The ExCEL Project, sponsored by the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) is described. The program enlists teachers in directing their own professional learning and practice. [This document originally appeared in the "IDRA Newsletter", however some accompanying charts and graphs may not be provided here.]

Previous research indicates that the principal is second to the teacher in their impact on student learning. However, oftentimes principals enter their position lacking the skills and knowledge of an effective instructional leader. Moreover, districts may lack the internal capacity to support principal's professional development and learning. If…

Suggests avenues of support for professional development in addition to a strong legislative role. (Editor/SB)

Observes a student teacher in action and reflects on the personal and professional characteristics that make a teacher outstanding. (Editor/SB)

Examines planning considerations for community colleges and faculty related to fiscal constraints, the changing student population, vocational versus general education, and collective bargaining. Describes a study of 198 community college faculty members' career satisfaction and familiarity with and use of professional development options. (DMM)

A staff development specialist describes personal qualities demanded by that field: (1) a "watchbird" mentality, emphasizing self-awareness; (2) a clear sense of personal goals; (3) a sense of the mutuality of teaching and learning; and (4) willingness to take risks. Staff developers benefit from frequent returns to classroom teaching.…

Effective teaching and more efficient management can be achieved with little additional cost through initiation of a teacher-leader classification. Teacher-leaders will be skilled in designing, implementing, and evaluating inservice education; will provide a collaborative approach to staff development; and could also be the catalyst for reversing…

Presents a case study of innovative program development in early childhood education at an American university. Program history, organizational structure, and goals are outlined as they relate to social and economic demands. (BJD)

Description of scheme to assist librarians in defining conditions which enhance professional development in academic institutions highlights definition of professional goals, institutional parameters, library parameters, departmental and job considerations, research potential (climate, time element, funding opportunities, assistance and…

A survey of research administrators reports perceived factors enabling interdisciplinary research in agricultural experiment stations. Among the issues discussed are the need for such research and incentives to individual scientists, departments, and institutions to undertake research projects. (MSE)

Adult education, rather than being a means for people to freely study subjects of their own choosing, has become compulsory in many professions. In the zealous pursuit of lifelong education, liberty has been abandoned and, with it, much of the modest but real value of adult education. (IS)

Discusses the use of "Guidelines to Professional Employment for Engineers and Scientists" at Monsanto Corporation in such areas as continuing education programs, career planning workshops, career redirection programs, and on-the-job development. (JN)

Based on data gathered from 142 women superintendents of public school districts, personal and professional profiles of women superintendents are presented. (CJ)

In a personal response to the proceedings as a future-oriented, proactive, problem-solving experience, it is suggested that the participants may have learned more than is realized and that time will determine conference results. (Author/CM)