Suggests the field of education has paid little attention to complexities involved in large-scale replication of curricular changes and other new directions for school-based interventions, which has contributed to the failure of many reforms. Highlights a framework of general phases and specific steps for diffusion of major new approaches across a…

Reports on a longitudinal study examining implementation of a Quality Management reform based on Deming's seven principles. Interview and survey data from a national sample of purposefully chosen high schools show limited results as to teachers' effective use and institutionalization of TQM principles. The principal's role is critical. (Contains…

The push to implement classroom technology, regardless of cost or real benefit, often intrudes on making wise choices. Strong technology candidates will provide a compelling extension to ongoing classroom work, be good curriculum enhancers, offer cost-effective software and equipment options, and offer a gentle professional-development learning…

Policymakers are placing tremendous faith in assessment, a technology with many limitations. Assessment-driven improvement policy uses mandatory testing to leverage desired change, but it narrows the curriculum, punishes teachers for things beyond their control, expands bureaucracy, and does not work. Alternative strategies for school leaders are…

Attributes of a successful school district include a sterling reputation; a high-quality management team; sound preparation for students' future; ability to attract, develop, and retain quality staff; a sound financial position; leadership that earns loyalty; hard and soft values; innovation and commitment; community stewardship; and character.…

Examines the transference of transformational leadership models to an English educational context in the light of globalization pressures and the current government's response to these models. Defining headteacher success as achievement of centrally imposed outcome measures furthers professional cultures that hamper achievement of transformational…

The costly National Grid for Learning initiative embodies the fast-growing influence of both market and technological forces in UK education. An initial study reveals that the NGFL does not represent a radical shift toward business-dominated educational policy-making, but reflects New Labour's "healthy pragmatism" toward policy…

Explains why schoolwide reform models do not work. Reviews several validated school-improvement principles and discusses their implementation. (PKP)

Recent work on raising attainment in education has raised theoretical issues about organizational responses to innovation and qualitative aspects of programme implementation. In particular, the "depth" of an implementation (the extent to which a programme actually changes the educational interactions between pupils and their teachers) is…

First Step to Success is a collaborative home and school early intervention program designed to address secondary prevention goals and outcomes for behaviorally at-risk children in the K-2 age-grade range (see Walker, Kavanagh, Stiller, Golly, Severson, & Feil, 1998; Walker, Stiller, Golly, Kavanagh, Severson, & Feil, 1997). In 1999 the…

In this article, the author provides 10 suggestions for a successful workshop, including advice and examples: (1) Know your role; (2) Limit your topic; (3) Be organized and communicate that organization; (4) Set out a problem or possibility; then offer a solution or opportunity; (5) Be conversational and have fun; (6) Good handouts and good slides…

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) accountability mechanisms have the potential to derail comprehensive school reform (CSR) implementation. For those pursuing CSR, the question is how to reconcile the implementation of NCLB accountability mandates with ongoing CSR efforts. Drawing from longitudinal data from a national study of CSR, this article explores…

The author describes practical steps for infusing the strategic plan throughout the organization. These steps have carried the University of Wisconsin--Madison effectively through two cycles of reaccreditation and planning. (Contains 1 figure.)

The various issues like do mentors have a responsibility to take a new look at the chemistry curricula in light of the challenges and expectations of the 21st century workplace, and should our graduates possess other valued characteristics are discussed. Every academician has the responsibility to prepare chemists for the 21st century by…

Children's choice awards are intended to encourage children, primary age through teens, to read quality literature for enjoyment. The reasons for joining a children's choice program before deciding to participate are presented.