Reviews selected research studies evaluating school improvement projects, focusing on schools at the local level in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Examines administrative structures and classroom teaching management. Discusses educational policy changes such as increased decentralization aimed at changing learning conditions. (NL)

Contends that courses designed to help students learn about the application of computers to historical study can be prepared and taught in a number of ways. Describes a college-level course that combines an introduction to computer applications with a student research project. (CFR)

Nine articles examine current topics in leisure programing, including program design and evaluation, program design through imagery, keys to quality leisure programing, programing with style, total quality program planning, evaluation of leisure programs, programing for older adults, and the intergenerational entrepreneurship demonstration…

The outcome evaluation of a Drug-Free Schools and Community Program using a case-study design and pattern-matching logic in elementary schools and high schools is described, including the use of a panel survey and qualitative interviews. The elementary school case matched predicted outcome, but the high school case did not. (SLD)

This study used ethnographic methodology to examine the coping mechanisms of 34 parents of children (infancy to adulthood) with disabilities. Results indicated that families who were active in church appeared more able to cope with stress and maintain a positive outlook for their child. Service providers are urged to encourage the religious…

"Depth interviews" reveal the development of autonomy to be a complex process characterized by a network of interrelated life experiences in multiple domains. Relational, personal, and educational events influence the pace and direction of developing autonomy. Six themes emerging from the data are discussed and related to developmental theories…

This qualitative study examined transition-related practices at one school and their effects on experiences of secondary students with learning disabilities. Findings indicated utilization of some literature-identified best practices including vocation-related activities, instruction in self-determination skills, and such planning activities as…

Focus groups of family members of children with disabilities discussed augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) practices within a Mexican American community. Among seven perspectives identified are: (1) children understand nonverbal communication in the home; (2) aided techniques are useful outside of the home; (3) families have great…

A 5-year study examined the educational experiences of 69 culturally traditional American Indian students at a small midwestern university. Although all students experienced initial alienation, strength of ethnic identity enabled "transcultural" students to engage non-Indian culture without assimilation and successfully complete college. Insecure…

Qualitative procedures (observation and interviews with students, teachers, and parents) were used to evaluate characteristics of 20 deaf students succeeding in general education settings. The students' primary communication modes were closely divided between sign language and spoken English. Results of the interviews, a summary of observations,…

A study examined how rural youth perceive leadership and how sense of place affects those perceptions. Interviews and observations of 12 students who participated in a leadership academy in 3 rural Texas high schools indicated that rural adolescents viewed leadership as situational. Teamwork and service were the elements of leadership that…

This study demonstrates three ways of analyzing qualitative interview data: content, cultural models, and narrative analyses. Interview data from 250 Latino parents of young children with mental retardation illustrates these types of analyses. Suggestions for ways in which early intervention studies could be extended by considering different…

This commentary on a previous article that demonstrates three ways of analyzing qualitative interview data (content, cultural models, and narrative analyses), discusses the need for greater articulation of the complexities of interpretation and a greater emphasis on verification procedures in early intervention qualitative research. (CR)

Field research consisting of direct observation and interviews conducted at a computer-assembly plant in Germany examines use of English as a "lingua franca" between Japanese and Germans. The case study reported looks at several interesting aspects of translingual and intercultural communication among Germans and Japanese, citing…

Qualitative methods were used to examine the dynamics underlying reported benefits and outcomes of parent education. Findings suggest that the program can lead to significant, transformative learning and enhanced personal empowerment. Group format can provide social support to isolated parents. Overall experience can result in deeper understanding…