The wide range of new training methods and interactive devices introduced in response to sophisticated automated weapons systems require precise training methods for military personnel. The benefits of training depend on detailed planning and formative evaluation. Computers and simulators are among the technologies being used and improved. (FG)

The problems of three different approaches to curriculum change are examined. Limitations to and disadvantages of using the dialectic, logistic, and problematic approaches to curriculum change are illustrated through sample programs and models. It is suggested that all personnel involved should attend to the problems of understanding and language…

Discusses the development since 1971 of an alternative school-within-a-school at the Wheatley School in East Williston (New York), emphasizing shared decision making, nontraditional teaching, and student self-evaluation. Describes recent changes in the program to improve both student evaluation and the program's communication with the traditional…

Drawing on research literature concerning administrative support of educational change and on findings from two research projects, the author defines administrative support to include promoting project interests through verbal statements, providing clarity and steadiness to participants, definding project goals and activities, and giving projects…

Report of a study of strategic planning, conducted by EDUCOM, a consortium of colleges and universities engaged in sharing educational technology applications, portrays information processing ideas, goals, and plans at 10 innovative colleges and universities. (Author/JJD)

Community colleges are suffering unnecessarily from an inferiority complex, but are in fact a vast, growing force in higher education. These colleges need an institutional consciousness-raising and to assert their educational and social strength. (MSE)

Describes a feasibility study which investigated the effects of introducing microcomputers in primary school classrooms with teachers having no previous experience with their use. A 10-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

This article documents evaluations of the New Primary Grades Reading System (NRS). NRS was implemented in a variety of settings. Evaluations track implementation from early stages of pilot testing through large-scale adoption of NRS. Accumulation of evidence regarding success of innovation across settings allows greater confidence in conclusions…

As part of a larger study, describes and analyzes the efforts of four junior high school teachers attempting to develop and implement an innovative educational program. Focuses on how administrative advocacy or reluctance affects teacher initiation and development of the program. (Author/MLF)

Four steps to curriculum innovation are outlined: (1) identifying descriptive dimensions; (2) specifying practices implied by the innovation; (3) describing actual practices; and (4) comparing actual with intended practices across the critical dimensions of beliefs, objectives, instructional materials, and teaching strategies. (Author/CP)

This report on the introduction of microcomputers into a secondary school in a Chicago suburb briefly describes the setting for change and discusses the history of computers in the school, the emergence of change agents, microcomputer hardware selection, inservice teacher training, and the current status of the project. (MER)

The premise of "A Quest for Common Learning," which questioned the value of distribution requirements in 95 percent of U.S. colleges, is challenged. It is suggested that the varied academic disciplines demonstrate the pursuit of truth, and general education must immerse the student in a number of disciplines. (MLW)

Successful curriculum implementation must be deliberate, planned, and supervised. Characteristics affecting the success of curriculum innovations include the degree of change from the status quo, complexity, explicitness, practicality, and comparative advantage of the curriculum. Teachers' personalities, comprehension, and willingness to…

Different approaches for including urban studies in elementary and secondary school curriculum are discussed. Program development in Hertfordshire, England that describes problems and issues associated with environmental education and interdisciplinary approaches are included. (DC)

This brief history of the development of school library media centers includes descriptions of several problems that have emerged regarding their role in the school. (CHC)