This article explores factors underpinning the teaching of science to pupils with moderate and severe learning difficulties, as prescribed by England's National Curriculum. The article examines teachers' beliefs about the nature of learning difficulties and their role in enabling pupils to learn, teachers' beliefs about science and their teaching…

Reviews "Investigating Mathematics with Young Children" (Althouse); "Homecoming for Babies after the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery: A Guide for Parents," with companion guide for professionals (Hanson and VandenBerg); "HIV/AIDS: A Challenge to Us All," with companion video (Pediatric AIDS Foundation); and "Modeling Healthy Behavior: Actions and…

This article examines the development of Temple University's Institute for Africana Social Work, which is designed to foster an explicit African-centered perspective and practice for social work intervention in African American communities. Various programs and policies initiated by the institute are reviewed. (MDM)

Leadership training and professional development programs offered by college and university consortia, systems, and professional groups illustrate a variety of program models. All use shared resources and pooled opportunities of institutions of similar types, missions, and interests, keeping costs down and enhancing opportunities for professional…

Some universities have responded to the need for leadership and staff development activities as a result of, or as part of, the quality improvement movement. The principles of the Total Quality Management approach are as germane to the academic institution as to business but may need some adaptation to the academic culture. (MSE)

Describes how Drake University Head Start, the largest Head Start agency in Iowa, provides extensive support for staff and parents in developing high levels of professional competency. Education and employment opportunities are provided through: a parent university; teacher associate/bus associate workshops; employment and tuition waivers;…

Discussion of performance technologists' contributions to improving public education highlights 10 essential components of an educational system, including family and community, business and industry, government agencies, and higher education. Implications of the systemic perspective for the professional development and training of performance…

To restructure and strengthen special education services, Montana has supported growth of its Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) Council at the state level and has initiated councils in its five special-education regions. Montana's organizational structure for CSPD and the systems approach used for state and regional strategic…

Describes the International Counselor Network (ICN), an electronic mail (e-mail) discussion group operating on the Internet. Discusses the potential for communication, information sharing, and collaboration. Provides examples of professional communication and resource sharing via ICN as well as instructions on how to join. (JBJ)

Discusses the characteristics of transformational leadership and its impact on the organizational culture and effectiveness of schools. Outlines its role in school culture, bureaucratic mechanisms, staff development, communication, responsibility, and power and recognition, asserting that vision of the future and empowerment of others are crucial…

Improving schools by improving teacher training may be aided by using a modified laboratory school concept to create a clinical setting for training teachers. This article describes a cooperative training model that is based upon a mainstream academic partnership between public schools, universities, and teacher groups. (IAH)

Presents data from a national study of professional development programs for two-year college occupational faculty regarding part-time faculty perceptions of the form, topics, and delivery methods of professional development activities at their colleges, and incentives offered for participation. Compares perceptions of full- and part-time faculty.…

Articles in this issue are among the first published findings from empirical evaluations of administrator training programs begun in the 1980s. This introduction presents background information on the leadership development movement in which these program evaluations occurred. Themes emerging from these studies are synthesized. (SLD)

One of five articles on professional development schools in this theme issue. This annotated bibliography of resources from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) features journal articles, reports, and project descriptions related to conceptualizations, planning, implementation, and evaluation of professional development schools. The…

Schools cannot solve society's ills, but they can be held accountable for teaching academic subjects and developing thinking skills. Parents and teachers must be integral parts of any planned reforms. Excellence in urban schools is achieved by focusing on academic achievement, encouraging parent involvement, and professional renewal. (SLD)