Describes program to instruct teachers on how to write effective letters of recommendation for their students in the college admissions process. Claims this program represents a way to serve the needs of students, helping them to make a more successful match between their abilities and their postsecondary placements. (ABL)

Information is presented to help elementary principals manage and facilitate staff development, drawing upon research concerning effective schools, educational change, and leadership. Requisite knowledge and skills are proposed for principals, with recommendations provided for using staff development to effect school improvement. (SM)

Differences between novice teachers and experienced newcomers are explored, and objectives are presented for staff development programs in which principals facilitate the induction of experienced newcomers. (Author)

A description is given of a mentor-protege program which promoted growth, recognition, experience-enhancing roles, and collegiality for mid- to late-career teachers who served as mentors. (Author/IAH)

Discusses the purpose and process of providing feedback, peer versus supervisor reviews, and the content and format of feedback, including verbal comments, checklists, and written summaries. Tips on the use of observation protocols for feedback are included. (DR)

This meta-analysis examined effects from 126 studies that used organizational development (OD) interventions to modify satisfaction and other attitudes. Multi-faceted interventions were found to be more effective in modifying satisfaction and attitudes than were OD interventions that used a single technique. Team building and lab training were the…

Leadership is a key element for the success of instructional technology. Tips for assembling a top-notch staff are offered in terms of four personnel-related actions. (SI)

Within an individual building, the School Improvement Process (SIP) provides a focus for staff development and an evaluation of results that are linked to student outcomes. SIP emphasizes a building level, bottom-up planning and decision-making process. This article presents a case study of an individual school's use of SIP. (IAH)

The Delaware experience shows that staff development can be a positive force for change in schools, that principals can be effective facilitators for staff development, and that teacher involvement in training, discussion, and observation will help foster collegiality and acceptance of change. Includes 13 references. (MLH)

To identify staff development needs and test the Borich Needs Assessment Model, 68 faculty in Nevada were surveyed (90 percent response). Use of the model made rankings of individual topics substantively different from results obtained by traditional methods. (JOW)

The only valid reason for supervising and evaluating teachers is to improve instruction. Boards of education can improve teaching and learning in schools by setting up a teacher evaluation system, letting administrators do their jobs, and giving backup with funding. (MLF)

Positive management techniques yield great benefits in areas such as group effectiveness, problem solving, and staff commitment. Some qualities for a positive environment are defined. The management retreat process at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is described. (Author/MLW)

This article presents results of an analysis of literature which considers the research and conceptual bases of teacher education and staff development. This analysis reveals and discusses several shortcomings in the research bases undergirding teacher education and suggests future directions for inquiry. (IAH)

Describes a Canadian curriculum development project; analyzes underlying policy assumptions. Advocates involvement of prison educators and inmates in the process if curriculum is to meet the educational needs of inmates. (Author/LAM)

Using the research on effective staff development, a rural Minnesota school district developed a grass-roots professional development program which featured opening-week workshops, training programs, mini-grants, a professional library,and a school effectiveness program. (JD)