The literature regarding the provision of in-service education is reviewed to: (1) provide brief definitions of rural school districts and in-service education; (2) discuss the importance of in-service education; (3) explore the difficulties associated with in-service education in rural areas, along with possible remedies; and (4) examines various…

Improving the quality of learning is basic to raising academic standards. Research on postsecondary learning improvement has provided a base of practical knowledge to guide faculty and planners. Successful learning improvement programs share two essential characteristics: they are more comprehensive in the range of students' needs met, and they…

This report presents results of a critical analysis of 20 regional educational laboratories and nine university research and development centers established under ESEA Title IV. Observations, supported by specific examples, are made concerning the laboratories and centers and deal with their roles, programs definitions, impact on educational…

This guide draws from numerous evaluation models to provide a frame of reference in the development and execution of an evaluation plan for pilot programs. Emphasis is on the development of an evaluation design; construction of instruments or the analysis and interpretation of results is not discussed. A selected bibliography for further in-depth…

A discussion of reforms in Swedish graduate study since 1969 and their results focuses on the design of a standard 4-year program, the career prospects of degree recipients, student financing, the working environment for graduate students, and curriculum relevance. (MSE)

This document represents the first of two volumes presented in "Study of the Impact of the Statewide Systemic Initiatives Program" (Norman L. Webb and Iris R. Weiss). In an effort to evaluate the impact of the Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSIs) on student achievement and the lessons that could be learned from the National Science…

This article discusses England's development of an Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. The academy will develop, implement, and support educational opportunities for gifted and talented children up to the age of 19, as well as provide support for parents and educators. The academy's talent search, outreach program, summer schools are described.…

A national survey of 140 college and university presidents concerning the design, content, and status of faculty development programs suggests that renewed institutional efforts are needed to ensure that faculty will understand the changing nature of their disciplines. Major retraining in informational and educational technology is urged, with…

Discusses the growing availability and popularity of online college courses at colleges and universities around the country, with anecdotal examples of student experiences and college policies and pricing, and examination of the advantages and criticisms of the trend, including some research on student outcomes. (MSE)

Trends in postsecondary business education in Poland are examined, drawing on results of recent surveys. Topics addressed include the design and evaluation of programs at different levels, influences of Western programs and pedagogy, demand for business education, and implications for further development of the system. (MSE)

Five presentations are provided. "Technology Teacher Education: A Framework for Program Redesign" (Thomas Erekson, Scott Johnson) discusses the design and development of a technology teacher education program at the University of Illinois with lists of course requirements and illustrations of course sequence. "Teacher Preparation in…

In an examination of the implementation of educational change, a discussion is presented on the purpose, meaning, and context of change. Consideration is given to the value of change, its benefits and feasibility, and the capacity for implementation. In the second section of the paper, 14 factors related to the implementation of change in schools…

With budget limitations, additional expectations and accountability requirements, changing enrollment trends, teacher shortages, need for new kinds of services, and other difficulties faced by rural communities, partnership arrangements with the private sector and higher education promise new avenues for rural education to meet future obligations.…

The Michigan Department of Education developed an operational model for career education which combined the elements of individual career development with career preparation accomplished through academic, vocational, and technical education programs. A third-party evaluation was conducted to determine to what extent the operational model has been…

A perspective is given and recommendations are made for restructuring education personnel development with major emphasis on preservice teacher education. Issues facing teacher education are put in a socio-historical context. It is stated that teacher training has been largely separated from the public school system, and that training has been…