Outlines an approach for moving staff, parents, and children toward an emergent literacy perspective. Discusses how to (1) lay the foundation for new policy directions; (2) assess the literacy environment; (3) plan for essential experiences; (4) attend to skill development and program objectives; and (5) reassess emergent literacy programs. (MM)

Historical background is presented on the self-advocacy movement for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Australia and the United States. Problems in the establishment and maintenance of advocacy programs are identified, and suggestions are made for ensuring the growth and vitality of the self-advocacy movement in Australia. (MSE)

Describes steps of planning, implementing, and evaluating Books Build Bridges, a public library program created by Connecticut's Stratford Library Association. The program paired local senior citizens with young adults who then read picture books to first, second, and third graders. Sidebars present reading tips for volunteers, program tips, and…

Focuses on critical factors for success for organizations planning to use upward feedback systems to drive organizational change. Highlights include assessment of organizational readiness, use of an appropriate feedback instrument, consistent implementation, effective communication and training, quality control, and continuous improvement.…

Discusses the characteristics of child-centered home visits in early childhood and preschool programs. Offers strategies for making the visits and for evaluating them. Benefits of visits for children are considered. (BG)

The Student Study Team (SST) is described as a California intervention model that encourages effective multidisciplinary team participation. The development, training, operation, and evaluation of such teams are discussed, and implementation recommendations are offered. The article includes a flow chart of the SST process, a meeting competency…

Explains how cognitive behavior modification (CBM) can be used to teach students self-control through increased awareness of cognitive processes and effects of behavior. Briefly describes three CBM procedures: (1) observational learning, (2) self-instruction, and (3) self-monitoring. Offers specific guidelines for implementing self-instruction and…

Discusses the failure of schools to prepare students with disabilities, their peers, the faculty, or the environment before placing a student with a disability in the general-education classroom. Components of a quality program for students with disabilities are described, including an appropriate curriculum and specific successful classroom…

This article shows how the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) standards for the preparation and licensure of special educators can provide guidance to all, whether embarking on careers or seeking enhancement through professional development opportunities. Challenges and strategies for implementing the CEC standards using collaboration and…

The task of planning, negotiating, and implementing an international training project differs according to setting. This article provides a checklist for international project facilitators that suggests thoroughly assessing in advance: objectives, sponsors, skill levels, evaluation methods, equipment needs, software language, copying services,…

The goal of the United National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Competency Standards for Teachers (ICT-CST) project is to improve teachers' practice in all areas of a their work. By combining ICT skills with emergent views in pedagogy, curriculum, and school organization,…

On October 20, 1994, President Clinton signed into law the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994. This statute contains amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, including the reauthorization of Chapter 1, as the newly entitled Title I. The reauthorized Title I drastically restructures the direction of former remedial…

This paper offers six steps for developing and implementing a self-management program to improve children's social behaviors on the school playground. Introductory information provides a literature review of self-management strategies and programs. The self-management program recommended is divided into three broad phases encompassing assessment,…

This handbook was designed to help school administrators, teachers, and community members make a successful transition from a junior high school to a middle school. The focus is on the process rather than content. Chapter 1 provides an example of how one junior high school faculty and administration made the shift to a middle school. Chapter 2…

This book provides information supplemental to the accompanying videotape regarding the implementation and use of two-way, full-motion interactive television. Based on a study conducted by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, "Local Heroes" describes in detail how citizens have implemented the technology in small rural…