Colleges that train schoolteachers are encouraged to stiffen their admissions and graduation requirements and give prospective teachers a bigger dose of the liberal arts. The report of the National Commission for Excellence in Teacher Education is discussed. (MLW)

Describes organizational factors that influence most instructional development projects, relates them to the features of the project-oriented matrix, and lists and explains specific matrix management strategies that instructional developers can use to solve common management problems. (MBR)

Reviews some current criticisms of teacher education and the nature of recent reform proposals. Presents a series of propositions dealing with (1) potential reform of teacher education's substance and process and (2) governance of certification, accreditation, and the link between research community and teacher education process. (CMG)

This article examines each of the three major sources of work done by North Dakota county superintendents--statute, regulation, and initiated and invited service--and argues that, although county superintendents provide valuable services, there is a need to restructure the superintendency to better respond to changes in intermediate county…

In the 18 years since the founding of the University of California, Santa Cruz, America's youth have turned from long hair to pin-striped careerism. UCSC made the transition with the help of an image overhaul emphasizing its mix of idealistic educational philosophy and rigorous undergraduate courses. (MLW)

Briefly examines the Bell System as it existed before its break-up, changes that have occurred and what has resulted, and efforts of an instructional developer to design a learning experience for middle managers as they move into this new work environment. The resultant seminar and its focus are discussed. (MBR)

Taking as examples the issues of improving students'"high order thinking skills" and arriving at more equitable teacher salaries and school budgets, the author discusses the need for compromise solutions to widespread problems. (JBM)

The laboratory method has institutionalized itself in the larger social system, and an investigation of how this came about provides an important case study of social intervention. Uses of the method's intrinsic "change-agent" concept are illustrated, and particular aspects of the growth of the movement are examined. (Author)

"Open Minds to Equality" is an educator's sourcebook of activities to help students understand and change inequalities based on: race, gender, class, age, language, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability, and religion. The activities promote respect for diversity and interpersonal equality among students, fostering a classroom that is…

Spurred by the economic boom of the late 1990s and a decades-old national standards movement that increased both the transparency of assessment results and the awareness of urban public school failure, communities across the country are turning to community organizing as a strategy for improving public education. As organizations confront the…

Nearly everyone involved in the enterprise of schooling understands the profound importance of building and sustaining a high-quality team of teachers. Moreover, the research is clear: the single most important school-based determinant of student achievement is the quality of the teacher in the classroom. Yet, urban schools must often staff their…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) is the latest revision to federal special education law. There were several exciting new additions to the law that should enhance meaningful parent involvement in their child's special education program. This document provides parents and service providers general information about the…

Inquiry, exploration and valuing were elements of the appreciative inquiry process used in this year's Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) Leadership Advisory Council to discern the strengths of Extension and its personnel and to help envision a vital future that builds on those strengths. Before the meeting, participants…

Even the best principals and teachers need additional inspiration and energy to motivate students and even themselves. This handbook shows principals and teachers how to upgrade performance in the classroom and schoolwide. Using evidence-based strategies, John Le Tellier provides a catalog of practiced "moves" to help create an empowering…

This brief outlines nine leading research-based concepts that have served as a foundation for education reform. It compares existing ideas about learning, knowledge, and teaching with conceptual benchmarks for "best practice" that would be consistent with current research. The goal is to foster inquiry and support fundamental, long-term…