Once a college or university has chosen a consultant, details of the relationship may need negotiation, and a contract protecting both parties must be drawn up and signed. A range of contract options is available, depending on the nature, cost, and sensitivity of the work to be done. (Author/MSE)

Colleges can improve their chances of hiring an appropriate consultant by knowing what they wish to accomplish; knowing what results to expect; identifying possible consultants; choosing an individual with expertise in the primary area of concern; arranging and understanding the consultant's presentation; and remaining flexible during the…

A construction manager can relieve administrators of much of their uncertainty in building or renovating schools in the areas of scheduling, quality, and costs. (MLF)

This presentation introduces the methods of negotiation and mediation in transdisciplinary decision-making, and applies the methods specifically to the educational needs and placements of students with disabilities. Four stages of mediation are described: problem identification, generation of problem-solving options, evaluation of options, and…

Good feedback from a consultant is evidence-based insight into the good, bad, and indifferent aspects of the work being done. The college administrator needs to prepare for hearing and acting on it. Receiving feedback is difficult, but handling it well is critical to the ultimate effectiveness of change. (Author/MSE)

A review of studies of mentoring for new college faculty suggests practical guidelines for maximizing the mentoring experience. Recommendations include "cataloging" (of past, current, and planned activities); group mentoring; and application of a theory stressing involvement, regimen, solving the right problem, and social networking. (DB)

This article describes a process for customizing instruction for students with profound multiple disabilities that has been used to design instructional programs and maximize attainment of functional outcomes. The process focuses on collaborative teamwork and problem solving to design and implement instructional programs and includes five major…

Experience shows that teamwork produces powerful results. Working in a team environment, however, presents its own set of challenges. This handbook provides U.S. Department of Education managers and employees with guidance to develop high-performing teams. Based on input from agency employees throughout the country, the handbook was designed to…

As states transfer more responsibility for education decisions to local school systems, effective leadership at the local level is essential. This report presents the Southern Regional Educational Board (SREB) model for leadership development, as practiced by the SREB Leadership Academy. Since 1991, teams from 12 school systems in the southern…

This book is the second of a three-volume series on conflict resolution for educational administrators. Following the introduction, the first three chapters discuss the following communication skills critical to communication--building rapport, listening and pacing, and chunking and problem solving. Chapter 4 provides a generic problem-solving…

Suggestions for college development officers for improving efficiency in researching potential donors include networking with parents, alumni, faculty, trustees, and even the college president; using class notes, local and national business publications, and computer databases; and using personal organizational ability, imagination, and…

This book grew out of a course at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government (Massachusetts) in leadership designed to give students insight and tools for working in various official and unofficial roles where leading others can become essential to effective performance. After an introduction, Part 1 presents an overview of the meaning of…

The leadership, management, and academic concerns of deans and provosts are addressed in this casebook based on 25 original case studies on issues related to finance, personnel, organizational structure, curriculum, and academic freedom and standards. Two or more practical options for action accompany each presentation of a challenging problem.…

Service coordination in early intervention for infants and toddlers with disabilities is the focus of this training guide and accompanying videotape. Section 1 describes service coordination as defined by Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the various models or approaches to service coordination, the history of early…

Change is hard work, even when we are convinced it is worth the effort. Teachers are expected to change without clear explanations or evidence of how the changes will benefit them or their students. Meaningful change is most likely to occur when teachers' beliefs, feelings, and personality are taken into consideration. This book applies the latest…