Discusses the history of educational planning and administration in Latin America. Describes a period of educational expansion and diversification after World War II and one of disillusionment during the economic crisis of the 1980s. Urges an thorough review of the traditional approaches of educational planning in Latin America and a search for…

This guide is the first of three documents that make up a Professional Development Package for Educational Systems Design. Together, the documents constitute an integrated package designed to help educators and others accomplish specific purposes relative to a communitywide systems design effort. The orientation guide is ideally used in a 1-day…

Three case studies show innovative education programs that provide quality basic education with equity. After explaining the significance of educational innovation of democracy in Latin America and the constraints to educational development, the investigation of the three programs follows. The program of Fe y Alegria (Faith and Joy) in 12…

The tenth and final volume of this study provides a short, crisp summary of its findings for educators at all levels. Important considerations are suggested for federal and state policymakers as they support schools in their change efforts, and for school people who are committed to making effective and long-lasting improvements in their…

Whatever the past achievements of our schools, very few today bring about student learning even remotely up to the minimum requirements of a nation such as the United States; small improvements in the educational system will be of little consequence in light of the huge deficits and the country's increasing needs. Most of the large, complex plans…

Wisconsin has a local options competency-testing policy for public schools: participating districts receive state assistance, but are subject to regulations on test development and use. This paper examines influences on school district program adoption, focusing on local support for any testing program and superintendents' attitudes toward state…

This booklet consists of four papers by separate authors that show how the Dutch National Institute for Curriculum Development (SLO) tries to improve the quality of education through curriculum research and development. The first text, by Johan C. van Bruggen, provides a general introduction to SLO, showing how it generates curriculum knowledge…

This summary report describes efforts to bridge developments in the use of technology in delivering higher education services with the traditional roles and responsibilities of state agencies, accrediting bodies, and institutions (Project ALLTEL). Designed to suggest policies and procedures to states and accrediting institutions charged with…

Faced with the growing concern over educational effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity, many schools are turning to educational technology, especially the computer-based curriculum products known as integrated instructional systems. However, it is vitally important for educators to examine and gain a clearer understanding of technology's…

In this report, the search is continued for exemplary elementary science programs. Included is a chapter explaining the excellence in elementary science concept which touches upon: (1) goals; (2) characteristics of an ideal curriculum; (3) resources and materials; (4) administrative leadership; (5) classroom environment; and (6) program…

This study examined the characteristics of school systems and programs that have been successfully involved in change over the past 10 years and that are continuing to update services through external sources. Four models of innovation are outlined: the traditional research-development and utilization (RDU) model, the Linkage Model (Havelock…

This report provides information on the background, methodology, and findings of the Videodisc-Microcomputer (ViM) Network project, which brought together over 40 schools in 15 states to explore the potential of a new technology for basic skills instruction. Initiated in 1981 and completed at the end of 1983, the project involved a wide variety of…

Research was conducted to determine: (1) what school districts and schools do to encourage teachers to gain proficiency and use microcomputers in their teaching; (2) how teachers' microcomputer-based teaching practices respond to the actions of districts and schools; and (3) which district and school activities have the greatest incentive value…

This paper describes three paradigmatic "change facilitator styles": initiator, manager, and responder. These styles were identified through observations of principals' school improvement practices and the effects that those practices had on implementation at the classroom level. Initiators have clear, decisive long-range policies and…

Describes a unique educational program at the Peers School (Oxford, England) involving integration of science and craft and design technology and how it is structured. Shares practical experiences and difficulties. Comments on questions that have been posed regarding this program. (CW)