The paper surveys the planning necessary for effective inservice education for early childhood special education staff. A definition is offered, followed by an outline of general assumptions and guidelines. Next, a planning approach consisting of four interrelated phases is described: support and start-up, initial planning, program design, and…

Effective principal training should reflect the relationship of theory, training, and practice. The Contingency Framework for Administrator Development (CFAD) model is presented as a training program that can integrate administrative task areas, processes, and characteristics through theory and application. (MD)

Administrators can help teachers follow six steps to gain the skills and confidence to use computers in the classroom: (1) familiarization with microcomputers, (2) understanding classroom computer applications, (3) acquiring parent and community support, (4) finding appropriate software, (5) introducing computers to students, and (6) evaluating…

Pitfalls presented in this guide to introducing microcomputers into school curricula include treating the change as magic, rushing to gain publicity, and changing by administrative fiat. Steps outlined to avoid such pitfalls include developing board policy and administrative procedures, acting on committee recommendations, and establishing a…

About 30 percent of American children are regularly involved as bullies, victims, or both. Despite this number, bullying behavior is rarely detected by teachers and is even less frequently taken seriously. The consequences of bullying are far reaching, from lower attendance and student achievement to increased incidence of violence and juvenile…

This booklet provides information regarding the use of universal free breakfast programs and guidance to schools that wish to start such a program. Written for school officials and breakfast advocates, the guide discusses the benefits of a universal free school breakfast program, the options available, and basic operational issues, so that…

This volume describes Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) programs in the social sciences and humanities and documents their feasibility and desirability. It summarizes the lessons learned in the PFF initiative. The chapters are: (1) "A New Vision for Doctoral Preparation"; (2) "Strategies for Establishing a PFF Program"; (3) "Content of PFF Programs";…

This guide provides a map that schools can follow when implementing the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSRD) program. It is hoped that CSRD will help schools foster higher standards and ensure that schools help students meet these standards. The booklet describes the goals and benchmarks that must be established for student…

Noting that professional development activities are a key component in the continuous process of improving instruction, this guide assists schools that are considering a visit to a Leadership and Learning Best Practice site (Illinois schools that have demonstrated a commitment to the reading best practices as identified by the Best Practices and…

The author presents a model for implementing the objective based instructional approach in physical education programs for handicapped students. (SB)

External and implementation factors and their potential threats to field test validity and the practical realities of the field testing process on results are discussed. External factors include site selection, negotiations, contracts, site monitoring, training, and type of product. Implementation factors include motivation, dependence on local…

The paper focuses on the evaluation of individualized education programs (IEPs) for handicapped children. IEP evaluation is discussed in terms of general considerations for evaluation and evaluation of the overall IEP effort. (Author/SB)

This article suggests techniques for recruitment and involvement of students in local and state Parent Teacher Associations (PTA). The National PTA has authorized the establishment of Parent, Teacher, Student Associations (PTSA). The process for changing from PTA to PTSA is outlined. (IAH)

Successful forensic tournaments are educational instruments that foster knowledge in areas of public speaking, debate, and interpretation, and can be an integral part of the process in carrying out program and department objectives and goals. Reasons to host a forensic tournament include: a need for competition in that area of the country; a…

This guide to developing and implementing mentor programs in local communities contains three sections. The first section examines why mentor programs are needed and what being a mentor involves. The second section includes guidelines for developing and implementing mentor programs. The first subsection covers the first stages of program…