Although school districts are turning to consultants for help with everything from computer networks to risk management, school reform experts are especially popular. Increasingly, schools are asking consultants to serve as "critical friends" in staff development and teacher-evaluation reform programs. Shortcomings stem from consultants'…

Examines, in four Texas districts, changes in teacher practices related to adoption of the new literature-based basal programs. Surveys over 250 teachers statewide; focuses on 14 teachers in depth. Finds (1) teachers changed practices from year one to year two; (2) teachers' epistemological orientations determined how they responded to changes in…

Offers and explains three pieces of advice for using the Internet in language arts classes: become a student (have students train teachers to use the Internet and have student interns in computer rooms to assist teachers); "morph into a cybrarian" (create an on-line library of World Wide Web links related to class projects); and empower students.…

The Lawrence (Kansas) Public School District has a federally funded, three-site 21st Century Community Learning Center (including two elementary schools and one junior high school.) that offers academic, cultural, social, and recreational activities during after-school hours. Staff receives training aligned with students' diverse needs and…

Discusses the role of stacks support staff and student assistants in providing point-of-use assistance and instruction in Oregon State University's library. A user's survey is described; staff training is explained; and survey instruments and Stack Maintenance Team recommendations are appended. (LRW)

Describes how an institution seeking to improve its course quality can conduct a collective self-evaluation based on an internally designed checklist. The article maintains that this self-evaluation may be used to prepare for an external inspection or built into the institution's on-going program of staff development. (nine references) (Author/CK)

Offers case studies of best training practices in leading companies (AEtna, Andersen Worldwide, Boeing, Digital Equipment, Tektronix, Texas Instruments, Allstate, and Sprint), elected by the Benchmarking Forum of the American Society for Training and Development. The practices are technology based and performance oriented and herald common…

Shawnee Mission, Kansas, schools' technology plan includes a 4-person training staff and a $300,000 budget to make sure teachers will be ready to use high-tech tools in their classrooms. All teachers in the Harlingen, Texas, district are loaned a laptop computer for the duration of their employment with the district. (MLF)

Argues that the quality movement in universities has outpaced the capacity of academic leaders to respond. Describes a leadership development program at the University of Otago (New Zealand) which provides academic and administrative leaders with opportunities to enhance those skills and attributes needed to meet the challenges of change arising…

This article presents principles for effective adult learning applicable in child care settings. These principles include the need for motivation to learn, the view that learning is an active process, the benefits from guidance, the importance of appropriate materials and activities for sequential learning, the need for reinforcement and varied…

To embed ongoing learning opportunities in routine school practices, superintendents must help schools create the collaborative cultures that enable teachers to work together, engage in collective inquiry, and learn from each others' experience. Suggestions for fostering quality staff development, clarifying priorities, and improving capacity are…

Examines the increasing demands on social workers to provide services to children in state care and the need for policy and service delivery changes in this area. Suggests changes in government and agency initiatives to improve staffing levels, renewed training, and adequate support for social work services to children in state care. (JPB)

The staffing process in student affairs is one of the most important leadership and management functions that administrators are called upon to perform. How well the interrelated functions of recruitment, selection, orientation, supervision, performance appraisal, professional development, and departure by staff are handled determines the…

Teen risk-taking is normal, healthy developmental behavior. Teens act out their fantasies--good and bad--at camp because it is a safe place away from parents. Signs of unhealthy risk-taking, camp staff responses, and how the September 11 tragedy might affect risk-taking are discussed. Sidebars describe tips for understanding adolescent behavior…

Focus-group interviews with 52 camp counselors examined their experiences as camp staff. Positive outcomes included important relationships with campers and other staff; appreciation of diversity; teamwork; group cohesion; leadership and responsibilities; and technical, interpersonal, and administrative skills development. Problems included…