This paper describes the nature of the relationships developed between the technical assistance team of the Documentation and Technical Assistance (DTA) Project and members of a Chicago (Illinois) school district staff with whom the DTA worked. First, the methodology with which the technical assistance work was studied is described, as is the…

This paper compares the usefulness of documentary (written materials) versus face to face delivery of information in helping to bring about urban school improvement. The paper is based on the experiences of the Documentation and Technical Assistance Project (DTA) of the Center for New Schools (Chicago, Illinois), a program that aims to increase…

Based on the assumption that educational technology transfers are vital to the continuing growth of all nations and that the issues connected with this activity are large and complex, this discussion addresses five major problems associated with international educational exchange: (1) inadequate understanding of the problem to be solved by…

How can Title I evaluations be improved so that they are more likely to increase the impact of evaluation data on informed actions within the schools? An examination of evaluation practice leads to the conclusion that most LEA practitioners view Title I evaluation as externally imposed and primarily designed to serve state and federal needs. A…

Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) officials who travelled to People's Republic of China present a first-hand view of China's interest in and use of educational technology. Discussion includes China's educational environment, nationwide education goals, microcomputer and computer software suppliers and educational…

The center-periphery concept, when applied to education, implies that the "central" institutions are research-oriented and part of an international knowledge system, while the "peripheral" institutions are not creative, but simply copy developments from abroad. Third world universities are peripheral institutions that look to universities in the…

It is often the "institutional" framework of a country or region that discourages the adoption of appropriate technologies and impedes their importation, development, and diffusion. The author shows how some government policies create or increase institutional obstacles of this kind, while others help to reduce them. (CT)

The success of supported employment for persons with mental retardation is discussed. Major implementation issues including long term funding, technical assistance needs, transportation availability, and the need to serve the most severely handicapped are identified. (Author/DB)

The advantages and disadvantages of placing outside staff to represent international aid agencies in developing countries' service programs for blind persons are explored. Alternative models are offered, and sustainability through empowerment is presented as an approach to ensure long-term benefits from the services offered by the international…

Discusses findings that child care quality can be measured effectively and efficiently through telephone interview. Notes that interview items were more highly correlated to the materials composite than to the interaction composite of the Environment Ratings Scales. Describes situations where on-site observation is necessary. Suggests that one…

This publication is a handbook of Canadian nongovernmental, nonprofit organizations (NGOs) working for change and the establishment of democracy in South Africa. It is offered as a companion to an earlier handbook on similar European NGOs. In particular, this publication illuminates the framework in which NGOs operate; clarifies appropriate…

A brief policy paper on multicultural education and a bulletin from the State Superintendent on its implementation in schools in Washington State are included in this report. The first paper lists 31 competencies that should be demonstrated by teachers who teach in multicultural settings. It also discusses the "change roles" that both…

Transfer of instructional technology is the last step in the knowledge cycle, preceded by invention, technical and commercial development, and dissemination. Technology includes both equipment and the practical knowledge needed for application. Industrialized nations package technology; however, little practical knowledge is transferred with…

The development of comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary services for young handicapped children is required by Public Law 99-457. The article presents a definition of technical assistance, a description of developmental levels in service provision, suggestions for designing such services, and a discussion of major needs of states…

The author states that industrial teacher educators have a unique opportunity and a responsibility to train teachers to understand development issues. These issues include the transfer of technological ideas, tools, and techniques and the characteristics of western technology and the readiness of the Third World to implement that technology. (CT)