Interviews were conducted with elementary secondary teachers, who used a new curriculum management system, to ascertain how the teachers perceived their work and the degree to which they reflected upon the purposes behind what they were doing. The perceived alienation of the teachers toward the new system is discussed. (CJ)

Examines processes that maintain stability in educational organizations and the reaction of those stabilizing forces to educational innovations. Suggests that the success of innovations for school improvement depends on the development of (1) instruction-related executive functions; (2) collegial teaching units; (3) continuous staff development;…

Studies in five Missouri districts identified eight characteristics deterring change and constituting an "informal covenant" between teachers and principals. Eight corresponding conditions essential to change include relating changes to a school's culture, knowing local procedures and sensitive issues, recognizing moments when changes are…

Change strategies must include informal school networks and norms. Implementation plans must involve teachers and principals prior to training. (Author/JM)

What is wrong with the law curriculum, how to improve it, and obstacles to be overcome are discussed. The law curriculum is seen as: deficient in structure, not sufficiently diverse, neither sufficiently theoretical nor sufficiently practical, and not always sufficiently demanding. (MLW)

The law school curriculum is excessively committed to doctrinal learning as differentiated from (1) theoretical and (2) practical learning. Law schools have an educational responsibility to offer their students a modicum of instruction in the applied skills of legal representation. (MLW)

After tracing the evolution of today's community colleges, describes Coastline Community College. Focuses on its: committed board of trustees, flexible administrative structure, dispersed learning centers, open access philosophy, flexible programing, diverse access systems, largely part-time faculty, commitment to lifelong learning, and students.…

Provides a summary of sexist educational practices and a definition of the concept of androgyny as an alternative model of effective living. Explores the steps counselors can take in cooperation with the school staff to create a school environment that fosters androgyny. (Author)

Horizon High School combats student dropout rates in Bakersfield (California) by maintaining a small enrollment, high community involvement, close student-teacher relationships, flexible scheduling, and attention to individual students' educational needs and interests. Student attendance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores are…

Laments the lack of institutional commitment to language learning in most colleges and universities. To improve the situation, suggests the introduction, in selected departments, of substantive courses where students are encouraged or required to use their language skills, and evaluation of performance in the course replaces proficiency exams.…

This article discusees various motives of educators who involve themselves in curriculum research, reviews seven research methodologies (including surveys, content analysis, and sociolocial studies), and applies John Elliot's sociological taxonomy of educational research to English language and literature curricula. (AM)

The slow evolution toward "unbundling" education, or making it readily available without the traditional class and campus structures, has begun. The ultimate stage is granting of degree credit based on examinations only, with no requirements to buy any instruction. Intermediate steps in the process take a variety of innovative forms. (MSE)

Using as a case study an attempted change in student evaluation and reporting procedures in a junior high school, this paper proposes an analytic framework that identifies specific organizational features which impede the innovation process. (SJL)

A survey of 30 National Catholic Educational Association Schools examined their ability to make needed program changes according to Davis' eight factors: Awareness of Need, Resistances, Values, Information, Ability, Timing, Circumstances, and Yield. This article compares a vital, growing school and a declining one on these eight factors.…

Five articles highlight issues concerning special needs students in vocational agriculture education. The authors discuss the decision to place exceptional students in vocational agriculture classes; helping the handicapped student adjust in vocational agriculture; teacher education for special needs students at Penn State; and innovations in…