When parent-teacher conferences don't improve a problem student's behavior, a systematic change strategy is needed. Daily report cards are effective if they divide the day into segments, provide evaluations for each segment, feature increasingly demanding goals, provide parent reinforcement, use mild punishment, and accrue reinforcement rewards. A…

This article reviews five frequently cited attributes of effective schools, presents steps in creating significant schools, considers the importance and role of talent development, and describes relevant applications of the Creative Problem Solving framework to synthesize school improvement and talent development efforts. (DB)

A new model for financing Spanish universities is examined, looking first at the changing context of higher education in Spain and then at the structure and objectives of the model. Salient features include increased institutional autonomy, standardization of service quality, linking of costs to constituencies, implicit and explicit incentives for…

The origins of the United States' land-grant universities is reexamined, and an alternative interpretation is offered. Establishment of these universities is seen traditionally as part of the educational evolution of the country; it is proposed that while educational reform played a minor role in their emergence, the primary motivation behind the…

In recent years, there has been much research on bullying in the United Kingdom. In 1990, the author, a school counselor and teacher, organized an antibullying workshop at a large secondary school. Since then, the school has been developing a schoolwide antibullying policy comprising various strategies, including an antibullying contract and a…

Describes the measures adopted by Prince George's Community College to meet a midyear 10% budget cut. Indicates that several measures were taken, including cost containment in equipment purchasing, professional development, and hiring; administrative reorganization; an early retirement program; and an Instructional Services Fee based on an…

Deploring the prevalence of intimidating behavior at a new Texas middle school, assistant principals acted to suppress all gang activity and enforce a dress code and hallway discipline. With immediate problems under control, they intervened to reduce student anonymity, inform teachers via e-mail about unusual activities, and involve students in…

Drawing on transition literature of a general nature and specific to language disorders and learning disabilities, this article challenges the efficacy of the existing special education paradigm and contends that changes in institutional policies and practices are needed. The article also discusses roles played by participants in the transition…

This article argues that, if colleges and universities are to capitalize on opportunities presented by the growth of the learning industry, they must transform themselves from Industrial Age educational institutions into Information Age learning enterprises. Leadership strategies, planning challenges, vendor roles, and economic paradigms necessary…

Even before 1983, when the South African government relaxed the provisions of 1959 legislation imposing apartheid on tertiary education, a number of universities had begun to improve access for black South Africans. After 1983, the number of interventions multiplied rapidly, often with the support of American foundations. Case studies of six…

Analyzes public policy and political issues that affect Indiana's library information services. Reviews the effects of these issues on Indiana's single statewide network created via a massive voluntary restructuring partnership between the Indiana State Library and 10 independent Library Service Authorities. An appendix presents Indiana's plan for…

Radical changes occurring in the university's environment, from reconstitution of the student body to reengineering of the technological infrastructure, will require very different institutional arrangements. Distance education will not bring enough change, and open learning ignores the strengths of the current system. Higher education must guard…

Obstacles to reform at the National Autonomous University of Mexico are examined, including established power relations, bureaucracy, culturally based patterns, and resistance to external influence. The problems are viewed in the context of the university's history through the 20th century. Redefinition of the relationship between the university…

Discusses the forces driving increasing environmental problems, why these problems defy easy solution, and the role of experiential education in natural resource management issues. Discusses adaptations of experiential programming to lessen impacts on natural environments and to promote proenvironmental behaviors through awareness building,…

Presents suggestions for promoting school change in nonthreatening ways. When proposing change, one must highlight payoffs, keep it safe, empathize, be realistic, and work within the school culture. When implementing change, one should encourage ownership, form teams, promote fun, avoid chaos, get administrator support, move slowly, and praise…