This paper is designed to help educational leaders improve their decision making strategies (and correspondingly educational practice) by evaluating their own strategy in concert with a model proposed in the paper. The proposed model provides educational leaders with an enhanced context within which one can effectively analyze and evaluate…

According to recent research, when teachers focus on higher mental processes (problem solving, application of principles, analytical skills, and creativity) within a mastery learning format, students' thinking skills and knowledge levels improve. Baltimore County (Maryland) and East Islip (New York) School Districts have programs integrating…

Explores issues for school districts to consider in planning for staff development and technology, reviews research on the implementation of technology in schools, and offers specific recommendations for districtwide staff development programs. Recommendations include those for staff development and developing model sites for educators to evaluate…

As an example of successful training in teacher coaching, this article describes a program conducted by the Santa Clara County, California, Educational Development Center. Aspects of the program discussed are its design, the selection of participants, the training process, the program's results, and the program's future. (MCG)

The Jefferson County (Colorado) School district prepares teachers to lead staff development programs in four major areas: (1) implementation of new curriculum; (2) personal and professional growth of colleagues; (3) as educational consultants; and (4) as organizational development consultants. Examples of leadership training activities in each…

Explores leadership development from preservice preparation programs to renewal activities for veteran administrators. Staff development professionals offer examples of leadership development, such as the preparation of prospective principals, using mentors, promoting ownership in staff development, linking school districts with universities, and…

Describes a program for formulating and implementing a staff development plan for technology based on experiences in the Lake Forest School District (Delaware). A comparison of pre- and posttest responses of teachers indicated improvement in skill levels and more positive attitudes toward the use of technology in education. The annual technology…

Addresses outsourcing of school facilities services and the steps facilities services staff can take to help preserve their jobs. Steps include increasing organizational communication of staff efforts; investigating computer software to better manage service delivery; training and motivating staff in new ideas and practices; and establishing goals…

This paper describes a year-long staff development program to improve the evaluation skills of 77 district program coordinators. Results suggest that training, based on the Purdue Three-Stage Model, was effective in helping coordinators become more skilled program evaluators. Implications for program evaluation, personnel development, and outcomes…

Describes comprehensive "Program for More Effective Teaching" based on research into teacher behaviors conducive to learning. Emphasis is placed on assessing levels of difficulty, monitoring student progress, adjusting strategies, and practical application of learning principles. (TE)

A model program, developed by the Institute for the Development of Educational Activities (/I/D/E/A), to prepare staff development specialists for school improvement projects is described. In this model, trainees experience the staff development processes they will be implementing in schools during their training.

This K-12 social studies curriculum guide was developed to provide local schools in South Dakota with a point of departure for their own curriculum development. There are five sections to the guide. Section one, "Social Studies Standards of Excellence," discusses shared decision making and commitment, community support for the social studies,…

This module of a competency-based staff development training package is concerned with alternative strategies of guidance program development. The module has two main purposes. The first is to briefly describe the various methods, approaches, and techniques that counseling personnel can utilize in implementing a comprehensive career guidance…

This manual is one of four volumes in a staff development series designed for use with the Georgia Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling units. The helping skills training program, developed to equip school personnel with the competencies necessary to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, has two components, this self-instructional…

The Title I Great Cities Training Programs were desiqned to provide school paraprofessional personnel in Detroit, Michigan, with the knowledge, skills and techniques that will lead to higher levels of achievement among the Title I target student population. This evaluation report provides a description of program structure, training curricula, and…