Collaborative problem solving and collaborative skills are considered necessary skills for success in today's world. Collaborative problem solving is defined as problem solving activities that involve interactions among a group of individuals. Large-scale and small-scale assessment programs increasingly use collaborative group tasks in which…

Six Sigma is an organization wide program that provides common set of goals, language, and methodology for improving the overall quality of the processes within the organization (Davis & Heineke 2004). Six Sigma main concern is for the customer. What will the customers want? Need? Six Sigma has a model that helps Sigma get implemented DMAIC model…

This paper describes an experimental course that modeled a teamed approach in preparing future school leaders centered on teacher professional development. Participants included representatives from the key stakeholder groups in teacher professional development (beginning and experienced teachers, future teacher educators, and future…

Targeted to educators and parents of gifted children, this issue is divided into three sections that address differentiating curriculum for the gifted. The following articles are included: (1) "The Essential Assumptions Regarding Differentiation of Curriculum for Gifted Students" (Susan Winebrenner); (2) "Curriculum Differentiation…

This paper discusses caring relationships and their importance in supporting student learning, examining a study conducted at a public elementary school. The first section describes a theoretical context for care in the school community and argues for its presence in capturing the essence of school reform. It explores one component of care,…

Defines and describes the consultation, collaboration, and teaming models that have been implemented for educating students with learning disabilities. Delineates how these models contribute to interactive teaming, outlines the key features of the interactive team, and provides some guiding principles for successful implementation of this model.…

Describes a new competence-based engineering doctorate proposed by the Science and Economics Research Council (United Kingdom). The Parnaby Report mandated expert knowledge; appreciation of industrial engineering and development culture; skills in: project and program management, teamwork and leadership, communication, technical organization,…

Describes the Carnegie Middle School (CMS), a North Carolina public charter school that uses the community as the classroom. Examines the school's emphasis on parental support and partnerships with neighborhood business and service organizations, as well as its unique features of accessibility, problem solving, teamwork, goal setting, and life…

The relationship between organizational support and satisfaction with a collaborative problem-solving structure called the Teacher Assistance Team (TAT), which assists general education teachers concerning special needs students, was studied with 161 TAT members and 127 elementary school consumers of TAT services. Organizational supports involved:…

A Wisconsin advocacy model for gifted education programs is presented, emphasizing ongoing collaboration and dissemination to most effectively utilize meager resources. Essential elements of the dissemination design are identified, including use of regional sites, requiring participation of an administrator on the team, group problem solving, and…

Examines the Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) approach in providing all students with individualized, supportive instructional alternatives in the classroom. Explains how the TAT is a cost- and time-effective approach for providing teacher support in handling "slow learners" and letting teachers have ownership and responsibility in dealing with…

Outlines a five-step process to help school and community members in planning the initial phases of a new school: (1) establish a realistic planning timeline; (2) select a design team with diverse perspectives; (3) develop a sense of team/community among design-team members; (4) develop a vision for a new facility; and (5) select an architect.…

A study examined the teaming efforts of a master-level, preservice, transdisciplinary team as reflected in a conversation during a planning meeting. The use of problem solving, conflict avoidance, role expansion, and role release techniques are described. Implications are discussed for intervention teams in the schools and preservice preparation…

Emergency management training programs have been developed mostly for trainees from high-risk environments such as aviation or the chemical industry. This article describes a training program for staff members from low-risk environments such as hospitals or hotels, where the awareness of potential dangers is usually low and emergency plans are…

This paper describes one course offered in the Economics Department at the Drexel University (DU), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that uses directed learning and focuses on public sector problems. As the opening notes, the course is titled "Learn by DU-ing" ("DU" is a reference to Drexel University) and offers a menu of…