Computer technology supports independent learning, a fundamental goal in Montessori education. Language and research are also fundamental, and computer technology enables and enhances all three goals in the child's hands. A Montessori teacher gives a detailed discussion of and plan for a social studies unit designed for computer utilization in…

Examines the distinction between extrinsically motivated evaluation, which addresses the concerns of the bureaucracy, and intrinsically motivated evaluation, which addresses specific concerns of teachers and learners to improve aspects of ESL/EFL programs. An approach to evaluation is proposed that might satisfy both parties, using a current…

Kent State University (Ohio) has focused on developing an organizational culture that expects and promotes quality. A college finance division statement, distributed to division staff, identifies its values and beliefs and emphasizes a culture in which planning, empowerment, and continuous improvement are key elements. (MSE)

Reflects on the role of service education, suggesting that a comprehensive program might include locating service education within a social context, offering community service and service learning projects, developing a service education climate through projects fully integrated into a given teacher's academic curriculum, incorporating both social…

A review of the bibliographic instruction (BI) format for business and career information in a business writing class at Louisiana State University revealed that a new framework was needed. Problems of the current format, results of student surveys, questioning techniques, learning models, and the role of assignments were examined. The conceptual…

Examines how principals of high achieving middle schools use their various roles to promote student achievement and engage the school community--staff members, students, and parents--in studying and addressing the achievement needs of students. Outlines the characteristics of the principal's roles as inspirational leader, human resource developer,…

This article describes service outcomes for people with disabilities, achieved by local Oregon communities during the past five years as they have implemented a community capacity building model called the Community Transition Team Model. Principles of successful programs included active participation of diverse stakeholders, change viewed as a…

Focuses on the resurgence of action research in teaching. Based on the concept that education is a social science whose theoretical principles should be grounded in the practitioner's knowledge, action research is a viable model for getting teachers involved in educational research. A typical action research project develops in successive stages.…

The University of Illinois' Leadership Development Program for special needs professionals uses Program Improvement Projects--action plans for a program change to be implemented by participant teams (vocational educators, special educators, and adult service providers). (SK)

The concept of risk-adjusted measures of quality is discussed, and a methodology is proposed for risk-adjusting and integrating multiple adverse outcomes of anesthesia services into measures for quality assurance and quality improvement programs. Although designed for a new anesthesiology database, the methods should apply to other health…

The use of qualitative data in the refinement of a research program in human immunodeficiency virus studies in a military population is described. Three mechanisms of patient participation (a protocol advisor, a participant advisory panel, and focus groups) provided important feedback for adapting the research process. (SLD)

Reports on a United Nations appraisal of the preschool component of India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the program, the efficacy of preschool programs in India, and the role of staff training, calling for the upgrading of initial and on-the-job training. (MDM)

Presents a historical sketch of American Montessori teacher education and discusses issues that should be addressed in the future. Suggests that teacher educators should teach their students strategies for individualizing their interactions with children rather than encouraging their students to memorize large amounts of material. Advocates the…

Discusses academic support programs for distance education students and describes the results of an evaluation of the orientation program at the University College of Central Queensland (UCCQ). A questionnaire was used to determine the costs of the program, whether student needs were being met, orientation attendance, and needed changes or…

This paper cites modest beneficial effects of early intervention for children with developmental disabilities or children at risk, and examines two specific program features, age of start and family involvement. The moderating influence of the level of disability severity is also analyzed, and future directions for improving early intervention…