A literature review examined the effectiveness of electronic learning in business and academic settings, finding positive anecdotal reports about trainee reactions, learning outcomes, and organizational results, but limited empirical evidence. More research on distance learning's effect on job and career development is needed. (Contains 47…

Surveyed Baltimore Head Start directors and staff participating in an asthma education intervention at 15 Head Start programs to determine their asthma management practices and education needs. Results revealed discrepancies between staff and directors regarding location of asthma medications and presence of asthma action plans in programs. Both…

A survey of the way distance education is offered in higher education institutions in the United Kingdom (n=110) uncovered two key concerns: emphasis on exploitation of available technology and failure to implement staff development for online teaching. (Contains 16 references.) (JOW)

Some Chinese organizations are moving away from production-oriented traditions. Resource-rich enterprises are using formal education to select and develop an elite. Organizations with less access to highly qualified recruits are also less likely to provide extensive training. The gap between organizations in terms of employee development is likely…

Interviews with 23 newly appointed college support staff revealed that 52% had mentors; only 41% of mentoring relationships were active. Some felt that mentors were only for academic staff. Better documentation, entry-worker induction workshops, and mentor development workshops were called for. (SK)

Transmitted by mosquitos, West Nile virus may cause serious illness, but the actual likelihood of infection is low. Prevention, implications, and recommendations for camps are discussed. Poison ivy identification, treatment, and complications are presented; a prevention quiz is included. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease are described, as are…

The role of Australian corrections officers has changed considerably, with a move toward professionalization and higher education requirements. Management training and career development programs are part of the multidimensional learning opportunities now being offered to corrections officers. (SK)

Organizations must balance rational/technical efficiency and emotions. Action learning has been proven to be effective for developing emotional openness in the workplace. Facilitators of action learning should draw upon the disciplines of counseling, Gestalt, psychodynamics, and Eastern philosophies. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)

Barbara Pickney directs 12 Head Start Programs for St. Landry Parish and is the president of the Louisiana Head Start Association. The story of her career with Head Start is related. Peer review training is credited for the growth and professional development of her staff. (GB)

Seven articles address topics related to leadership and library administration: (1) the nature of leadership; (2) the role of mentorship in developing library leaders; (3) the relationship between leadership and personnel development; (4) leadership roles for librarians; (5) library directors as middle managers; (6) raising librarians' salaries;…

Describes framework for organizational change based on propositions that change must be measurable and observable; organizational change requires individual change; and individual change requires learning and motivation to apply learning. Two models explained: a matrix indicating degrees of acceptance of problem and solution and continuum relating…

Guidelines are presented for staff developers in preparing the content and planning for delivery of presentations. The basic planning techniques that are described are based upon learning theory and regard for the audience. (JD)

Selected results of an examination of the Hunter model are presented as two conceptual limitations of the Hunter model are discussed: "Curriculum and Instruction," and "Supervision vs Evaluation." (JD)

Describes how 16 superintendents spurred district reform efforts by creating a positive environment through a four-step process: establishing trust, planning the district's future, communicating their vision effectively, and following through. An inset provides advice to other change-oriented superintendents. (MLH)

The 1988 American Association of School Administrators Leadership Development Awards went to North Gibson School Corporation (Princeton, Indiana) for a bottom-up approach to staff development called Teachers Teaching Teachers and to Duval County Public Schools (Jacksonville, Florida) for an innovative Principal Preparation Program. (MLH)