Selected successful literacy coalitions were examined to identify key issues and trends in coalition building. The six key issues identified (focus and functions, funding, governance, membership, key figures, and evaluation) were used as a framework to review the early efforts, current activities, and future visions of literacy coalitions…

Johns Hopkins University and Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland, jointly sponsor the program "SUPPORTS for Least Restrictive Environment," a graduate program in special education which supports the vision of educating all students together in the general education classroom. In the practicum phase of their program, general…

The Gifted Education Policy Studies Program was designed to address two issues: the status of state and local policies on the identification of gifted students from special populations (culturally diverse, children with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged); and the impact of educational reform movements (cooperative learning and middle…

This paper reports the findings of a year-long study of 11 preservice teachers' perceptions of the first year of a teacher preparation program. These students were interviewed individually at least four times, and reported that learning concrete teaching methods was one of the most valuable aspects of their preparation because these methods could…

Development of an instrument to measure baseline levels of applied Total Quality Management (TQM) practices in South Dakota before the introduction and dissemination of TQM theory to the state's educational leaders is described. Using the interpretation of Deming's 14 points that was developed by J. J. Bonstigl, a 115-item initial item pool was…

A South African study examined how paraprofessionals were prepared to conduct life skills training. The study, which was designed from an ecosystemic perspective, was conducted in three phases. During phase 1 (1990), the professional members of the research team conducted six assertiveness training and parenting education groups in the community.…

The effects of standardized testing on instruction were studied in two school districts with high-stakes testing. The present study was part of a larger research project concerned with the effect of testing on instruction and student learning. A total of 360 teachers in grades 3, 5, and 6 in approximately 100 schools in two districts answered a…

This book adds to the growing body of knowledge and research suggesting that educators need to move beyond simplistic, narrow approaches to teaching and learning. In Part I, "Accessing the Brain's Potential," current educational practices are examined in light of critical findings of brain researchers. In Part II, "Facts and…

The Nuclear Training Division of Southern California Edison (SCE) has investigated, developed, and administered several college-level programs in order to enhance the training and education of personnel assigned to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Designed to upgrade current nuclear personnel and also to maintain positive community…

This report describes the nature and scope of further education and industrial training in England and Wales. Examined in a discussion of the United Kingdom educational system are funding, the relationship between school and government, school inspections, and curriculum and research bodies. The next section is devoted to changes that have…

A party of vocational educators from the United Kingdom (UK) traveled to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) to examine West German education and training for the hairdressing industry. During their study, the British educators examined the training with respect to entry into further education, industry, and school; vocational preparation;…

This booklet, one of a series featuring the Canadian provinces, presents a brief overview of Manitoba and is suitable for teacher reference or student reading. Separate sections discuss agriculture, mining, energy, transportation and communication, fishing, forestry, fur trapping, health and social services, education, and political life. Specific…

A study explored the effectiveness of secondary school textbooks as tools for developing attitudes or skills that are essential for lifelong learning. During the study, a student textbook review questionnaire was administered to about 60 students from five high schools in the Portland, Oregon area. The students were asked to evaluate eight social…

This article examines issues arising in the design and conduct of a research project spanning seven countries and five national languages. With a shared focus on leadership for learning among the participating twenty four schools and eight university sites, the challenge was to find a common methodology that would allow comparison across cultures…

In recent years, Australian universities, like many in other countries, have been increasingly driven by the values of commercial enterprise. A key consequence has been the growing emphasis on the kinds of vocational education likely to attract large enrollments and be financially profitable. In strengthening such programs (and related research),…