Problems encountered in mainstreaming are described in this paper, with a focus on ways to avert them. Mainstreaming refers to the placement of selected special needs students in the regular classroom. Negative teacher attitudes toward mainstreaming present a major obstacle. Because teachers have a significant effect on program effectiveness, the…

This guide summarizes information and procedures from recent research on staff development and provides examples of staff development practices in Georgia school systems. Section 1 describes a new vision for staff development, with a focus on student development as a strategy for organizational change. Section 2 looks at the expanding role of the…

Many educators and policymakers find that deciding on the right staff-development program has become increasingly difficult. This brief, three-part monograph organizes staff-development objectives, models, and program-design features into an understandable, comprehensive framework. Part 1 advises readers on how to weigh a program's objectives.…

In spring 1990, the classified staff of the Sierra College Staff Development Committee requested and obtained funding to sponsor four all-day retreats for all classified staff. Participants were assigned to one of the retreats based on their own preferences and an attempt to ensure a cross section of staff at each retreat. As a result of the…

A practicum project was designed to improve communications, exchange of ideas, and interpersonal relationships among 37 teachers and school staff members in a rural elementary school in an economically depressed area. Monthly "spotlight" gatherings were held, featuring ethnic foods, experiential activities, demonstrations, and discussions of…

Shared decision-making (SDM) is becoming a part of many American schools. Shared decision making is based on a premise that relies on four main assumptions: (1) those closest to the children will make the best decisions concerning the children's education; (2) teachers, parents, and school staff should have influence in policies; (3) those who…

The topic of this Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Frequent Fast Facts Survey is library staffing. These ULC Frequent Fast Facts Surveys are not intended to be scientific studies of the library community but rather "snapshots" on topics of current interest. Further analysis of the results is suggested, and for that reason, the completed…

This practicum paper describes a training intervention project that was designed to improve classified employees' personnel selection and problem-solving skills. The project addressed the following personnel issues: legal issues of employment, critical thinking, job analysis, selection style, interviewing techniques, and employee induction.…

An interagency conference, Reading Families and Youth Who Have Limited Resources, was held in September 1992. Over a 2-day period, 186 adult educators and human service professionals participated in 27 different workshops. An innovative evaluation model was developed to assess the impacts of conference participation on reaching audiences who have…

This report provides guidelines for Client Assistance Programs (CAPs), established to assist applicants and clients of programs and facilities funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This report developed out of a study to provide information to increase cooperative approaches of benefit to both programs and clients and to create training…

Arguing that good interpersonal interactions between library staff and their patrons is a major determinant of overall patron satisfaction, this paper describes Temple University's customer service training program for its public services staff. Dubbed the "A+ Service" program, the program focuses on six aspects of library service: (1)…

Findings from an evaluation of Grand Rapids' staff development program, the Effective Instruction initiative, are presented in this paper. The program consisted of inservice teacher training and practice, coaching, and feedback. The level of classroom implementation of program concepts and skills was assessed through pre- and post-observations of…

This collection of readings (mostly from "Educational Leadership") is directed to leaders in educational settings who are responsible for curriculum development, professional growth, and improving instruction. The selections are organized under eight topics: (1) history, nature, and purposes of educational supervision; (2) organization…

Educational policies for gifted programs are often developed as the result of being under fire by either the public, parents, or the district. Such policies are often ill-conceived because they have been created under pressure rather than rational thought; therefore, this booklet reviews the content and organization of a sample program manual for…

Intended for persons interested in operating preschool programs in California, these guidelines provide basic information on student eligibility, program requirements, and fiscal reporting. The first section provides background information on California preschool programs. Characteristics affecting children's eligibility for preschool services are…