Four keynote speeches and 14 sectional presentations comprise the proceedings of the April 1981 Montana Symposium on Early Education and the Exceptional Child. The first speech, entitled "The Yellow Brick Road--Does it Lead to Oz or Abyss?" by B. Fredericks, stresses the importance of gathering solid research evidence to demonstrate that early…

This study and evaluation of development education initiatives at the higher or postsecondary level in some industrialized countries has been prepared within the context of the education and information programs supported by Action for Development, a United Nations program. An opening chapter gives background on development studies in general, and…

Prepared to introduce adult education program planners to the basic concepts integral to and alternative strategies for conducting needs assessments, this instructional handbook consists of a series of six chapters or instructional booklets (also available separately--see note.) Topics covered in each chapter are as follows: introduction to needs…

This guide is designed to help trainees plan, conduct, and evaluate workshops to assist others in providing cultural orientation (CO) programs for refugees. CO is seen as a continuous learning process, involving a two-way exchange of information and skills. Awareness is developed of: (1) differences and similarities in behavior, attitudes, and…

The Education Resource Center (ERC) is a community-based teachers' resource center located in Chicago (Illinois). Its conceptual base is broader than that of a typical teachers center as ERC represents a community-based social movement with a wider orientation than teacher training. ERC's policy board reflects community organizations and the…

This resource book for child care practitioners has been written for administrators, nursery school teachers and preschool or Head Start teachers who are interested in practical suggestions (1) for setting up classrooms, (2) for developing a curriculum for infants, toddlers and preschool children, (3) for meeting the social-emotional needs of…

This report provides the results of a task force examination of the status of high technology programs on the nine campuses of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and exploration of alternative funding possibilities. After an introductory section, placing the report in the context of a larger study of options for strengthening…

Productivity is a major issue in every discussion about the national economy. There is growing evidence that lagging productivity is one of the roots of the national economic slowdown, manifested in high rates of inflation and unemployment, increased federal deficits, and in reduced ability to compete in international markets. Many economists…

Comprehensive vocational assessment needs to become an integral part of vocational programming in secondary and postsecondary schools, since it is crucial in developing appropriate individualized education plans for students with special needs. A prime focus for vocational assessment should be entrance into vocational education courses. It should…

For this overview of the extent and feasibility of practitioner involvement in professional improvement, practitioners are defined as school-based professionals--teachers, aides, resource specialists, and administrators. Current thought on the need for these individuals to play major roles as decision makers in developing inservice programs is…

A study analyzed the policies of 20 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries pertaining to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Aims of the study were to assess the current role of SMEs as generators and users of innovations, to analyze the components of a favorable climate for innovation in SMEs, and to…

A study to evaluate Career Guidance Centers (CGCs) in Illinois resulted in both objective evaluation and in the provision of technical assistance for the regional centers. An epiphenomenon of the study activity was the development of a model for the evaluation of pilot site (exemplary) projects with the potential of its being transported to…

Adult education program designs are described for four institutions: Mary Baldwin College, Loretto Heights College, the Vermont State Colleges, and Clark University. A network formed among these institutions serving as a mutual support system by which research and literature could be exchanged. Four common premises developed: (1) the decision to…

A model for forecasting postsecondary enrollment, the PDEM-1, is considered, which combines the traditional with a cross-pressure impact decision-making model. The model is considered in relation to its background, assumptions, survey instrument, model conception, applicability to educational environments, and implementation difficulties. The…

This book deals with issues surrounding the social and caregiving environments of children's first three years. Issues most relevant to the assessment of infants and their caregiving environments and to the design and implementation of programs for infants and toddlers are addressed in the first paper. The second paper discusses the developmental…