Major factors are: administrative backing, placement of an instructional development center in the institution's hierarchy, and rewards for faculty. (DAG)

Provides a comprehensive view of the decision-making process as it relates to career choice. The steps in this process are (1) problem identification, (2) generation of alternatives, (3) information gathering, and (4) evaluation of alternatives. Individual variations are summarized. (CH)

Videotape recordings were made of the kick and step movements of six infants seven months of age, while they were in supine and upright positions on a stationary and moving treadmill. When placed on a moving treadmill, infants performed alternating stepping movements with many characteristics of mature walking. Implications are discussed. (RH)

Examined the effects of group parent training on perceptions of marital satisfaction and compatibility between spouses (N=40). Results indicated an increase in parenting skills and increased marital satisfaction. (JAC)

Organized action need not depend on group consensus. Karl Weick's theory argues that only minimal shared understanding is needed and that common ends and shared meanings may be outcomes of organized action, not prerequisites. This paper reveals four communication mechanisms that generate and sustain equifinal meaning (multiple routes to a single…

Quality control in the auditing profession has developed useful practices that are applied to the research and evaluation process. By identifying and controlling sources of bias and noise in the system of inquiry, the quality of evaluative evidence can be enhanced for both present and future use. (Author/BS)

The paper describes a systems framework for special education program evaluation that promotes adaptation of program evaluation methods, procedures, and techniques to problems and nature of special services delivery. Use of the framework as an organizing device helps provide definition and direction to special education program evaluation.…

Suggests that the Milan systemic approach probably reflects a significant advance in family therapy and possibly in psychotherapy in general. Provides a historical overview of the development of the approach, an articulation of some major assumptions and background theory, and a brief description of the overall pattern of practice. (Author/JAC)

Examines how changes in the family system may facilitate the role of parents as trainers of their autistic child. Describes a multilevel assessment process to help clinicans identify the needs of the child and family. Examines the child and family's behavior skills and identifies obstacles to change. (JAC)

Four types of consultation interventions are discussed, focusing on success and failure factors and potential uses: (1) systems (Kurpius); (2) individual (Dale R. Fuqua and Jody L. Newman); (3) organizational (John C. Aplin); and (4) community (Kenneth Heller). (BL)

Reviews the scientist practitioner model in counseling and examines problems associated with it. Discusses insights of general systems theory and Rychlak's insights into deficiencies in the current model of psychological research, and presents a revised model. (JAC)

Discusses insights gained through the production of a videotape entitled "School Improvement Through Staff Development" by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Addresses both the tape's subject matter and methods of communicating that matter. Second article in series; for part I, see EA 518 619 (Educational…

Explains why systems theory and its applications, which examine outcomes in terms of resources applied, are emerging as an alternative explanation method in business, government, and education. Explains the planning, programming, budgeting system (PPBS) and describes teacher responses to similar rationalized systems operations. (SB)

Article criticizes the ill-conceived nostrums of the educational engineer and focuses on "opening-up" the learner rather than having him "shape-up" to presumed contingencies that are to come. (Author/RK)