Discusses the role of rural public libraries in the information age. Characteristics of rural communities that library planners should consider are conservatism, the lack of professionally trained librarians, library trustee involvement, the need for marketing, and gender balance. Suggestions for recreating rural libraries and providing…

Describes a case study exploring the personal change process of one science teacher, examining the tools used for describing and changing practices and investigating how the change experience fit into the context of his life at school. Indicates that both cognitive and cultural dissonance make even individually desired change a difficult process…

The article describes how Susan Derse, principal of a Seattle high school, works with her school to facilitate and encourage change, focusing on her approach to staff development. Ms. Derse uses a collaborative, participatory style of leadership that allows plenty of time for teachers to meet and work together. (SM)

One of the few states to link reform in elementary and secondary education to higher education is Maryland, which is working toward linking statewide minimum competency testing to business hiring practices, college admission, and eventually even scholarship money. The plan is designed to end the need for remediation classes for recent high school…

Middle school educators can help prevent violence with a three-step approach: ensuring an orderly and attractive physical environment, a safe social environment, and clear expectations for student behavior. Students can be taught how to constructively manage their own anger. School safety begins before conflict begins and should continue through…

"Where Art Meets Ed" is an annual four-day conference in Hazel Green, Kentucky, which is based on the belief that art is a crucial educational tool that provides an experiential dimension to learning. Describes workshops on Appalachian literature and African dance that demonstrate the links between culture, experience, and learning. (TD)

Presents an overview of current research on strategies being utilized to develop the teaching/learning process to reflect the current learning community. Indicates that cooperative learning, critical thinking, andragogical considerations, and reading, writing, and storytelling processes are steps toward restructuring postsecondary education. (33…

In July 1993, DePaul University integrated its information technology and service functions under a new division of University Planning and Information Technology, consolidating formerly fragmented services to achieve a unified direction for information technology closely aligned with university goals. This case study discusses the framework,…

In most schools, restructuring involves a fundamental, comprehensive reformulation of school operations accompanied by intense scrutiny of everyday activities. This article traces a high school social studies teacher's growing bitterness and feelings of powerlessness as mandated restructuring efforts progressed at his school. A transition plan is…

Since schools reflect society, rethinking American education demands rethinking other dimensions of society (government organization, business involvement, and the American family). The article discusses the need to confront many societal and institutional decisions that must precede decisions about the future of American education. The focus is…

Using conventional business principles to solve problems in higher education does more harm than good. What is needed is a rethinking of the structures, governance, and teaching strategies that dominate most campuses, and creation of a service-oriented system. This requires an emphasis on community and a governance strategy of partnership. (MSE)

Three community colleges illustrate redesigned learning systems that have transformed a "teaching college" into a "learning college": Lane Community College (Oregon); Palomar College (California); and Maricopa Community Colleges (Arizona). All illustrate the important role of the president in leading and nurturing change. (MSE)

Arguments are made for and against tenure. On the side of tenure, it is proposed that faculty must have the freedom to explore new areas of inquiry, and that tenure helps secure that freedom. In opposition, it is argued that reform of the overwhelmingly white, male academic labor market cannot occur while tenure policies persist. (MSE)

Explores innovative ideas for parent and community involvement in schools, placing the responsibility for school-community connections more on the school than on the parents, and acknowledging the knowledge and skills of low-income parents. These ideas are illustrated in the Educational and Community Change Project in Tucson (Arizona). (SLD)

Supports year-round education in lieu of the traditional, agricultural economy-based school calendar, noting the advantages for teachers, students, and administrators. Describes one school's implementation experiences over several years. Includes detailed discussions of the single-track calendar, child care before and after school, intersession…