If one were forced to use a single key word to describe the decade of the 1980's, a very prominent one would be "technology. " Leading the forefront of tech nology advancement were breakthroughs in electronics. Devices that were uncommon or unknown in 1980 became commonplace, and almost indispens able, by 1989. This trend has continued into the 1990's and it does not seem to be abating in any way. Microwave ovens, video recorders, telephone answer ing machines, compact disc players, computers, and a host of smaller or less sophisticated devices now appear in most households. The development of small and inexpensive computers, i. e. , personal computers, has placed computing resources within reach of many more people. In addition, many traditional, and largely mechanical devices, have been enhanced by electronics. For example, specialized microprocessors are combined with arrays of electronic sensors to control and monitor sophisticated engineering components in most new auto mobiles. In this and many other ways, we are touched by the new electronics in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Initially, personal computers were little more than toys. They contained only a small fraction of the computing power of their immediate ancestors, the mini computers and mainframe computers. However, rapid improvements in integ rated circuit design and chip manufacture produced regular reductions in size and cost of computer components. During the same time, processor speed and sophistication increased.
The authoritative presentation of a leading evaluation approach, this book describes the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, and Product) Model’s origin, concepts, and procedures. Unlike many models, CIPP provides for feedback throughout a program. Richly illustrated with evaluation cases, the book covers methods for engaging stakeholders; designing, budgeting, and contracting evaluations; collecting, analyzing, and reporting information; and conducting metaevaluations. User-friendly features include 26 reproducible checklists and forms and references to relevant computer programs. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible tools as well as supplementary materials, including the CIPP Evaluation Model Checklist. User-Friendly Features *Introduction boxes providing an overview of each chapter. *Within-chapter recaps of key concepts. *End-of-chapter review questions and exercises. *End-of-book glossary. *Appendix listing hundreds of CIPP evaluations across disciplines.
The authoritative presentation of a leading evaluation approach, this book describes the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, and Product) Model’s origin, concepts, and procedures. Unlike many models, CIPP provides for feedback throughout a program. Richly illustrated with evaluation cases, the book covers methods for engaging stakeholders; designing, budgeting, and contracting evaluations; collecting, analyzing, and reporting information; and conducting metaevaluations. User-friendly features include 26 reproducible checklists and forms and references to relevant computer programs. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible tools as well as supplementary materials, including the CIPP Evaluation Model Checklist. User-Friendly Features *Introduction boxes providing an overview of each chapter. *Within-chapter recaps of key concepts. *End-of-chapter review questions and exercises. *End-of-book glossary. *Appendix listing hundreds of CIPP evaluations across disciplines.
W. Edwards Deming’s central premise was that improvements in product quality would increase productivity, improve competitive position, and help ensure long-term survival. Point 12 of his landmark 14 Points for Management says that management’s job is to remove the barriers that keep people from taking pride in their work. That’s exactly what this book is about.Shedding new light on Deming’s 14 Points, Removing the Barriers to Efficient Manufacturing: Real-World Applications of Lean Productivity outlines time-tested organizational structures and methods to help you reduce variability and deliver high-quality products consistently. It describes the financial losses that can occur as a result of variability and details the specific activities management must engage in to avoid these losses and ensure long-term success.Instead of taking you on a "random walk," the book supplies each manufacturing group in your organization with straightforward directions for creating a smooth-running facility with reduced variability. It includes "work assignments" in each chapter that, if completed in the order presented, will guide you through the creation of the Model Vision for your manufacturing facility. It also: Covers key topics on working with people, including training and retrainingSupplies pointers for working with unions Considers Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED)Describes how to put it all together with action plansThe book includes a write up on Deming’s famous Red Bead Experiment as well as an introduction to statistical process control techniques in the appendices. Filled with real-world examples and a case study to illustrate essential concepts, the book arms you with the insight and common-sense approaches required to build on Deming’s fundamental principles and consistently deliver high-quality products that instill a sense of pride in your workforce.
Most guides to the process of turning around low-performing schools are written for principals and policy makers. Teachers, however, are the individuals expected to conduct the “heavy lifting” of school improvement. Teachers’ Guide to School Improvement is the first book on the subject written expressly for teachers. In this expanded second edition, teachers are shown a step-by-step process for raising student achievement, beginning with the diagnosis of the causes of low achievement and extending through the crucial first year of turnaround and beyond. Examples of effective turnaround practices are drawn from a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools.
Most guides to the process of turning around low-performing schools are written for principals and policy makers. Teachers, however, are the individuals expected to conduct the “heavy lifting” of school improvement. Teachers’ Guide to School Improvement is the first book on the subject written expressly for teachers. In this expanded second edition, teachers are shown a step-by-step process for raising student achievement, beginning with the diagnosis of the causes of low achievement and extending through the crucial first year of turnaround and beyond. Examples of effective turnaround practices are drawn from a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools.
No greater challenge faces our society than improving the educational opportunities for millions of young people trapped in chronically low-performing schools. Overcoming this challenge requires talented and dedicated school leaders whose knowledge and skills extend far beyond what is covered in conventional principal preparation programs. This book draws on extensive research by the author and others on the actions needed to turn around low-performing schools. First, however, the book examines the personal qualities needed to undertake the turnaround process. Following chapters provide guidelines on diagnosing the school-based causes of low achievement and developing a school turnaround plan. The author focuses on the importance of continuous planning – a departure from standard practice. A major portion of the book is devoted to examples of first-order and second-order strategies for raising achievement. Specific recommendations for launching the turnaround process and sustaining gains beyond the first years of turnaround are provided. The concluding chapter addresses the role of school districts in supporting school-based turnaround efforts.
No greater challenge faces our society than improving the educational opportunities for millions of young people trapped in chronically low-performing schools. Overcoming this challenge requires talented and dedicated school leaders whose knowledge and skills extend far beyond what is covered in conventional principal preparation programs. This book draws on extensive research by the author and others on the actions needed to turn around low-performing schools. First, however, the book examines the personal qualities needed to undertake the turnaround process. Following chapters provide guidelines on diagnosing the school-based causes of low achievement and developing a school turnaround plan. The author focuses on the importance of continuous planning – a departure from standard practice. A major portion of the book is devoted to examples of first-order and second-order strategies for raising achievement. Specific recommendations for launching the turnaround process and sustaining gains beyond the first years of turnaround are provided. The concluding chapter addresses the role of school districts in supporting school-based turnaround efforts.
Between 2002 and 2016, the federal government, state governments, and school districts undertook unprecedented measures to improve the lowest-performing schools. This book draws on dozens of actual examples to illustrate the wide range of interventions adopted over this time period. Among the initiatives examined in depth are efforts by states to provide technical assistance to schools and districts, offer students educational choices, engage communities in school improvement, take over low-performing schools and districts, create special state-run school districts, and close failing schools. Also discussed are district-initiated measures, including programs to standardize instruction, innovative approaches to raising student achievement, and restructuring of district operations. The book concludes with an assessment of 15 years of turnaround initiatives and recommendations based on lessons learned over this time period.
