In this book the authors explain how to build, and over time improve, the elements of an observation system that equips all observers to identify and develop effective teaching. It is based on the collective knowledge of key partners in the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) project--which carried out one of the largest-ever studies of classroom…

This template was designed to assist subject matter experts in developing presentations. The template is for a training session plan (lesson plan, presentation plan, evaluation suggestions) that can be used to determine the sequence of what the presenter will say and do. Subject matter experts can easily copy the pages for use during the design…

A training manual for teaching functional sign training to the severely multiply handicapped was developed using the Signing Exact English (SEE) system. The program, which was adapted from the Functional Speech and Language Training Program, is designed for persons who lack refined motor, speech, and language skills. Procedures are outlined to use…

A checklist is presented that provides an organizational framework for the development, review, and selection of instructional techniques and programs for persons having severe handicaps. The checklist covers instructional content, description of learner population, instructional methods, testing and recording, individualization, program…

Designed as a practical tool for trainers, this manual contains 22 instruments and documents for gathering and processing information about training and development issues within an organization. Part one of the two-part manual examines the process of identifying and analyzing training needs. It reviews the different types of information the…

Describes a Missouri school district's recruiting, training, and retention strategies for school bus drivers. Includes an employer reference checklist and an applicant review form. (MLF)

The purpose of this quality of life training curriculum is to enhance staff's understanding of the concepts of choice, integration, and advocacy; the importance of these qualities; and how staff can promote these qualities within the daily lives of persons with developmental disabilities. The curriculum includes topics for group discussion and…

The project described in this report explored the effectiveness of a collaborative effort of parents and school personnel in the training and generalization of social skills for socially deficient children. Five students (aged 8-11), classified as behaviorally handicapped or learning disabled, served as subjects and were grouped with…

A manual for training the severely multiply handicapped to use communication boards is presented, based on the Functional Speech and Language Training Program. The target group are persons who need a mode of communication but who have poor speech, and poor hand and finger control. A description of the communication boards and symbols includes an…

Research has shown that with thorough training, most teachers can acquire new skills and strategies to add to their instructional repertoires. However, the literature also identifies a frequent failure to transfer new knowledge to classroom practice among trainees. Building on previous research, the study reported here investigated the effects of…

In a day care center which enrolled children between 14 months and 5 years of age, a child caregiver implemented a practicum study in order to allow children and older adults the opportunity to interact with one another for their mutual benefit. Goals were to: (1) increase children's positive attitudes toward older people; (2) seek positive…

A 36-item observation instrument was developed for measuring appropriate social development in infants and toddlers. Checklist items indicated such behaviors as asking, protecting, comforting, lending, sharing, hugging, playing with, joining, laughing, smiling, looking at, performing request, leading, following, and conversing. Use of the…

The purpose of this document is to share various approaches used by federal agencies to assess needs and measure training effectiveness. The emphasis in the descriptions is on the evaluation process rather than on the results. One program was evaluated by employing return-on-investment (ROI) data and using volunteer line personnel who conducted…

Developed by Project Transition, a 3-year project at Ohio State University, this resource guide deals with physical fitness and personal hygiene training of institutionalized mentally retarded adults, to prepare them for transition into community living environments. Included in the guide are recommended teaching strategies, an assessment system,…

Identifies and discusses seven critical issues in the implementation and maintenance of a library automation staff training program: timing, a modular learning approach, training location, trainers, documentation, lesson reinforcement, and continuity. An appendix describes some of the options available for computer assisted training programs.…