Establishes a base for research on parent centers and their effects through a survey of 28 elementary and secondary schools nationwide that are running parent centers. Parent-family centers are emerging as a vehicle for enhancing parental involvement in schools in a number of ways. (SLD)

Describes environmental workplace assessments as tools in developing customized training, highlighting the group process and individual interview techniques. Suggests that, by assessing the cultural climate of an organization, education providers can gather essential baseline information on an organization and thereby provide a guide for further…

Provides an annotated bibliography of eight ERIC documents on customized contract training at community colleges. Summarizes documents related to an overview of contract training and analyses of national and statewide surveys of training practices; planning, promoting, managing, and evaluating customized education; and creating partnerships. (BCY)

To be part of instructional development, library media specialists (LMS) must work with teachers using a variety of resources which teach viewing, listening, reading, and critical thinking skills. The following models for teacher/LMS integration are discussed: Loertcsher's taxonomy; the TIE (talking, involving, evaluating) model; and the Toor and…

A nationwide survey was conducted in 1992-1993 of 1,000 elementary and secondary public school counselors (57.1% return) to examine the degree of collaboration between counselors and media specialists. Over 70% felt they had an effective partnership. Ten needs and services are suggested which librarians can use to begin or strengthen the…

Emphasizes the critical role of parental input into design and implementation of family involvement programs. Discusses what parents consider meaningful family involvement, which can constitute the foundation for program development. Suggests ways to maintain a parent focus in program decisions. (BAC)

Describes one mechanism by which prospective science teachers are socialized into the teaching profession prior to their student teaching experience. A Discrepant Events Share-a-thon is conducted by prospective middle school and high school teachers at the Georgia Science Teachers Association annual meeting. (LZ)

The Edison Project will reconfigure time, deploy truly professional teachers, and utilize technologies in powerful new ways. Other Edison design highlights include its research basis; clear, defining values; high universal standards; five-domain curriculum; proven, individualized instructional methods; creative organization; true accountability;…

Although urban public school educators are not achieving optimal results, there is no evidence that for-profit educational companies will do any better or possess special expertise in educating poor students of color. Education Alternatives, Inc. has trouble retaining low-paid nonunion paraprofessionals and has cut out minority contractors. The…

Details a school-university partnership that served as a catalyst for educational reform where resources and expertise for change were lacking. The authors present a case study of a school-wide change effort that included curriculum and infrastructure reform, opportunities for greater family involvement, and integration of school and community…

Reports on a curriculum development project in which principles of instructional design were integrated with real-world experiences in a corporate environment to provide a connection between graduate education and practice. Evaluations by learners, the client, student teams, and the instructor are discussed, and guidelines for similar projects are…

Describes a partnership between the Squamish Nation of British Columbia and Capilano College, a Vancouver community college, in which the Squamish Nation participated fully in developing and overseeing a college transition program. The program assisted students by providing an initial skill assessment, developmental instruction, and ongoing…

Examined how professional-development schools influenced teacher educators' beliefs about teaching, teacher education, and school renewal. Data from observations, journals, and interviews indicated that participants encountered tensions that challenged their beliefs. The tensions resulted from moving their practice from the university into…

The American Association of School Administrators' partnership with Compaq, the world's second-largest computer manufacturer, aims to improve American school districts' efficiency and effectiveness. The program features a Promising Model Recognition program for pioneering districts, an "office of tomorrow" prototype, and a members-only…

Defines authentic technology and describes how it can be developed and tested. Proposes collaboration among practitioners, technologists, scientists, craftspeople, and artists to develop authentic educational technologies. Offers three examples of current social and educational technologies. (AEF)