Analysis of comparative case studies in four high- and low-wealth school districts in Kentucky indicates that, following recent school finance reform initiatives, expenditures increased in all districts but that spending patterns changed only incrementally. Nonprogramatic financial reporting masks the extent to which reform dollars are supporting…

Presents results of a case study that examined the different perspectives of university faculty ("applied scientist" instructors) and reflective practitioners (experienced teachers employed as college clinical faculty). Applied scientist instructors demonstrated a view of prospective teachers' microteaching as autonomous school learning whereas…

This case study described the perceptions and experiences of 12 African American students who transferred from a community college into a specially designed teacher education project in a predominantly white public state university. The paper presents hypotheses regarding student goal commitments, institutional commitments, and commitments to…

Implementation of the University of Virginia Medical Center's computerized system for mandatory recordkeeping of physician orders is discussed, focusing on issues raised among residents and physicians: time required for system use; changes in work responsibilities, patterns, and priorities; and attitudes. Recommendations are made for institutions…

Describes a two-year, collaborative, university-school district teacher induction program in which beginning teachers' classroom performance was assessed using a behavioral observation instrument. Participants made significant gains, with first-year gains resulting from improvements in classroom organization and second-year gains related to…

A study of seven diverse professional schools suggests that, although a variety of strategies (e.g., early identification, preprofessional contact, resocialization of faculty and matriculated students, and support services) can produce successful affirmative action for women and minority students, a concise, directed program geared to the school's…

A University of Toronto pharmaceutics course which organizes information about physical chemistry around real problems, presented as case studies or laboratory projects, is described. Problems were addressed in class discussions or by unsupervised eight-student groups using self- and group evaluation procedures. Results are discussed, and three…

Examines the emergence and early implementation stages of Queensland (Australia) Education Department's policy for devolving responsibility to state schools. Clarifies the department's rhetoric in developing and promoting its decentralization policy; examines policy efficacy at the "school face" level; explores possible policy outcomes,…

Presents a case study used for teaching about World War I. Describes Bridgeport, Connecticut, during the period 1914-17. Includes maps, ethnographic data, and primary materials, such as newspaper accounts and speeches by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. Provides learning objectives, study questions, and a glossary. Discusses the impact of the war on…

Describes a case study to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of multimedia teaching aids and their implementation by experienced versus novice college course instructors. Results of a five-part questionnaire which addressed attitudes and opinions, effectiveness of technology-assistance, instructor questions, environment questions, future needs…

Presents findings of a study designed to identify the background and process factors that influence the success of groupwork with computers. The multisite case study involved mixed-sex mixed-ability pupils, aged 9-12, who undertook mathematics tasks using LOGO or a database. The discussion includes the impact of organizational styles and patterns…

Examines sexism and curricular patterns in Britain's educational system, describing one coeducational secondary school. Option choice, school negotiation processes, and teacher role in reinforcing gender stereotypes are discussed. Results indicate that option patterns and student assumptions lead to choices reflecting traditional, stereotypical…

Suggests group learning in the secondary social studies classroom increases student involvement and builds competencies in analysis, research, organization, and evaluative skills. Presents sample activities on the John Marshall Supreme Court decisions and the 1945 Yalta Conference. Includes discussion topics, questions, and handouts. (NL)

Comparative case studies assessed how the micropolitics of educational reform in two elementary schools affected one southeastern district's effort to professionalize teaching. The results indicate that teachers can use micropolitics to resist reform that, in these cases, legitimated centralization and control, and to heighten their control of…

Provides an example of the integration of science and mathematics learning of one high school physics student in a constructivist classroom. Discusses the student's integration of mathematical and nonmathematical representations and of different mathematical representations in a nonuniform acceleration experiment. Describes a model for integrating…