This inventory is a reliable and valid staff development assessment instrument designed to measure the degree to which a school's professional development programs adheres to NSDC's Standards for Staff Development. This print version is meant to be completed by teachers and other school staff members. Sold in sets of 50 assessment inventories and…

This brief paper summarizes recommended practices that teachers and administrators serving in supervisory roles can take to ensure the effectiveness of paraeducators working with students who have disabilities. Recommended practices are grouped into four general areas: (1) assign appropriate responsibilities and tasks (preferably by the…

This report examines the first 2 years of the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI), whose goal is 100% literacy for all Alabama's public school children using a balanced approach to reading instruction. It includes results from the external evaluation team, examples of changes in teaching practices and student behaviors, as well as the voices of…

We explore training and development through the lenses of scholars and practitioners who have provided definitions and frameworks for exploring this area which is essential to human resource development (HRD). Thirty-five definitions of training and development are identified and analyzed. Themes from the analysis are explored, conclusions…

The importance of the availability of material resources in early childhood services, including children's and staff materials such as games and art supplies, books, blocks, toys, and other materials, should not be underestimated. When resources are stored in an attractive and easily accessible manner they are more likely to be used effectively.…

This document consists of the 15 issues of the "National Head Start Bulletin" published during the three-year period 1993-1995. The bulletin is devoted to subjects of concern to Head Start teachers and administrators; each issue focuses on one topic. A main article and several smaller articles discuss various aspects of the topic for…

The fourteen brief articles in this theme issue all examine challenges in the development of direct support staff working with people who have developmental disabilities. The articles also include the views of direct support providers and people with developmental disabilities themselves, as well as examples of strategies used by provider agencies…

Professional development is viewed from several perspectives--time, funding, planning, and student outcomes--and includes both an urban and a rural story. This issue provides a special pullout section designed as a checklist to help guide professional development planning activities. The following articles are included: "Perspectives on…

This paper describes how one large, urban school district is successfully building a quality program for educators by combining organizational development, job embedded learning, and collaboration. POET (Professional Organizational Enhancement Training) works to improve learning by enhancing working environments in schools and departments. It…

An evaluation checklist is provided for assessing a school's strengths and weaknesses relative to the safety and security of buildings and grounds, as well as assessing development and enforcement of policies, the presence of intervention and prevention plans, staff development, parent and community involvement, opportunities for student…

Many educational institutions are developing or expanding open and distance learning (ODL) programs, and all face difficulties ensuring that teaching materials of the right quality are developed on time. This report examines solutions to the problem, focusing on training, policies, and management structures that encourage timely development of…

This report addresses reorganizing staff training efforts in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), North Carolina. Training includes both formal workshops and more informal growth opportunities for staff. Data sources for the report include surveys or focus groups from principals and central school district staff, a review of national…

Based on the belief that teaching involves a lifelong cyclical process of study, practice, and reflection, this handbook details the staff development opportunities for prekindergarten personnel in Dade County, Florida for 1997-98. Procedures, workshops, explanatory descriptions, and scheduling information for staff development are presented in…

The 20 chapters of this guide to custodial staffing in educational facilities are grouped into five parts addressing: (1) staffing, (2) evaluation, (3) special considerations, (4) staff development tools, and (5) case studies. The five chapters on staffing are all by Jack C. Dudley and are titled: "General Methods"; "The Mathematics of Change";…

Staff members at Appalachian State University are going to school in a new self-improvement course leading to a higher degree. (Editor)