In large-scale educational reforms, many actors play their roles. The diversity of contributions and lack of harmonization prove to be frequently found to cause educational reform failures. Many explanations for these failures focus on differences between the actors and on differences in their contributions to the reform process. In this article,…

In its 1982 long-range school improvement plan, the Muhlenberg (Pennsylvania) School District targeted mathematical computation skills, focusing on (1) developing a management information system to document student achievement; (2) redesigning the curriculum; (3) aligning regular and remedial mathematics programs; and (4) implementing a…

The book covers 10 exemplary curriculum development sites, ranging from those that follow detailed state guidelines to those with few external mandates. All the examples are public schools, have been involved in the process of curriculum leadership for several years, and are geographically diverse. The book is organized around four questions: (1)…

The principal concept of the Curriculum of Attainments (COA) is that college degrees are awarded on the basis of demonstrated competencies without regard to the amount of time required to attain them. The method of curriculum reform advocated in the COA project is the establishment and expansion of small pilot programs within existing departmental…

A conceptual model for an individualized training program for school administrators integrates processes, characteristics, and tasks through theory training and application. Based on an application of contingency theory, it provides a system matching up administrative candidates' needs in three areas (administrative process, administrative…

This working paper presents guidelines for implementation of a school reorganization model designed to facilitate the individualization of instruction. The POISE model (Pupil Oriented and Individualized System of Education) is presented as it was developed for use by the Southwestern New York Association for the Improvement of Instruction and the…

Thirty-nine people from 10 OECD member countries participated at this conference aimed at setting the value-loaded questions of curriculum development in an international context. The conference looked at the relationship between development styles for development enterprises as a whole and the developmental pattern of individual projects.…

A framework to describe, classify, and compare a variety of teacher education programs is offered. Examples of how the framework has been used for types of school organizations are given, along with an explanation of how the framework can be applied to alternative approaches to teacher education. (MLW)

This report is divided into five major components. Part 1 contains a brief description of middle schools as they have developed throughout the U.S. since the beginning of this century. Part 2 reviews the history of middle schools as they have evolved in the Seattle School District. Emphasis is placed on the role that the district's mandatory and…

The purpose of this conference is illustrated by the following objectives --(1) To provide descriptive data, information, and insights essential to an understanding of the current status of school district organization in Idaho, (2) To examine various approaches in trends of school district organization, (3) To determine a structure which will…

This study examined curriculum procedures and the roles, decision-making processes, and perceptions of central administrators, building administrators, and teachers in five school districts. Qualitative data collection included taped interviews using a focused indepth interview schedule, field notes, observation, and document collection. The study…

This project was conducted to develop a course of study in health occupations in grades 9 and 10 for a county-wide comprehensive health careers high school. The course was to include related skills development in health occupations, support materials for an academic course of study, and broad outlines of curriculum for grades 11 and 12. The High…

Invitational education is a general framework for thinking and acting about what is believed to be worthwhile in schools. It centers on five basic principles: (1) people are able, valuable, and responsible, and should be treated accordingly; (2) educating should be a collaborative, cooperative activity; (3) the process is the product in the…

This collection of four case studies discusses the work of teachers and their efforts to change their classrooms, schools, and districts. The case studies show that teachers can learn to use their own strengths and talents, knowledge, shared vision, and commitment to student growth and development to effect change. The first case study,…