An evaluation of an Ohio professional development program for beginning rural principals interviewed and observed 23 principals and mentors in 3 study groups. Participants valued mentoring and networking activities, noting they mitigated professional isolation. Participants preferred "unofficial" activities focused on practical problems…

Describes the successes of a cross-curricular environmental education program in England. Keys to success include tapping into networks of local and national contacts, recognition for student projects and competitions which give students confidence and sometimes help fund extra projects, curriculum audits to ensure that all students receive…

Presents the case that evaluation is an essential element of successful distance education programs. Uses a synthesis of the program evaluation and distance education research literature to form a framework for conducting evaluations of online programs. Evaluators should assess student performance, determine program and cost effectiveness, monitor…

Examined the impact of a workshop that trained teachers in using problem-based learning to teach health content. Data from a repeated measures quasi-experimental study of participants and nonparticipants indicated that six variables differed significantly between participating and nonparticipating teachers (e.g., ratings of passive student…

Examined tobacco prevention education practices and curriculum in North Carolina Public Schools by analysis of 125 questionnaires completed by school districts and school representatives from 321 middle schools. Found 101 districts had adopted a systemwide curriculum, a large percentage of districts were using commercially published materials, and…

Eighty-six "at-risk" students (aged 14-16) participated in an 8-week program of immersion in vocational training, academics, counseling, recreation, and performing arts. Students improved in academic areas and in their understanding of the world of work, but self-concept measures showed a decline and the program's impact on dropout likelihood was…

This article responds to a critique of a study in which an ambitious program of thinking skills instruction was designed, implemented, and evaluated. Concepts of intelligence and thinking skills are explored, the relationship between the two is analyzed, and the impact of instruction on both is considered. (IAH)

Evaluated effectiveness of school-based social skills program. Middle school children (N=34) selected for behavior problems were assigned to social skills training or to a no-treatment control group. Assessed change by teacher, parent, and self-report measures. Findings suggest significant improvement in social activity and parental report of…

An individualized faculty development program using a peer consultation approach is reported. The 25 faculty participants to date represent most of the institution's academic programs. Results show the consultation format to be useful and attractive to a significant portion of the faculty. (MSE)

Attitude change among older and younger participants in intergenerational programs is investigated. While elderly participants in several programs reported positive feelings resulting from their involvement with children, children's attitudes attributed to intergenerational experiences were mixed. Research should consider longitudinal growth and…

The article examines the efficacy of educational consultation through a review of research studies in the following categories: field-based survey research, outcome studies, and process investigations. It is suggested that future research maintain a broader-based ecological perspective which includes such factors as staffing patterns, cost…

Describes the process of developing a long-range plan for the statewide implementation of Tech Prep associate of applied science (AAS) degree programs in Texas. Suggests that the most critical issues of implementation are effective resource allocation, program access, quality assurance, and building program infrastructure. (15 references.) (MAB)

Implementation of a job development program within the personnel administration function of an Australian university is evaluated. The program, following principles of the Total Quality Management approach, was found to have favorable impact on a number of work-related variables, in comparison with the traditional approach used in another…

Focuses on critical factors for success for organizations planning to use upward feedback systems to drive organizational change. Highlights include assessment of organizational readiness, use of an appropriate feedback instrument, consistent implementation, effective communication and training, quality control, and continuous improvement.…

College alumni associations are using a variety of approaches to improve alumni participation. Surveying alumni for needs and preferences can be fruitful. Program ideas include career planning, parent programs, community service, student relations activities, and high school recruitment. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation is crucial to…