This document contains an introductory paper and three case studies on improving teaching and learning at further education (FE) colleges in the United Kingdom. "Introduction" (Graham Peeke) reports on the following: government efforts to improve teaching at FE colleges; the work being done by the Further Education Development Agency…

The first of the four papers in this symposium, "Knowledge Management and Knowledge Dissemination" (Wim J. Nijhof), presents two case studies exploring the strategies companies use in sharing and disseminating knowledge and expertise among employees. "A Theory of Knowledge Management" (Richard J. Torraco), develops a conceptual…

A prevailing assumption underlying statewide performance-based assessments is that they not only serve as motivators in improving student achievement and learning, they also encourage instructional strategies and techniques in the classroom that are more consistent with reform-oriented educational outcomes. Given these high expectations, more…

This document, which is intended for adult educators in Victoria, Australia, outlines a conceptual framework for a further education (FE) curriculum based on the principle of transformative learning. First, FE is defined as "general education for adults that gives priority to foundations, preparedness, and pathways," and curricula is…

This report is designed to help state and local policymakers and practitioners understand the goals behind integrating academic and technical standards and the processes three national partnerships used to develop, test, and implement them in the context of curriculum reform. The first chapter of the report defines and describes integrated…

The vocational education (VE) system in China has been reformed and redeveloped over the past 20 years and now has a rational structure and stages from junior to senior levels that match the industrial sectors and link to regular secondary education. The reform and development of the Chinese VE system was carried out in three stages. The senior…

This study documented current early childhood assessment policies and practices, focusing on changes since the 1988 nationwide survey and on changes occurring in response to Goal 1 of the National Education Goals, performance assessments, and integrated services for young children. Data were collected through telephone surveys and in-depth…

This paper examines the impact of the El Paso (Texas) Technology Innovation Challenge Grant masters program in instructional technology on the classroom practices of K-12 teachers. The program emphasizes the integration of technology into the curriculum and the use of technology to drive education reform, rather than simply focusing on technology…

Noting that the majority of teachers of boys are women, this book provides a series of case studies in which experienced women teachers talk about enjoying and using boys' energy in the classroom, tuning in to the ways that boys communicate, and varying lessons to suit all learning styles. Case studies from various schools in Australia illustrate…

While transfer of information to practice is a goal of professional development programs for educators, the gap between learning of new information and application to practice continues to be problematic. Synthesizing theoretical viewpoints of innovation adoption and diffusion theory, normative re-education strategies, self-efficacy theory and…

Teachers and administrators were surveyed to determine the extent to which AP Vertical Teams for English were implemented in schools. Results indicate that even though the goals of the AP Vertical Teams were only partially realized, there was some positive impact on student exposure to Pre-AP instruction and AP courses and student performance on…

Switzerland has an area of only a little over 15,900 square miles, a population of about three and one-half millions, but 25 distinct political units--Cantons--each virtually autonomous in the control of its schools. There is no Federal educational board to issue plans, decrees, letters, or special instruction tending to unify the system. Under…

The federal system of higher education in Switzerland is examined, including its history, basic structure, links between secondary and higher education, system of examinations and diplomas, research activities, library facilities, nontraditional institutions, conditions for faculty and students, administration and finance, enrollment patterns, and…

Discusses the barriers that impede special education teachers from adopting research findings in the field of special education. The lack of communication between educators and researchers, the need to teach teachers how to evaluate research using scientific criteria, and teacher resistance to change are discussed. (CR)

Overviews the development of special education in several sub-Saharan African countries; describes the current status of special education programs in terms of financing and quality of educational services; and offers suggestions for improving special education services through curriculum development, teacher training, appropriate facilities and…