Discusses how to improve the effectiveness of staff meetings. Suggests important considerations: determining whether a meeting is needed, determining its purpose and objectives, developing the agenda, timing, facilitating group discussion, keeping and distributing minutes, and evaluating effectiveness. (CSS)

A week-long intensive Spanish course for 15 advanced students, at a residential center is described. The advantages of this type of program are noted. (SJL)

The University of Denver's enrichment program for gifted and talented children enhances the university's public image, attracts potential students, and offers practicum students field work and research opportunities. (Author/MLF)

"Blocking" is an alternative model for teacher education in which faculty take existing courses and field experiences, integrate the learning concepts, and through variable time structuring, mode flexibility, synthesis of theory and practice, and experiential instruction present a "block" of consecutive, team-taught courses. (MB)

The concept of order-seeking is presented as characteristic of school management and related to adaptability as a strategy for design. The actual patterns of management in four schools are presented from survey data. A proposal for a measure of adaptability is made and illustrated in a hypothetical example. (Author)

Several newly-appointed presidents were interviewed regarding these questions: Is the college or university presidency what he expected it to be? How does the new president feel about the job? What are the most difficult and disappointing aspects of the job?

A study analyzed the effects of two initiation techniques on community leisure participation during free time for six adults with mild to moderate mental retardation. The two interventions, calendar and telephone prompts, were both found to have a positive relationship with the initiation of community leisure activities. (Author/CR)

A study compared the performance of financial management students from 1986-1995 in classes that met 1, 2, or 3 days per week. Measures of average course grades, withdrawal rates, and nonpassing grade rates showed that students had a better chance of passing if classes meet more than once per week. (SK)

Describes 4 X 4 block scheduling and its advantages and disadvantages. Examines block scheduling's effects on a Virginia high school's students, teachers, and administration, based on school data and survey results. Most participants preferred block scheduling over the six-period schedule. Grades, attendance, and discipline improved; students…

An evaluation of the 4 X 4 block schedule used in three North Carolina high schools elicited strong support from teachers, students, and parents. Schools planning to implement this model should review D. G. Hackman's guidelines covering faculty input, feedback procedures, training opportunities, teacher fatigue, holidays, classroom monitoring,…

Agricutlure teachers using modified A/B (n=12) or 9-week 4x4 (n=10) block schedules were surveyed. The value of relevant inservice education was positively related to satisfaction with effective teaching practices and student achievement. Teacher satisfaction with opportunities to use effective practices was associated with achievement, especially…

The author describes problems facing typical adult reentry students and discusses how vocational education programs need to maintain the flexibility to overcome these problems. The benefits of enrolling adult students are also covered. A questionnaire to determine program readiness for reentry students is provided. (CH)

Six ways for development officers to handle overload are identified: distinguish between urgency and importance; selectively ignore time demands; focus on where to make the greatest contribution; delegate tasks; tend interpersonal relationships; and make progress on critical long-term objectives. (MLW)

Describes an effective secondary school scheduling and counseling system in which students, with parents' help, take responsibility for their academic program. Presents methods to reduce scheduling changes and provide in-service training for teachers to improve ninth-grade parent/teacher conferences for planning students' high school program of…

Potential uses of computers in alumni office administration are discussed, including management and manipulation of numbers, calendar maintenance, events management, and communications, and tips for implementing a computerized system effectively are provided. (MSE)