Offers a broad overview of the developmental reading program at Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana. Discusses the unwritten and written course goals, the administration of the reading program, and four aspects of the organization (courses, conferences, evaluation, and use of support services). (MS)

A study was conducted to assess how a training program on adolescent development affected health professionals and their work performance. Changes in trainees' attitudes and knowledge about adolescent development were measured with pre- and posttraining tests. Short-term training affected basic theoretical knowledge of adolescent development,…

Describes how Hughes Aircraft trainers followed four steps in meeting the challenges of a flexible manufacturing environment: needs assessment, design strategy, pilot evaluation, and follow-through. Within this environment, 50 self-paced training products were developed for one of the company's wire and back plane harness assembly departments. (CT)

This article provides an analytical framework that not only explains the contradictions in the relationship between decentralization and development, but also facilitates constructive debate about decentralization's role in development. It also reviews the extent, form, and impact of recent decentralization policies and programs in less developed…

Examines the organization of quality circles in Italy, the training aspect of these quality circles, and advantages and limitations of quality circles. For successful circles, the author recommends a feasibility study by qualified consultants, an experimental pilot project confined to certain parts of the company, and a fully informed management.…

Addresses administrative questions surrounding the design of remedial programs. Focuses on administrative support, organizational structure, internal program design, testing programs, and program outcomes. Lists factors to be considered in designing and evaluating developmental studies programs. (AYC)

Disagreement exists about the role and function of middle schools. Demand for improved student achievement, greater accountability, improved test scores, and greater responsiveness to parents characterize tensions. This paper reports on the efforts of one community to examine its middle-school program and reposition it to become more effective at…

This paper proposes a proven, viable program aimed at alleviating the intransigent attitudes toward curriculum change and the subcultural conflict of teacher and student interrelationships and, as well, provides an experience in humanized education. (Author/RK)

This study provides a baseline of information concerning the organizational and managerial characteristics of CETA prime sponsors in one region of the country. It also relates these characteristics and other more traditional program and participant variables to program outcomes. (CT)

These planning and evaluative guidelines for online trainers utilize a sliding scale--from minimal to suggested to optimal--for five types of training sessions: (1) Search Service--Beginning; (2) Search Service--Advanced; (3) Search Service--Subject; (4) Database Producer; and (5) Independent Introductory Workshop. (RAA)

Needs assessment is an integral part of designing instruction for adults. However, more work needs to be done to strengthen the definition and theory. Needs assessment will be served by carefully designed studies that analyze the extent and type of impact needs assessments have had on subsequent program development activities. (CT)

Provides a historical and current overview of staff-development program models in higher education. Traces the establishment of the Ball State University division of student affairs staff-development program as a model in staff-development design and functional-program services. Discusses methods of evaluation, issues, and trends. Provides…

An organization's action learning program was based on five principles: real work, questioning and critical thinking, self-managed learning, embedding of learning in the organization, and group dynamics. Most participants were satisfied; more than 50% would seek formal certification based on their learning. More confidence and different approaches…

Conceptual issues related to dropping out, student engagement, and school completion are raised. Thirteen criteria are described as guidelines for designing, evaluating, and documenting programs to enhance successful school completion for all students. Recommendations for future research and practice include implementation of interventions,…

Despite mentoring's rapidly increasing popularity as an intervention for the prevention of teen alcohol and drug abuse and associated problems, there is little research consensus on its overall effectiveness or on the core principles and components that define effective mentoring. To advance knowledge concerning this important prevention…