Can an academic institution be truly free if it relies on government funding? Federal dollars mean federal mandates, and those mandates grow increasingly draconian. More and more, they stifle debate on open questions, demand denial of verifiable scientific truths, eliminate due process for students accused of misdeeds by other students, or insist…

The purpose of this article is to describe lessons learned from studying the leadership in eight award-winning secondary schools and districts that were recognized for successfully leveraging technology as part of their efforts for school improvement. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and document analysis in schools and…

Innovation often happens at the margin. For the past 5 years, in the academic equivalent of an ecotone, Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan has built and continues to refine offerings in its 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Business. Emerging out of the demands of a rapidly changing business world and the sustainable business…

DATA FROM 20 REPRESENTATIVE MICHIGAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS (FIVE INNOVATIVE AND FIVE NONINNOVATIVE WITH A HIGH-COST FACTOR AND FIVE INNOVATIVE AND FIVE NONINNOVATIVE WITH A LOW-COST FACTOR) WERE STUDIED TO DETERMINE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHOOL SYSTEM INNOVATIVENESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BEHAVIOR. QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES WERE RECEIVED FROM 109 OF 116…

This is a set of 22 papers written by social studies teachers in Michigan describing innovative approaches in their programs. Robert Trezise's overview states that the programs were developed from both local commitment and funding, and Federal funding. The papers show: 1) a shift away from content per se to a focus on process; 2) concern for the…

THE OBJECTIVES, PROCEDURES, AND USE OF RESOURCES THAT CHARACTERIZE THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT AT THE GARBER HIGH SCHOOL AT ESSEXVILLE, MICHIGAN, WERE DESCRIBED IN THE SECOND OF A SERIES OF THREE REPORTS. THE MAJOR OBJECTIVES WERE (1) TO PROVIDE ALTERNATE VERSIONS OF THE FUNDAMENTAL SUBSTANTIVE AREAS TO ACCOMMODATE SEVERAL LEVELS OF STUDENT…

Whitmore Lake's (Michigan) outcome-based planning model emphasizes starting the planning process by obtaining consensus on desired outcomes; involves students, teachers, staff, parents, and community in planning; and identifies the responsibilities of students, the home, and the school in helping students achieve the desired outcomes. (MJL)

Outlined in this two-part document is a model for the implementation of a business-industry oriented program designed to provide high school seniors with updated training in the skills and concepts necessary for developing competencies in entry-level and second-level accounting jobs that involve accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll…

Part of a series on contemporary school reform and special education, this report discusses how states are building capacity for standards-based reform. An introduction describes seven key areas in which states must build classroom and organizational level capacities, including: (1) teachers' knowledge, skills, and dispositions; (2) students'…

Advocates use of microcomputers in teaching social studies in Michigan because of student ability to quickly process large amounts of information. Outlines a pilot unit using a U.S. history database. Lists available microcomputer-based social studies lessons. Proposes the development of a Michigan Social Studies MicroNetwork. (CH)

Beginning in 1995, the Michigan Department of Education sponsored pilot projects at the state's community colleges to develop curricular learning models and/or courses that integrate liberal arts or general education into vocational programs, identify and document faculty collaboration between liberal arts and occupational programs, and determine…

This is a collection of reports on innovative practices in student teaching programs. The label "innovative" is justified on the basis of the investigation's scope. Identification of innovative student teaching practices was accomplished by contacting chief state school officers, chairmen and members of state commissions on teacher…