Comments on current efforts to evaluate and improve United States schools, especially the conclusions and recommendations of national education reports, tendencies in responding to them, and issues inadequately addressed by them. Both equity and excellence are important, it is suggested, and excellence may be achieved through challenge of familiar…

Related a high school district's attempt to reduce absenteeism through use of an autodialing machine. Explains the mechanisms of the system and proposes additional uses for it. Indicates that improved attendance rates occurred after its incorporation. (ML)

Examines the major reasons for the slow pace of institutionalization of environmental education in schools. Offers the Regional Environmental Learning System (RELS) as a model of a coordinating base for program evaluation and maintenance. Also identifies this concept's specific characteristics and its set of primary roles. (ML)

Discusses the Philosophy for Childen program, which uses specially written novels to teach philosophical concepts. Advises teachers to create their own lessons for philosophical study. (FL)

Studies of educational change have not looked at institutionalization of new programs. This study found four approaches to institutionalizing changes: (1) mandated, stable use; (2) skillful, committed use; (3) vulnerability; and (4) indifference. Teacher-administrator harmony is critical to success. (MD)

Investigates effects of a long-term, systematic effort to teach a relational meaning of "equals" to children before they reach the transitional age of 13. Data obtained from 15 first, second, and third graders indicated teachers need not wait until junior high school to introduce a relational view. (RH)

Proposed is a model for initiating curriculum change. Presented are four broad decision areas to be considered when contemplating curriculum changes including: scientific literacy, instructional organization, instructional methodology, and practical decisions. A sequential decision making chart is included. (SL)

An attempt is made to sketch recent educational trends shaping present practices, with brief assessments of nineteen specific innovations in the basic areas of teaching strategies, learning outcomes, instructional programs, and societal factors affecting education. (MB)

Plan carefully. Then count on activity cards to help develop creative and independent thinking as well as building skills. (Editor)

The obstacles to change are analyzed, with some hints for surmounting them. Topics covered include: nontraditional studies, legal restraints, education vouchers, administrative organization, and the middle college concept. (LBH)

Discusses the value of loosely structured, cooperative networks for stimulating educational change and aiding the diffusion of educational innovations. Briefly describes several such networks. (JG)

In their struggle to identify successful solutions for their schools, teachers, administrators, board members, and parents must wade through reams of educational rhetoric and sales hype. This resource is designed to serve a broad audience of practicing teachers, preservice teachers, administrators, resource teachers, college professors, parents,…

This document presents 11 student affairs programs selected by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators as being exemplary programs in their field. All of the programs demonstrate innovative approaches to improving campus life and expanding opportunities for students. The programs address a broad range of objectives, including…

This report presents a data-collection plan for addressing these questions: (1) What were the New American Schools (NAS) like before they implemented their restructuring design efforts? (2) How have these evolved over time? (3) Are the critical components of the NAS designs being implemented across a wide array of schools? (4) Do the NAS designs…