Twenty suggestions are provided for helping teachers to become more effective managers of paraprofessionals and to improve the ways paraprofessionals work with students with learning disabilities. These include: provide orientation; find out what the paraprofessionals' work-style preferences are; assess the skills of the paraprofessional; observe…

A study involving 80 Ohio schools employing Intervention-Based Assessment (IBA) found that IBA was favored over Intervention Assistance Teams in the proportion of children on team caseloads who underwent multifactored evaluation and were found eligible for special education, but not for the proportion of children who received intervention in…

Provides information, strategies, and activities designed specifically to aid instructors and students in developing collaborative group processes that promote teamwork in an online environment. Outlines an instructional module that was developed and formatively tested with graduate students, and describes a workshop designed for faculty members…

Suggests that business students need to be prepared to manage the communication of intercultural teams. Discusses strategies for success such as: developing a network of good relationships built on trust and understanding; showing respect for other cultures and languages; and understanding how diversity strengthens the team. (SG)

Discussion of coaching as a human resources managerial and evaluative tool focuses on the multigenerational range of employees and their chronological and cultural preferences for different leadership styles and team relationships. Suggests that consideration of attitudinal differences can result in a set of coaching foci to achieve organizational…

This article describes the Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School, Inc., a non-for profit public foundation dedicated to strengthening the education of gifted youngsters though mathematics competitions. The development of the Olympiads, the program's structure, and the benefits of competition are discussed. Sample questions and answers…

Describes the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and explores the use of this measure in libraries to help staff better understand themselves and each other, and to aid library administrators in balancing work groups and interacting with staff. A selected bibliography of 3 books, 3 professional manuals, and 2…

The superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (Kentucky) describes an administrative restructuring process that removed layers of bureaucracy and dramatically improved principals' and teachers' shared decision-making opportunities and increased their enthusiasm and commitment. The key is willingness to take risks and remaining open to new…

This article examines polydisciplinary groups in the human services, identifying four types: multidisciplinary, pluridisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary groups. Various problems in the use of these groups are then discussed, followed by an exploration of possible solutions. (Author/TE)

Five assumptions are inferred from the literature concerning the roles and responsibilities of elementary regular classroom teachers in educating low-performing children. These assumptions are used to define the target group of students most aptly served in regular classrooms. Models of partnership between regular education and specialized…

Some conclusions reached by colleges that participated in one of the regional workshops being sponsored by three U.S. agencies on substance-abuse and traffic-safety programs in higher education are discussed. More colleges have moved from punitive to educational measures in dealing with students who violate substance-abuse rules. (MLW)

The article provides practical information and techniques for effectively using creative problem-solving. Six stages of problem solving, with both convergent and divergent thinking phases, are discussed. Also discussed are equipment, time frames, and environmental requirements for creative problem-solving sessions. Sample exercises are offered.…

A direct instruction model is applied to the teaching of library skills to students with mild/moderate handicaps. The model involves determining students' skill levels, setting objectives, providing instruction, and monitoring student progress. A team approach is recommended, involving the library media specialist and the special education…

Suggests that English teachers use sports metaphors as a different way to communicate with their students about writing. (MS)

Principals are responsible for initiating career development with teachers at all age and experience levels. Although most teachers want to remain in the classroom, many desire new and expanded roles. Principals can assist new teachers' socialization process and help mature faculty avoid the "plateau" trap. Includes 14 references. (MLH)