The author reports on the trend for manufacturing companies to spend heavily on retraining and retaining employees whose jobs have been abolished or dramatically changed. Employers have found retraining current employees to be more cost effective than hiring new workers. He describes a California state program that helps finance such training…

Educators recognize the importance of staff development but funding such programs can be problematic. Securing school district commitment for professional growth opportunities depends on the following factors: (1) does the program address a recognized need? (2) is the program acceptable and comfortable? and (3) is it the right time to propose the…

The U.S. Office of Education is involved in 21 programs involving educational personnel development. Funding levels for 19 of these programs are listed along with an outline of the recipients of this funding, the personnel served by federal programs, and federal mandates for in-service. (JMF)

Educational legislation mandated that state education agencies submit plans for the coordination of federal and state funds for school staff development. State activities in planning, preparing, and coordinating programs are identified and discussed. (JN)

Two papers concerning staff development for small/rural community colleges are presented. In the first, practices at small/rural colleges are contrasted with those at larger and more urban colleges. It is noted that (1) small colleges try to keep pace with institutional growth and development needs mostly in the area of curriculum, disregarding…

Guidelines in organizing a staff development program in a community college are outlined. Initially, some kind of assessment must be made to determine program needs. Four areas to assess include: (1) administrative views and support; (2) present level of staff development activities; (3) institutional and personal/professional needs; and (4)…

Summarized is legislation from states and outlying territories, in effect as of January, 1976, which constitutes the basic legal structure for the development and implementation of inservice staff development programs in public education. The major elements of the statutes affecting inservice staff development are noted to include collective…

This report of a special State Technical College Task Force responds to a Minnesota legislative directive regarding needed changes in preservice and continuing education programs for personnel providing services for people with developmental disabilities. Introductory material provides background information and a summary of the 1991 legislation…

To have an impact in the adult education field, adult educators must improve their competencies through professional development. Although adult education academic programs exist, many agencies hiring adult educators do not require this background and frequently are unaware that the field exists. The Coalition of Adult Education Organizations has…

The rural Northeast Alabama Consortium for Professional Development is composed of five local school systems and an institution of higher learning that have joined together to share resources and enhance educational opportunities for teachers and students. The Consortium was formed as a result of the impact of three major factors: the Alabama…

Virginia has 36 criminal justice training academies, including 10 regional academies. The academies conduct entry-level, inservice, and specialized training for law enforcement officers, jailers, and other criminal justice personnel. In 1998, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) was directed to review the quality, consistency,…