A telephone survey examined self-reported training needs of 90 advisors to self-advocacy groups for people with mental retardation. Major findings addressed desired training topics, preferred training formats, hours and frequency of training, how training needs change, and differences in training based on advisor demographic data. Analysis…

Presents insights gained from collaboratively designing and implementing a comprehensive evaluation system for a coalition of professional development schools. Highlights structural and governance changes and lessons learned about interpersonal processes and curricular reform. Greater understanding among partners occurred, but programmatic…

A study compared resources and supports expressed as being available and in need of change among 39 Swedish teachers with pupils in integrated and segregated school environments in relation to inclusion. Regardless of educational setting, teachers perceived strong needs for regular and ongoing inservice training and access to university courses.…

A survey of 63 educational interpreters employed in two rural states, found only 10 interpreters had completed interpreter preparation programs, with 5 of these having no course work related to education. The mean score of 43 assessed using the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment was 2.6, below the level of "coherent". (Contains…

Discussion of professional development among academic staff focuses on a collaborative project between a lecturer and a subject specialist to develop learning materials for a new distance education course at the University of Queensland. Highlights include existing models of professional development; the needs-based component; and the action…

The benefits that accrued to 14 agriculturalists as they performed evaluators' roles on a team examining water quality demonstration projects were studied. Results suggest that collaboration between the agriculturalists and evaluators strengthened study recommendations and were personally and professionally rewarding to the participating…

Central office administrators' key roles in middle-level school reform include capturing and communicating a vision for change; providing consistent, high-quality professional development for teachers, principals, and parents; and directing an ongoing communication or public relations program. A sidebar lists 12 conditions for running effective…

Addresses ethical guidelines that can help marriage and family counseling graduate program faculty deal with applicants who have been former clients of faculty. The consensus of the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors' Ethics Committee is that vetoing such applicants is unethical. (JBJ)

By employing a new system perspective, the uses of technology in three school districts are examined. Problems with lack of equipment, professional development, and funding in New York City and San Diego (CA) schools are discussed. The experiences of the Iowa City School District illustrate that growth of the human and work-process infrastructure…

Describes University of Hawaii's innovative professional preparation program in which preservice teachers and an intern principal met during field placements to share their experiences, notions of professionalism, and perspectives about schooling. The program helped participants explore and understand the professional socialization process, adopt…

Notes that business changes today foretell changes in education. Offers suggestions for building effective collaboration between academic institutions and industry to create an innovative, flexible, and advanced continuing education curriculum in technical communication that includes management and leadership training. (SR)

Describes a teaching model aimed at promoting conceptual change concerning heat and temperature. The model is used with teachers (n=2) and students (n=92) to explore its use as a professional development tool as well as a teaching strategy. Results indicate that the teaching model is effective in changing students' ideas and the approach resulted…

Examines the experiences of a small group of (British) teachers who have assumed leadership roles that have enhanced their teaching. Respondents point to the significant effects of work culture on teacher development. Those involved in leading such developments must be sensitive to each school's peculiarities and use what works locally.…

Traces the history and content of the NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) Journal through an analysis of the content of its 33 published issues, including number and length of articles, type of author(s), methodologies, and references cited. Prominent advising themes and trends are revealed. (Author/MSE)

Presents the professional development model at the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE), Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) in which teachers develop their own Internet-based science and mathematics projects to use in their classrooms. Discusses school-year workshops, the summer institute, follow-up, and factors…