This research study explored the perceptions of practicing Illinois superintendents regarding the efficacy of the work they do as a superintendent related to their experience in a superintendent preparation program. Although a multitude of research studies have been completed for both teacher and principal preparation programs, very little…

This study examined perceptions of Illinois public elementary school principals regarding the effectiveness of their school districts' evaluation systems for special education teachers in promoting professional development and job performance accountability. Using an online questionnaire, 330 of the state's 1,551 elementary principals responded to…

A district is as stable and grounded as its superintendent, according to some leaders and education experts. And given findings in a recent report from the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS), which specifically states that the average tenure of urban superintendents increased from 2.3 years in 1999 to 3.6 years in 2010, an increase of 56…

Many organizations use formal appraisals to measure employee performance. Augustana College's Office of Admissions introduced an appraisal process in 2006. Subsequently, staff expressed a number of concerns, ranging from confusion about the process to its link to compensation. Action research proved essential for understanding the problems; it…

The purpose of this study was to explore the performance appraisal experience of 14 mid-level women in student affairs administration at four-year colleges and universities in Northern Illinois using a qualitative research approach involving personal interviews. Previous research on career development and advancement of mid-level women in student…

Using the critical perspective, this research studies the International Training Office's (ITO) changing HRD practices. It presents the organizational characteristics, context, and practices of ITO across three timeframes and analyzes the appropriateness of these practices for its context and makes recommendations for enhancing its effectiveness.…

Illinois extension educators (n=95) who were reappointed after restructuring faced changes in subject matter, service area, primary contact group, and targeted clientele. Job performance was negatively affected by changes in primary contact group and targeted clientele, and by anxiety after reappointment. (SK)

A survey of teachers and principals in North Cook County, Illinois, explored tenure issues related to teacher performance, professional image, job security, and teacher welfare. Although a majority of teachers and principals agreed that tenure inhibits dismissal of below-average teachers, 54 percent of teachers favored keeping tenure, and 69…

A needs assessment was conducted to determine how county cooperative extension advisors in Illinois perceive their duties and what they consider their needs for inservice education. Questionnaires identifying 14 competencies needed by cooperative extension agents were sent to county extension advisors; the 298 that were returned constituted the…

The impact of successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) testing program upon the candidates and on the perceptions of their employers was analyzed. Questionnaires were returned by 241 successful GED candidates and 52 of their employers in DeKalb County, Illinois for the period 1970-79. Over one-half of the 428 successful…

During an 18-month demonstration period, the Illinois Occupational Program Initiative (IOPI), funded through the state's Division of Alcoholism, demonstrated the feasibility of funding individual contractors to create and market employee assistance programs (EAPs) to representatives of industry and labor. Cost estimates for the EAPs were to cover…

The job satisfaction and organizational commitment of rehabilitation counselors working in public rehabilitation agencies in Illinois are the focus of this study. Participants were 149 rehabilitation counselor survey respondents whose agencies agreed to take part in the study. A total of 281 surveys were mailed. Job satisfaction was measured using…

Postsecondary and work success is central to the economic and social wellbeing of a country. Fundamentally, college success is measured by persistence to degree attainment. Analogously, work success refers to effective performance of a job's required tasks. To succeed in college, one must be ready for college. A student who is ready for college is…

In 2002, a survey was sent to every local educational agency's superintendent. After a period of four weeks, a follow-up survey was sent to the superintendents who had not responded. The respondents to the survey totaled 505 of a possible 894. The intent of this survey was to develop a perspective of local school district superintendents. A…

An Illinois project identified employer perceptions of vocational education graduates' job holding and success problems and needs and prepared instructional units to remediate these problems. An employer job survey was disseminated to businesses and industries who rated young adults entering the job market on non-skill related job performance…