Discusses specific elements that can foster effective and abuse-free out-of-home care, increase program effectiveness, and reduce negative outcomes such as staff burnout. Elements include caregiver support, a model of care, a focus on positive behavior, a consumer orientation, training, program evaluation, and an internal program audit. (HTH)

Describes a special program for older children entering residential treatment facilities for whom adoption is a goal. The program offers a continuum of care which incorporates the strengths of group living, therapy, and adoption preparation and placement. (HTH)

Substitute teachers are often not as effective as they should be, considering that they generally oversee 5 solid months of a typical student's K-12 education. The Ashland (Ohio) City Schools developed a questionnaire to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their substitute teacher program. The result was an in-depth manual and improvement of…

The introduction of the German-style dual apprenticeship system into the United States will mean part-time vocational schools teaching academics and vocational skills combined with on-the-job training at local companies. (Author)

Describes a Master's of Arts in Writing program which is an attempted reform of the master's degree in English: an experimental curriculum designed to revive rhetorical approaches to the construction and interpretation of literary works. Outlines the program's strengths and the problems that emerged in the first three years. (MG)

Discusses the complexity of the process needed to effect renewal and improvement in adult literacy and basic education. Suggests that various stakeholders hold their own sets of interests and that, to implement changes effectively, these groups need to negotiate and construct a conception of quality that all can accept. (JOW)

Lists candidates for National Head Start Association (NHSA) elected positions and announces four new awards sponsored by the NHSA. Recognizes the Missouri State Highway Patrol for its work with Head Start children. Presents a draft report on the NHSA Quality Initiative, a system designed to promote quality in Head Start and to provide challenges…

Various disparate activities have been defined as outreach, which is an element of social service/disease prevention programs. The history of outreach as a project element within federal social programs, central sources of variations in this element, measures of effectiveness and cost effectiveness, and recurring implementation issues are…

The former Secretary of Education speaks of the importance of technical education and strategies already in use to strengthen vocational-technical programs. (JOW)

Practicing classroom teachers (N=27) in a graduate class on elementary school administration identified major problems associated with gifted programs. Major concerns and recommendations for improvement dealt with instructional programs, disrupted routines, lack of communication/collaboration, and students' social and emotional development.…

A decrease in community involvement in a substance-abuse prevention program for teens was attributed to lack of diversity in program planners (mostly health professionals) and awareness but lack of action among community members. The project worked to generate parent participation and ownership of the program. (SK)

Studied two schools that adopted the Authentic Teaching, Learning, and Assessment for All Students (ATLAS) school-reform design, focusing on the link between school management and instructional change. These case studies support the usefulness of the ATLAS model and show that instruction and management must work together for successful reform.…

Details 40 music programs in Australia that serve children from birth to 5 years, including aims, methodologies, equipment and materials, and assessment procedures of each program. Encourages providers to critically reflect on the quality of the music education they provide and how well it builds on children's natural positive relationship with…

Interviewed Canadian caregivers and other stakeholders about training for family child care providers, and what they see as key training issues. Suggested that training programs be made more available and accessible, but also more relevant. Suggested that standardized core content be embedded in an adult learning process focusing on real-world…

Destabilizes the current construction of writing program administration by both questioning the theoretical constructs inherent in the traditional language writing program administrators use to represent themselves and suggesting a more ethically sound conceptual frame. Suggests an expanded way for understanding the remarkable opportunity…