Examined collaboration perceptions and patterns of collaboration between special and general-education preservice teachers. Participants were instructed to collaborate via e-mail, in-person contacts, and written products. Data from individual interviews, focus groups, and collaborative activities indicated that participants recognized personal…

Asserts that effectively preparing students for the challenges of an ever-changing workplace requires incorporating the use of technology and the principles of business management into the classroom environment. Summarizes the development of a formal team research project for an English course that teaches skills that include planning and…

Describes the Learn Online project at Grant MacEwan Community College (Alberta, Canada) that was developed to convert selected distance education courses to a Web-based format. Discusses team-based course development; positive student responses to accessibility and flexibility; faculty responses; and the need for faculty training. (LRW)

At a Quito elementary school, the biggest challenge facing teachers was developing a curriculum that supports child-centered learning, a new concept for Ecuador's traditional society. To strengthen their own teaching and involve parents, a bilingual group of teachers began by collaborating among themselves. The result was a thematically oriented…

This qualitative study examined transition-related practices at one school and their effects on experiences of secondary students with learning disabilities. Findings indicated utilization of some literature-identified best practices including vocation-related activities, instruction in self-determination skills, and such planning activities as…

This article describes the programs for medical diagnosis of child abuse and neglect in three states and efforts to establish state-wide programs in two states. Findings indicate state funding was vital for initiation of programs, alliances with other groups were successfully used to garner support, and professional training was crucial. (Contains…

The Reaching Success through Involvement process requires influential adult school members and student leaders to form an improvement-minded community of learners. The process helps group leaders develop leadership and learning skills, create high-quality cultures, and promote other learning groups. A study of 17 participating schools showed…

A team of educators, parents, and an outreach consultant developed Unified Plans of Support (UPS) for three students whose academic performance was below grade level and whose social participation was limited. Evaluation outcomes suggest consistent implementation of the UPS was associated with increases in academic engagement and social…

A study examined how rural youth perceive leadership and how sense of place affects those perceptions. Interviews and observations of 12 students who participated in a leadership academy in 3 rural Texas high schools indicated that rural adolescents viewed leadership as situational. Teamwork and service were the elements of leadership that…

A study of nine effective secondary school teams teaching students with disabilities found the following characteristics: creating positive learning climates, providing instruction that focuses on active learning, setting and maintaining high expectations, allocating time to plan for the co-teaching process, and finding creative ways to evaluate…

A rural Saskatchewan K-12 school developed a schoolwide sense of community and a solid relationship with the larger community by setting new directions, team building, and building bridges with parents and the community. Positive staff behaviors, school appearance, and cross-grade interactive projects were critical to the success of the plan. (TD)

A learning technologies director explains lessons gleaned from his school's strategic efforts to create a districtwide technology plan. The plan required an upfront vision, creative teamwork, facilitative leadership, instructional support, and patience. A sidebar details plans for incorporating assistive technologies for special-needs learners.…

Examines change capacity within one restructuring Ontario school district, employing the notions of chaos theory and a living organization. Analyzed 5 years of longitudinal quantitative and qualitative data to understand effects of organizational change on the whole school. School leadership teams worked differently, depending on context.…

This article presents a framework to guide special education services for English language learners. Policies and procedures that can minimize disproportionate representation are suggested, as are recommendations for appropriate referral, assessment, and instructional practices. Multidisciplinary teams are discussed and placement options for…

A meta-analytic review of all adequately designed field and laboratory research on the use of incentives to motivate performance is reported. Of approximately 600 studies, 45 qualified. The overall average effect of all incentive programs in all work settings and on all work tasks was a 22% gain in performance. Team-directed incentives had a…