This qualitative study presents findings from initial exploratory work that examined how father development workers (FDWs) supported fathers to become involved in their children's learning, within the context of father groups. The study found that there were two main purposes behind the father groups and the subsequent role of FDWs in supporting…

A recently developed model of validation (T. J. Crooks, M. T. Kane, and A. S. Cohen, 1996) is briefly outlined. It conceptualizes assessment as divided into a chain of eight linked stages: (1) administration; (2) scoring; (3) aggregation; (4) generalization; (5) extrapolation; (6) evaluation; (7) decision; and (8) impact. The model is then used to…

This document reviews how performance indicators are currently being used in several Commonwealth countries the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, and identifies some of the issues associated with performance indicator development and application. It also examines whether there are any agreed upon "key", or common, indicators that…

Describes a British project which aims to produce a series of case studies of science education in middle and comprehensive schools. The methodology used to carry out the case studies and the structure of the framework of the project are included. (HM)

Summarizes research into the positive and negative views about school-based management (local management of schools) held by senior managers, governors, and classroom teachers in 11 schools within 1 British local education authority. LMS has concentrated financial tasks within a small elite group of senior managers and governors, with governors…

Focuses on the application of the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) in three studies at the Department of Information and Communications, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. Examines staff-development needs as a key element in change in higher education; decision-making practices in small- to medium-size libraries; and development…

This article explores how gifted children learn to think. Issues related to the learning experiences of gifted children emerge from a consideration of work collected from primary classrooms and are developed by reference to children's work on a structured program designed to support aspects of thinking associated with decision making. (Contains 5…

Individual educational plans (IEPs) are considered to be more effective when designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team. This paper deals with the IEP as a collaborative tool for the education of pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). Ten pupils with PMLD and the people working around them (e.g. teacher, speech…

This report discusses the application of the International Organization for Standards's ISO9000 quality assurance standard and Total Quality Management (TQM) to higher education in light of the "new collegialism." It defines the basic elements of ISO9000 and TQM, reviews the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches, and notes efforts…

This paper examines the emerging practice and issues surrounding consortia of educational institutions, formed in Scotland, in order to widen access to higher education for underrepresented groups, and suggests some key strategies for assuring quality in the interests of students. The paper describes the Scottish Wider Access Programme, its…

There are many forms of school decentralization within and among countries. This paper presents findings of a study that compared decentralization efforts in England and the United States to identify changes that have been made in school-management structures and the effect of these changes on school operation. Data were derived from: (1)…

Politics of planning are more intensive and defensive in decline than in growth, and changes in standards for organizational consensus may occur. Developing strategic contingency plans and developing strategic planning policies differ in problems and advantages. Contrasting planning styles are characteristic of U.S. institutions and United Kingdom…

Instances from case studies of comprehensive schools in the United Kingdom show that cultural influences restrict possibilities of "rational" action by educational leaders. This article warns against business theory and concludes that we need to know more about how people in schools make choices. (Author/TE)

Presents an overview of various approaches to evaluating inservice teacher education in the United Kingdom and elaborating on one approach: evaluation for decision making (including context evaluation, input evaluation, process evaluation, product evaluation, and transfer evaluation). The paper also discusses some general principles to help…

A study of British students in Years 6, 10, and 12 found that they base their understanding of careers and work on images from personal experience, adults, and the media. Career decisions are based on pragmatic, opportunistic factors, not well matched with supply and demand. A divergent, holistic approach to guidance should challenge their…