-directed learning and the adult learner's reaction to technology. The ways in which the lab is using computer-assisted instruction and interactive video technology are…

Examines current status of career education in the public schools, both in terms of barriers to its implementation and potential curriculum models consistent with the needs of disabled youth. Discusses two curriculum models, Life-Centered Career Education and Employability Enhancement Strategies. (Author/NB)

All planning approaches require a result to be assessed. Images of the planning-implementation cycle's success or failure influence the planning process itself. This article attempts to identify the components that determine success and failure thresholds, develop a success-failure framework, apply the framework to analyze some basic planning…

A personalized education, according to Ted Sizer, means that students are known by adult professionals in the school. Administrators at a California high school with 2,000 students and very large classes initiated an adopt-a-kid program by matching adult volunteers on campus with low-achieving students. This program, along with a successful block…

This paper describes the relative importance attributed by teachers to the different objectives of environmental education in schools in the northern part of the Netherlands; and the constraints and the need for support when teachers want to pay more attention to the various objectives of environmental education. (LZ/Author)