It is proposed that visual literacy be defined as the ability to understand (read) and use (write) images and to think and learn in terms of images. This definition includes three basic principles: (1) visuals are a language and thus analogous to verbal language; (2) a visually literate person should be able to understand (read) images and use…

The Enabler Model (EM), a non-prescriptive approach to help communities implement their early childhood programs, is described in this paper. The model is based on the positive educational value of human individuality, the life-long ability of all humans to learn and develop, and the power of human sociability in determining the content, extent,…

Three previous investigations of the effects of students' metacognitive awareness of question-answer relationships on reading comprehension led to the development of a four-session question-answer relationship (QAR) training program which can be used as a supplement to a regular reading program. The QAR in the proposed training program is based on…

Examining the translation of mastery learning theory into the practice of reading programs, this paper challenges the appropriateness of mastery learning for reading instruction. Noting that the use of the term "mastery" is arrogant, conservative, and dogmatic, the paper explores the ramifications of translating mastery learning theory…

This introduction to the major concepts of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is intended for individuals involved in health care provider education who are attempting to measure the costs and benefits of their educational activities. After tracing the development of CBA, the paper defines it as an attempt to quantify and compare the expenditures for a…

The purpose of this manual is to provide a written tool for those participating in a 3-day workshop designed to train mental health professionals from diverse settings and communities to counsel court-mandated batterers. The manual consists of: (1) an outline of the workshop; (2) an introduction; (3) six chapters/sections; (4) notes; and (5) three…

The field of social innovation policy can presently be seen as divided into two opposing camps: pro-fidelity and pro-adaptation. The former conceptualizes innovations as consisting of a number of relatively well specified components, and argue that rigorously developed, evaluated programs should be implemented with close correspondence to…

Intended to provide a full range of storytelling techniques, this workbook includes 54 stories and their activities. Some stories are introduced with a fanfare and warmup section based on theatre games; some stories are preceded by commentary and source notes; and some folktales are retold with no preliminaries at all. About half of the stories…

Literary artists manipulate language. If educators could develop in their students the same sense that language is manipulable, they could help them to better appreciate literature. Emily Dickinson's poem "I Like to See It Lap the Miles" could be approached by changing it on several levels--graphics, phonics, syntax, and semantics--and…

A set of studies done for the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction (WSPI) constituted a case study testing the conjecture that management consulting is potentially cost effective in some areas of educational evaluation. The case study involved first interviewing 22 respondents from four WSPI constituencies (educators, employers,…

A review of five of their own research findings suggests (to the authors) four strategies for preparing facilitators to help implement school improvement programs. "Facilitators" are people who support teachers in implementing new classroom practices, and can include principals, district staff, or external providers of support. The five…

This School Improvement Model study examined the efficacy of three methods to improve administrator judgments of teacher performance: the preliminary perusal of teacher lesson plans, the use of lesson plan evaluation instruments, and the use of low inference (as opposed to high inference) lesson plan evaluation methods. Subjects included 529…

Designed for boards of education of Catholic schools, this handbook presents a comprehensive and ongoing program of board development made up of preservice and inservice education activities. Six components of such a program are presented: (1) new membership orientation, (2) inservice education integrated with regularly scheduled meetings, (3)…

To assist school administrators, this handbook discusses types of supervision and evaluation and suggests ways to assess teacher performance. After a brief introductory section, the handbook's second section addresses five "fictions" about evaluation, including that evaluations must be "objective" and annual, require direct observation and…

This orientation guide is one of a series of materials developed by the Comprehensive Vocational Teacher Education Program for the Mississippi ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) Region to provide teacher educators, vocational directors, teachers, and other appropriate individuals with basic instructional material needed to improve professional…