The objective of this project was to determine the need for manpower training in solar energy technology and report it on a regional and/or state basis. Three basic questions were to be answered by the project: (1) Based on a survey of solar heating and cooling systems equipment, what types of systems are being manufactured? (2) What is the…

Since Canada and the U.S. share the common problem of declining enrollment, this paper studies the current situation in the States and assesses the merits and shortcomings of the nonheroic strategy being pursued there. The author credits the failure to develop a comprehensive, coherent plan in even one state to several factors, including the…

A framework is presented for district long-range instructional planning which takes into account the financial uncertainty caused by the funding cuts of California's Proposition 13--the Jarvis-Gann initiative of 1978. (SJL)

A discussion, among several economists, is presented on the major changes in the international economy that have consequences for national, regional, and local economies, as well as implications for institutional planning and policy making. (MLW)

This document is a collection of one-page summaries, or "Trends Newsletters" (Numbers 50, 54-7, 59-60, 67-71, and 73-91), that analyze the national, state, and local trends affecting planning for the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District in California. The document is divided into two sections: External Scan and Internal Scan.…

This paper asserts that one of the ways for a college to determine its continually changing future is to develop plausible scenarios, become familiar with them, and make decisions based on a broad playing field of possibilities. This paper records Minneapolis Community and Technical College's (MCTC) first attempt at a future scenario. Members of…

This presentation shares how Columbus State Community College (Ohio) has embarked upon a process of transformation into a learning organization positioned to meet the demands of change. The presentation begins with background summaries for the three presenters. It then discusses the rationale for change, stating that as we look at the changes…

Modern research methodologies can help educators understand possible futures of society and can aid them in planning and decision making that provides for effective use of resources. Statistical models, computer forecasting, human logic, and research techniques from disciplines such as history, anthropology, and political science can help in…

Some recent writers cast doubts on planning and development planning and use chaos theory to justify their skepticism. This article questions the application of chaos theory to school planning. Alternatively, control theory clarifies important differences between short- and long-term planning and facilitates self-managing schools' use of…

Discusses planning strategies for the use of educational technologies and distance learning programs. Topics include the National Information Infrastructure; planning for educational change, including planning models and examples, long-term versus strategic planning, systems planning, incrementalism, and outcome-based education; and developing a…

School restructuring is a major concern of administrators. Because of America's pluralistic society, restructured schools should develop equal educational opportunity for all and an appreciation for diversity. Strategic planning is one process used in school restructuring. School restructuring has had different goals throughout educational…

This document presents findings of a study that examined the use of strategic planning by Utah schools and school districts. Enacted in 1992, the Utah State Strategic Plan (USSP) authorized and encouraged school districts and schools to engage in strategic planning activities. Data were obtained through telephone interviews with all 40 Utah school…

This practice manual is intended to provide an organized approach to strategic planning for human resource professionals at all organizational levels, regardless of their familiarity with strategic planning. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction and chapter 2 describes the strategic planning process. The rationale for pursuing a strategic…

The focus of the session summarized in this paper was on how postsecondary educational institutions can better anticipate the future of higher education by using the "alternative futures approach to planning" model. The alternative futures model processes the best available information obtainable so that plausible alternative futures in…

Designed to form a base for improving educational technology planning in Canada, this annotated bibliography begins with a brief discussions of trends in the use of education technology to improve and/or restructure K-12 education; indicators of a significant plan; and scanning the K-12 educational environment for strategic planning. The…