Notes that in teacher study groups (TSG), teachers meet to converse and to study teaching and learning. Discusses key features of TSGs, TSGs in action, and benefits of TSGs. Suggests that it is important that each teacher begin exploring the topic of interest through his or her best learning mode. (SG)

Highlights lessons learned from a small, grant-funded teacher improvement project in Guinea that went nationwide, including: it is possible to make such a system work on a national scale in a resource-scarce country; effective initial and continued training is critical for all participants; it is difficult to provide close-to-school assistance…

Lists several premises concerning drug education and prevention which form the basis for Skills for Growing, a Quest International program targeted at students in kindergarten through grade five. Program goals are listed, external and internal conditions envisioned by Quest are discussed, and positive social behaviors and commitments which are…

Examined effectiveness of suicide awareness curriculum presented to 73 college undergraduates and assessed two methods of instruction: lectures plus handouts or handouts only. Univariate analyses demonstrated significant treatment effects for all dependent measures: Suicide Intervention Response Inventory, Knowledge of Suicide Test, Suicide…

Surveys the 17 "distinguishing characteristics" listed in the introduction of California's History-Social Science Framework (1988), and evaluates its strengths and weaknesses. Points out inconsistencies and argues that the arbitrary omission of some important items was unnecessary. (GEA)

Describes briefly the School Development Program, a long-lasting school improvement movement. Discusses in particular a research project at Neal Middle School in Durham, North Carolina, that will demonstrate what and how much students learn between elementary school and high school. (SR)

Reports selected findings from a national evaluation of a British pilot scheme for mentoring new headteachers, using questionnaire data collected from 238 new principals and 303 mentors and information from 16 detailed case studies. Mentoring was judged successful by most participants because it offered numerous benefits, including help with…

Describes a formalized library media specialist mentoring program in the Iowa City Community School District. Discussion includes characteristics for successful mentoring; the role of mentors; benefits for mentors, proteges, and library media programs; and the evolution of the mentoring relationship. (AEF)

Analysis of education-industry links in Scotland revealed many competing, overlapping initiatives vying for space in curricula. Over 15 years, linkages progressed from hostility through burgeoning activity, mainstreaming, and declining importance. The education-industry curriculum has an ad hoc character. (SK)

Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of three types of management development for women (single sex, mixed sex, and mentoring) concludes that, despite some strengths, single-sex programs risk further isolating women and perpetuating occupational sex segregation. Integrating men and women in management training and mentoring has the best…

Describes career services program at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse that adapted material from W.E. Deming's quality control manual to the needs of its office. Discusses Deming's work and its implications for career services professionals, then describes application of Deming's model to the career services program. (NB)

Evidence that a structured faculty development program deliberately seeking to create change can yield lasting benefits is found in the experiences of 10 University of Nebraska faculty members, who reported both internal and external changes resulting from the program. A basic model for bringing about lasting change includes four elements: power,…

This survey compared and contrasted the aims, resources, programs, and effectiveness of 40 British organizations involved in the training of people with disabilities in new technology skills. Findings included training concentrated on information technology-related occupations rather than other technology aspects; training was predominantly…

Seven essential ingredients for a successful tech prep program include philosophical support, communication, employer support, a comprehensive career guidance program, effective staff development programs, sound curriculum development techniques, and continuous evaluation and modification. (JOW)

Provides an overview of the Start SMART smoking cessation program which combines nicotine withdrawal therapy with behavior modification. The Start SMART program provides seven, intensive one-hour group sessions that are shown to be a most effective intervention with a specific population--motivated, yet highly dependent smokers. (GLR)