Current work force trends such as teamwork, empowerment, and quality pose challenges for traditional testing. Tests that can provide diagnostic developmental information for improving job performance are needed. Innovative practices such as video-based testing are emerging. (SK)

Staff developers can facilitate school improvement by helping administrators make more accurate employee performance appraisals. The article identifies seven common causes of rater errors, several ways to reduce the errors, and actions staff developers can take to help administrators recognize and reduce their potential for making errors when…

Teachers can use professional development portfolios to facilitate learning and improve classroom practice. The article offers a history and description of professional development portfolios, sharing how teachers have used them and examining the influence of professional development portfolios on teachers as learners. Implications for staff…

Assessment information can help school improvement teams focus the direction of improvement and specify action plans. A fishbone diagram can help identify contributing factors within four areas (educators, students, curriculum, and organization). An example from one middle school that used the diagram to improve students' writing assessment scores…

Techniques for effective communication include determining what is to be accomplished; avoiding generalities; making words and actions congruent; avoiding indirect communication; visualizing ideas; asking for clarification; avoiding unnecessary questions; being aware of how inanimate objects effect communication; avoiding overcommunication; using…

Discusses the Vocational Interactive Reading Project, a staff development project in which a reading specialist in an area vocational center guides vocational teachers as they integrate literacy practices into their subjects. (SR)

The Duke University (North Carolina) experience using adventure-based or wilderness learning programs for staff development is discussed, focusing on the program rationale, planning, common responses of participants and nonparticipants, and outcomes. Quotations from program assessments are included. A brief list of relevant industry resources is…

Describes the San Diego Community College District's Affirmative Action Training Program, which trains all affirmative action representatives on selection committees in compliance, hiring procedures, and committee monitoring. Includes a checklist for assessing organizational commitment to affirmative action. Reviews training goals, content,…

This article presents a rationale for the importance of relationships as a focus for training infant/family professionals and paraprofessionals. It describes six innovative training strategies that have been used as part of the ZERO TO THREE/National Center for Clinical Infant Programs' City TOTS (training of trainers) project. (Author/DB)

According to a survey of U.S. and Canadian public school educators, both teachers and principals feel that teachers should be actively involved in initiating, planning, and implementing their own staff development programs. Teacher-directed staff development would focus on skill improvement and would be scheduled only during school hours. The…

Discusses human resources maximization as a means for expanding employee selection criteria to include applicants' strengths and potential for growth, not just their history, then working to develop employees potential. Testing learning style as a means for recognizing potential and the relationship between testing and training are discussed. (KRN)

Reviews distance education organization, financing, programming, and staff development at Pennsylvania State University. Describes academic and business partnerships that were formed and international initiatives. (SK)

The Fort McMurray Catholic School District in Alberta, Canada, developed an evaluation model to address shortcomings in typical plans, including failure to nurture competent teachers, assist beginning teachers, challenge accomplished educators, assess and improve school leadership skills, enhance staff ownership of the process, and counsel…

The rising demand for administrative staff development is largely a product of external forces (political demands for reform). Many superintendents are exploring alternatives to meet the requirements of employee improvement. This article describes the efforts of three superintendents and a university professor to develop a meaningful database for…

Total Quality Management is not a fad. Human resource development must be aligned with the culture of continuous improvement to make it work. Changes may be necessary in hiring, promotion, and performance appraisal. (SK)