Describes a staff development framework having four main components: a definition, a mapping sentence, a description of participant roles, and an evaluation perspective. Conditions are discussed for judging the worth of staff development activities, and examples of such activities are analyzed to show how the evaluation perspective is used in…

To succeed today, service models for group care of those in the child welfare system must emphasize a holistic approach, taking into account the needs of the individual, family, and surrounding social environment. Articulating the many tasks associated with both starting and running a community-based group home, this book provides a guide for…

The first quarter of this textbook on public relations in the public school setting reviews the topic and informs educators about the potential public relations problems and opportunities that could face them in the foreseeable future. An introduction and four chapters cover (1) the history of public relations; (2) the elements of public…

As educators across the nation launch into frenzied efforts to "do something" in response to the various recommendations of commissions on educational excellence, many are forgetting that knowledge of how to implement change is available. This paper focuses on three concerns that educators must face when fitting general recommendations…

The principal coordinates curriculum change in the public schools. Critical features of effective curriculum implementation are open communication, a strong staff development program, and daily encouragement and support of faculty members. Planning and organization, financial support, and human support are among the principal's significant…

A management program was implemented to increase the training activities and decrease nonwork behavior of eight direct-care staff in a facility for individuals with mental retardation. Improvements were maintained during a 43-week period, staff acceptability measures were positive, and beneficial changes occurred in clients. (JDD)

These Colorado guidelines explain the purpose of vision screening programs in schools and draw a distinction between screening and a screening program. They outline types of screening to be carried out for students at each grade level. Screening procedures are then described in detail, including: history and external observations, distance visual…

Schools which have successfully implemented mastery learning (ML) programs show many similarities in their plans for ML development. These similarities stand out so strongly that knowledge of them can help all schools in planning for ML. The following program commonalities observed during visits to several schools in New York, Washington,…

The Flint (Michigan) Community Schools developed a four-phase School Improvement process model. In Phase 1 (Commitment), school district and administrative support were obtained and pilot schools were selected (one elementary and one middle school). The principals of these schools and one teacher representative from each received training in…

Home programs for young handicapped children have the potential for enhancing the partnership between home and school. In an effective home program the parent is viewed as the person most qualified to facilitate the child's development. This paper focuses on the philosophy of home programming and details some useful strategies which can be used by…

The handbook provides broad guidelines, suggestions, and descriptions of effective mainstreaming practices in New York City Public Schools. An initial section reviews factors related to successful mainstreaming, including effective school environment, strong administrative leadership, and parental involvement. Eight general principles for…

The educational community's concern with sex, drug, and vocational/career education has prompted school psychologists to take part in these areas. This article reviews the literature on (1) sex education, (2) drug education, (3) vocation/career education, and (4) psychology courses for high school students. (Author/PN)

A school district in Nanaimo, British Columbia (Canada) implemented a transdisciplinary team to provide services for students with multiple handicaps. The team comprises a special education teacher, speech/language pathologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and teacher aides. This paper describes team member roles and responsibilities,…

Provides guidelines for international camping programs including specific information with regard to characteristics for participants, orientation, logistics, contacts, budget, and quality assurance, Topics include desirable attitudes and backgrounds from campers and staff, staff leadership and practical skills, cultural awareness training, legal…

This guide outlines the process of screening preschool-age children in North Dakota to determine their need for special education services. As mass screenings were found to lack cost-effectiveness, selective screening is encouraged. A periodic selective screening process, using a coordinated, interagency approach, is recommended for the earliest…