One requirement of The California Children and Families First Act (Proposition 10) is "to facilitate the creation and implementation of an integrated, comprehensive, and collaborative system of information and services to enhance optimal early childhood development." This report provides policymakers and others with working information…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to provide an overview of what physical fitness is and how it relates to people with mental retardation. Questions address the following topics: the fitness movement; a definition of physical fitness; the different components of physical fitness (muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, body…

This manual provides counselors in schools and agency settings with a hands-on, concrete set of materials to use in group work with children of divorce. The materials help counselors develop a comprehensive psychoeducational group work program that allows them to assess the specific needs of children of divorce, provide a psychoeducational group…

This guidebook is designed to help school leaders think systemically as they examine school improvement issues and make decisions about change. The guidance offered is based on what has been learned from systems theory, research on school improvement, and conversations with a broad array of school leaders. Because schools are complex systems of…

The State Library of Ohio designed this disaster preparedness plan to assist small libraries in gathering information that will be invaluable in the event of an emergency. This plan, which focuses on fire and water disaster prevention, is devoted to using simple and inexpensive measures to prevent a disaster or to lessen its effect. The plan…

This monograph provides guidelines for agencies and community groups to develop individualized responses to local gang problems. The manual contains a foundation for understanding the diverse nature of gangs, the problems they pose, and the harm they cause. Two models are presented for addressing gang-related problems. The problem-solving model to…

A new multi-year effort to promote the health, positive development, and well-being of children has been established in the midwest Great Lakes region. The working name of this project is the Kellogg Pre-Birth through Age Three initiative. The first phase focuses on cross-site participation in the development of an overall design. Phase 2 will…

This manual was developed to help community members conduct a dialogue on race. When people explore perspectives and ideas, they discover how much they share and learn to appreciate their differences. The nature of the dialogue process can motivate people to work toward change. Sections of the manual explore: (1) "Characteristics of Community…

Service learning has been defined as the integration of service with academic growth. It is a method through which young people learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences. Service learning programs are individualized and unique, and to duplicate one program or to expect the same effects from one…

This book offers guidance for the development of learning communities at the college level. The book analyzes examples of learning communities at a wide variety of institutions, including research universities, commuter campuses, residential campuses, and four- and two-year institutions. Chapter 1 offers definitions and characteristics of learning…

This paper provides an approach to building research-based knowledge in teacher education through program evaluation. This approach allows results of program evaluations to be compared and contrasted and theoretical constructs developed into practical models for use in improving teacher preparation. The paper examines Yarger and Smith's 1990…

This book describes how to use adult learning strategies in planning faculty development. Chapter 1 addresses concerns about success, demonstrating how to use an adult learning model to help faculty developers succeed. Chapter 2 presents the Adult Learning Model for Faculty Development, which has four stages grounded in adult learning and program…

Discusses the importance of staff development as reflected in the literature and describes the role of the chief student affairs officer. Presents a systematic process for designing and implementing staff development programs and identifies some obstacles to successful efforts. (JAC)

Concurrent enrollment, whereby high school students take courses at a local college solves many problems for under-challenged gifted students. Suggestions for developing such a program are given along with mention of two disadvantages: lack of awareness of the option and the relinquishing of the high school's responsibility. (CL)

Guidelines are offered to administrators beginning new preschool programs that concern curriculum, facilities, staff, and parent involvement. (MLF)