Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a sound academic practice that contributes to adult learning by linking formal and informal learning. However, it has not been widely accepted by Canadian educational institutions. In 1996, a consortium of seven colleges and an independent PLAR consultant began a study to create a comprehensive…

The practice of sustained silent reading (SSR) is based on the belief that motivation, interest, self-selection, modeling, and time spent reading contribute to student reading achievement. A study was designed to ascertain the prevalence of SSR in classrooms in a particular geographic area and the degree to which the program's original goals are…

A current initiative at many institutions is the formation of "learning communities" that link or cluster courses around an interdisciplinary theme and enroll a common cohort of students. This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of students, faculty and administrators who were involved in a learning community to determine the…

This report provides summaries of the projects funded under phase three of the Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning (FDTL) in England. The FDTL aims to stimulate developments in teaching and learning and to involve institutions in implementing good practice. A total of 33 projects were funded under phase three, at a total cost of 6.8…

This paper describes a 1-year study of 120 fifth-grade students whose teachers participated in a program entitled Project SMILE (Science and Math Integrated with Literary Experiences). The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which the classroom implementation of Project SMILE positively influenced the classroom environment and…

This report provides guidance and information on resources to assist elementary schools, parents, community members, and policymakers in implementing a systemic approach to standards-based education. It makes clear recommendations on how schools can achieve a coordinated system in which standards, assessment, accountability, and curriculum are…

This report addresses strategies and action plans for Palm Beach Community College (PBCC) (Florida) between 1999-2004. As part of a commitment to achieve specific, measurable end results, the college has set various objectives, including: (1) develop, implement and institutionalize a mission driven strategic budget for the 1999-2000 fiscal year;…

This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a social competence promotion program conducted in the sixth grade of a middle school. The need to increase social competence within the school arose from the results of enumerative and stakeholder data collected at the school. This paper outlines the steps of the needs assessment, program…

Containing four sections of materials for workshop presenters to teach phonics and word recognition, this guide assists early reading program educators (grades K-3) in enhancing the Reading and Language Arts knowledge and skills of Texas students. Section 1, an introduction, defines the purpose of the guide and outlines six goals. Section 2,…

The No Child Left Behind Act required states and districts to begin offering supplemental educational services in the 2002-03 school year to students from low-income families attending Title I schools that had been identified for improvement for two years or more. This brief is based on a larger study that examined the first year of implementation…

The authors present a step-by-step approach to a phased-in career development model to help develop, restructure, evaluate, and implement a program. Steps include: examine existing practices; sell top management; communicate corporate philosophy; integrate the program; design workshops; and evaluate. (CT)

Why do teachers resist change? Major discrepancies exist between what policymakers believe about teachers, innovation, and classroom practice and what teachers believe about these things. A major void in theorizing about change and innovation is the failure to attend to the power relationship inherent in the implementation process. (BRR)

Suggests that student personnel services could be expanded to provide employee assistance programs for college faculty and staff. Outlines steps to implement an EAP including planning, organizing, budgeting, staffing, directing, and evaluating. Suggests more effective use of campus resources to preserve human resources. (JAC)

This report on current uses of microcomputers in instruction at Palatine High School, a suburban Chicago public secondary school, presents and discusses the results of a survey of the high school's faculty concerning their use of microcomputers as instructional aids. Differences among academic departments are outlined. (JL)