This learning guide helps teachers to understand the typical steps used in the construction of commercially produced, educational skills-management systems; to describe a representative set of such materials in the field of reading (the Wisconsin Design for Reading, the SRA "Diagnosis: An Instructional Aid," the Croft Word Attack and Comprehension…

In a recent experience in the Manitoba provincial government, an active, varied, and largely homegrown system-wide "open systems" approach for the design and delivery of staff development and training became operational in only 18 months. The development and implementation of the strategy and some significant results are recounted.…

Eight dimensions of healthy family functioning are isolated and discussed. These dimensions can be integrated as a mutually casual system, the "family health cycle." The different styles of leading family therapist can be seen as espousing different points of entry into the "family health cycle." (Author)

Discusses factors that must be considered before deciding on a reading skills management system. (MKM)

The author discusses the development of goals and performance standards for teacher evaluation of curriculum design, skill proficiency, knowledge levels, student interest, and teacher self-performance. (MJB)

Emphasis on the systems approach in economic and social studies education demands attention to hierarchical analysis and sequencing of desired skills and instruction according to valid learning hierarchies. Learning hierarchies are arrangements of intellectual skill objectives in a pattern of prerequisite relationships among simple and complex…

Classroom observations are important in being an effective consultant. A form that enables the counselor to record behaviors of a child was offered as a method of improving the observational skills of counselors. Data recorded on the form provide a base rate of the frequency each behavior occurs. (Author)

Describes the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) model used to design training to fit skills required on the job. Most vocational educators will recognize the components of this model which the Air Force implements on a vast scale and regular basis. They should be interested, too, in some of the resulting materials it makes available to civilian…

Reviews a system approach to change in order to focus on interesting developmental techniques for multi-university system improvement. The specific change discussed is translation of existing courses and curricula to a competency approach in order to bring about extended degree opportunities for non-traditional students. (Author/VT)

Indiana University's new Career Center is trying to apply a systems approach in the development of new programs. It allows a method of identifying problems, unrelated elements and relationships, and ties these together into a progressive whole. (Author)

A nationwide survey of all users (400) of CAMPUS, PLANTRAN, RRPM, and SEARCH conducted in 1975 by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst examined the extent of model use and their effectiveness. This paper reports a follow-up study on user support for models and opinions of preconditions for future use. (LBH)

Emphasizes the value of a systemic approach, when encountering life-threatening behavior in a clinical practice. Presents two case studies that employed therapeutic methods derived from systemic therapy. Illustrates the importance of the therapist's ability to speak the client's language in formulating an intervention for reducing the likelihood…

Urges emphasis on the development of a strong system theory base upon which future practitioners and researchers can build. Advocates the use of Buckley's hierarchical scheme as a teaching tool to provide an understandable, yet broadly applicable, theory base for graduate students in an introductory family therapy course. Outlines an effective…

Describes the development of ScriptWriter, a computer program designed at the University of Southern California to help create software for computer assisted instruction. Topics discussed include the graphics editor; text editor; font editor; a programming language called IQ; its use with interactive video and speech; and current applications.…

Dimensions characteristically descriptive of applied behavior analysis over the past 20 years are explored: applied, behavioral, analytic, conceptual, technological, effective, and capable of appropriately generalized outcomes. Effectiveness in the future must take into account cost-benefit ratios, social validity assessments, and the need for…