To test the effectiveness of an organizational development strategy to improve educational environments, data were gathered on the process and outcomes of a project for school climate improvement and school renewal. Data from two urban schools--a junior high school and a middle school--were drawn from interviews with participants, figures on…

This report focuses on resource-based learning programs and describes ways in which such programs can (1) provide for students' individual differences in learning rate and style; (2) maximize opportunities for exceptional students; and (3) familiarize students with the use of a wide range of learning materials, including modern technology. The…

West Virginia's school improvement plan, emphasizing learning outcomes, mandates excellent education for all students. Following an executive summary, this paper discusses, first, the conflict between excellence and equity in educational reform, and West Virginia's intent to resolve that conflict; second, the legal foundations of the master plan,…

This paper offers leaders in business and education techniques and strategies for encouraging, initiating, and managing business-school partnerships for educational improvement. Such partnerships can help schools impart to their graduates the "skills, judgment, and initiative" needed to keep America's economy strong. Following the foreword and…

In a study of the effectiveness of professional development for teachers of language minority students, 30 teachers enrolled in a course on language minority education were pre- and post-tested for changes in theories and beliefs regarding different cultures, languages, their own sense of effectiveness, and educational issues relating to language…

The interrelation of higher education and corporate management at a time when educational and industrial institutions are reassessing their basic strategies is discussed. The corporate career paths of college graduates are examined with a focus on the comparative advantages of liberal arts, business, and engineering degrees. The three primary…

As one of the working papers in the final report of the Arizona Board of Regents' Task Force on Excellence, Efficiency and Competitiveness, this document makes a comparison between Arizona's system of higher education and those of other states, in order to place Arizona's higher education efforts in perspective. The number of universities and…

Maryland's state postsecondary education system is described, along with actions to address state needs, and institutional roles and missions. The types of institutions are distinguished and information is provided on enrollments for individual community colleges, state universities and colleges, and private institutions. Planning assumptions are…

This paper describes the 6-year effort (1979-1985) of the University of South Dakota School of Education to integrate microcomputer applications into the teacher education curriculum. For the purpose of describing changes in procedures and key factors over time, the activities during those years are grouped into three phases--awareness,…

A 4-month study was conducted to determine the feasibility and desirability of computer networks for instruction and educational administration in Alaska. Five major activities were carried out to collect the necessary information: (1) interviews with representatives of other Alaska government agencies; (2) a survey of district office staff; (3) a…

This study analyzes various measures of economic well-being to establish how these may have changed over time. It concludes that while most Americans have experienced progressively higher living standards in recent decades, an underclass group has emerged without the wherewithal to support itself or improve its economic situation. Government…

Comprehensive staff development approaches described in this paper are based on on-site work with school districts and a 1980 National Rural Project investigation of problems experienced by over 80 rural districts and cooperatives across the country as they attempted to implement staff development programs. Three models are described which…

This report examines the problem of curriculum revision in the formal education structure of developing countries to eliminate sex bias against women. It identifies three needs: to (1) increase the number of girls in school, (2) alter school schedules to allow women with household and agricultural responsibilities to attend classes, and (3) revise…

This paper describes a group counseling weight loss program, Weight Group, for elementary school students who are already overweight for their age and body structure. The selection procedures for group members and the general format of the sessions are outlined, and the need for confidentiality is stressed. The rules for Weight Group members are…

The Michigan Model provides a 3-year plan for school districts to increase the number of women in administration. Nineteen objectives address six key role groups--three external to the school district (professional educational organizations, local community groups, and parent/community members) and three internal to the district…