Results of a study of the relationship between teachers' perceptions of five attributes of an innovative curriculum and the observed degree of its implementation generally supported the hypothesis that perceptions of the innovation's relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, and observability correlate positively with degree of…

Analyzes to what extent 120 British primary schools' practice matched criteria for national management and development outlined in official guidelines. Primary schools have been slower than secondary schools to embrace the principles of strategic and long-term development planning. Inspectors' application of criteria in resource-management matters…

Although individual components of reform initiatives may appear promising, little thought is given to possible inconsistencies resulting from implementing multiple reform components simultaneously. This article describes some unintended consequences arising from inconsistencies between and within components of Kentucky's systemic education reform.…

State-supported teacher networks like the California Subject Matter Projects and the Vermont Portfolio Networks can be a useful alternative to conventional inservice training programs. Networks are cost-effective and connect teachers with resources, provide ongoing support, and expand teachers' leadership opportunities. A mix of constructed and…

Discusses problem-based learning and describes the occupational therapy programs at McMaster University and Shenandoah University. Compares similarities and differences and looks at issues involved in the implementation of the programs. (JOW)

Presents a rationale for developing and implementing integrated curricula in the middle school. Draws connections between the middle school concept, integrated curriculum, and constructivist learning theory. Explores differences between integrated curriculum and the more traditional separate subject curriculum. Examines several models of…

Notes that the technical communication program at State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome established a Technical Communication Advisory Board composed of professionals, managers, and others associated with professional and technical communication. Describes benefits to students, to the program, and to advisory board…

A rural Georgia high school has established a framework of continuous improvement to help it become a learning organization. Teachers are involved at all organizational levels--from school management to instructional practices. Teams of teachers are testing new ideas and knowledge, using data and simple statistical tools to discover what works,…

Anecdotal evidence suggests that valuation of library collections is not being addressed by library managers, despite the growing popularity of accrual accounting in publicly funded institutions. This article discusses the implications of asset valuation and describes the development and implementation a method for valuing the library collections…

Describes the implementation of Te Whaariki, the New Zealand National Early Childhood Curriculum. Found that general support for the curriculum is high but that current regulations and funding make it difficult for centers to meet the quality expectations. Several training institutions have begun using Te Whaariki as a framework, and evaluation…

Examines management of planned change. Considers how a continually shifting balance between environmental turbulence and stability affects implementation of annual school-development plans. Tests Wallace and McMahon's contingency hypothesis: turbulent environments demand a continual process of creation, monitoring, and adjustment. Stable…

The change process depends on acceptance, adaptation, and institutionalization of change by individuals, the school organization, and the community. This article presents a Change Process Model that helps principals visualize the steps toward meaningful change. This model encompasses a school's vision; stakeholder groups; necessary skills,…

Identifies key issues and provides strategies for building a library Web site. Highlights include defining the purpose in accordance with what is technically possible; the server; connectivity; designation of responsibilities; page and link maintenance and enhancement; administrative organization, including a Web Governing Group, Web…

Describes a token economy that used tokens styled as license plates to elicit appropriate behavior in an inclusive fifth-grade class in which four students with behavior disorders were enrolled. Student involvement in establishing the "driving rules" of the classroom is explained, the components of a token economy are outlined, and steps for group…

A principal of a charter school in Colorado Springs, Colorado, recounts the triumphs and pitfalls of the school's first year. The school charter lacked a clear-cut avenue for making changes. Intending to create a parent-run school, the founding board (themselves parents) made drastic curricular changes without consulting other parents. Passionate…