This study looked at how Total Quality Management (TQM) is being adopted in institutions of higher education. A questionnaire was developed seeking information on: (1) leadership of the TQM movement and timing of events; (2) the training, educating, and informing of employees; (3) specific areas using TQM and the specific statistical tools being…

To assist low-income rural schools with school improvement and dropout prevention, the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) has undertaken a multi-year project at five demonstration sites. This paper shares observations and lessons learned from the experiences of the five school districts involved in SEDL's partnership strategy. The…

This document presents a collection of specific ideas addressing 24 teaching practices appropriate for developing Personal Teaching Improvement Guides, an individualized approach to improving teaching in colleges and universities. The ideas came from teachers at the University of California (Berkeley) whose teaching was highly rated by students.…

These two documents present (1) a user's guide to the Personal Teaching Improvement Guides Program developed at the University of California, Berkeley and (2) a sample guide. The program uses results of student evaluations (keyed to 24 teaching practices) and descriptions of successful teaching practices to individualize instructional improvement…

The reports presented in this document describe the results of the first 2 years of the Midlands Consortium Star Schools Project (MCSSP) (October 1, 1988-December 31, 1990). The first report summarizes the major accomplishments of the MCSSP, including: (1) the installation of communications satellites at schools in Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi,…

This 1990-91 program evaluation reports on the special education instructional programs of the Des Moines, Iowa, public schools which serve approximately 3,600 students daily and over 5,000 students per year with special education services as prescribed in their Individualized Education Plans. The three primary sources of program funding are: (1)…

This report provides information on the gender, ethnic, and racial composition of staff in the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California through the 1989-90 academic year. It is broken down into seven parts: (1) part 1 discusses the origin, preparation, limitations, and organization of the…

The union of thought and feeling, the basis of the concept of "thoughtfulness," is one of the major themes of this book, which is designed to help teachers, administrators, teacher educators, and parents empower students to take more control of their own education and lives. It presents strategies for teaching students about the nature…

Authentic performance assessments--when used simultaneously with matching curricular practices--are a promising development for practitioners and students alike. A major benefit for practitioners appears to be the opportunity to redefine the curriculum and guide instruction. Benefits for students include the opportunity to engage in authentic work…

This trainer's manual is part of a set of training materials developed to help vocational rehabilitation workers improve their basic helping skills. It provides comprehensive instructions for conducting a three and one-half day training program focused on developing helping and counseling skills. Part 1 concentrates on training methodology,…

The report describes a project aimed at meeting inservice personnel development needs of secondary and postsecondary vocational educators in Michigan. Following an overview which details the development of the project, personnel categories, major events, and a seven-step process model, the report is arranged into 6 parts. The first component of…

A district-based leadership program has been designed to train teachers in self-assessment so they may independently improve their instructional skills. Teachers are trained to analyze their behaviors objectively through the use of audio and videotape. Instruction is also provided in creating and using checklists to assess classroom instruction…

These program guidelines provide a list of the essential elements which make for a quality occupational education special needs delivery system. Among the topics listed in the guidelines are: (1) six sources of laws and regulations which direct and regulate services to special needs populations; (2) definition of the four distinct populations…

Recommendations are offered to help administrators successfully implement mastery learning (ML). It is stated that: (1) ML requires watching both the achievement and satisfaction of learners; (2) consideration of teachers' knowledge and attitudes when training them in ML principles is critical; (3) a high level of skill and commitment is required…

The needs relevant to employment of university nonfaculty employees and the extent to which the university has met those needs were investigated. In addition, training and development programs designed to meet individual and institutional needs were proposed. Attention was directed to the reasons people join an organization, satisfaction with…