Many participant-satisfaction evaluation forms used in staff development programs are ritualistic contrivances that are poorly designed and administered. This article describes five rules for generating evaluation forms based on clarity, a decision focus, brevity, anonymity, and respondents' opportunity to make additional suggestions. Careful…

Within 30 years, European American people will be the minority population in the United States. Yet, cultural incompetency is pervasive in today's society. The camping and outdoor education professions must pay as much attention to cultural concerns as to technical aspects of their work. Safe places for all can be created by being knowledgeable…

Describes several strategies California principals can use to make effective use of thematic assessment data to improve reading instruction, guide staff training in the use of assessment data for instructional decision-making, and establish schoolwide norms for aligning assessment data with instructional practices. (PKP)

Contends that creation of a space where all faculty and staff can come together and learn is an important goal for professional development. Describes the integrated training efforts at the College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, which resulted in a teaching and learning center providing development opportunities for all employees. (AUTH/NB)

Reports on ongoing work at five universities in northeastern England that have been evaluating and implementing online learning environments known as virtual learning environments (VLEs) or managed learning environments (MLEs). Discusses do-it-yourself versus commercial systems; transferability; Web-based versus client-server; integration with…

Wireless networks allow students to access technology when and where they need it. Describes a wireless network at a Florida magnet high school, methods of training teachers to use the new technology in their classrooms, and problem solving. A sidebar lists wireless resources. (MLF)

A camp director explains his supervisory style as being based on one-minute goals, one-minute praise, and one-minute reprimands; his experience as a parent; a decentralized model of staff supervision; and building relationships with staff by talking and listening to them. Gives American Camping Association standards for staff supervision and…

Strategies for risk assessment and accident prevention include supervising unstructured camper time; assessing games for potential dangers; examining facilities and special programs, including reviewing and evaluating safety and accident reports; and increasing staff awareness by discussing accidents at weekly staff meetings and generating ideas…

Evaluation of a training procedure to improve staff skills in the preventative and reactive management of severely challenging behaviors in a small residential treatment unit found reduced (though not statistically significant) behavioral incidents, use of major reactive strategies (restraint and emergency medication), and staff and resident…

This paper reports on several studies of gender mix among staff in ten schools for students with severe, profound and/or multiple disabilities. Headteachers' perceptions of the impact of women's dominance in these positions are explored, and a series of proposals for future recruitment and staff development is put forth. (Contains seven…

District staff members and teachers in the Northern Lights School Division of Alberta designed a formal reading curriculum for kindergarten. In the first year, all 141 kindergarten-age students were included in the study. Their progress equaled that of students in average first-grade classrooms, and none of them failed. (Contains 14 references.)…

Camps should have emergency protocols in place and involve appropriate personnel in their development. Staff should be certified in first aid and CPR, a recordkeeping system should be established, and mock emergencies should be practiced during staff orientation. It may also be advisable to involve campers in practice situations. First aid/CPR…

Summarizes the results of a community college personnel survey conducted by the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa State University, community college presidents, and community college trustees. Explains that the survey was designed to assess the short-term impact of pending retirements and other changes to the institution on professional and…

Staff training at inclusive camps should include disability awareness exercises such as having counselors get around camp in a wheelchair. Techniques for handling health issues and helping campers through transitions are presented. During camp, have enough staff or volunteers to support campers with special needs. Disability awareness exercises…

A study of teacher-mentor relationships found that periodic brief conversations were more helpful and easier to accomplish than longer ones, and establishing shared learning expectations lessened reluctance to seek or provide information. Another study found that analyzing dilemmas concerning the child's best interest during in-service training…