Describes a North Carolina elementary principal's efforts to turn around two schools by adopting the Dunn and Dunn Learning Styles Model. The first school succeeded by recruiting all teachers, using small-group techniques, redesigning classroom space, and developing hands-on math materials for each grade level. Both teacher and administrator…

Budget-conscious Americans are increasingly asking that staff developers provide hard data about program effectiveness. The concept of return on investment (ROI) is useful in documenting the effectiveness of staff development programs. To calculate ROI, baseline data must be compared with results realized by the organization. (SM)

School nurses attended a one-day workshop to enhance their knowledge and attitudes about human immunodeficiency virus infection in children. Pretesting and posttesting for changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practice indicated knowledge and attitudes were significantly improved at program completion, and most nurses had instituted or improved…

Most young people who harass and bully sexual minorities are not hate-filled extremists, but ignoramuses. Anti-gay slurs can escalate to violence. A California principal's discussion of Leroy Aarons's "Prayers for Bobby" with staff raised awareness of school safety and the need to value every student. (MLH)

Project 2061 is a nationwide education-reform initiative that is in the forefront of the standards movement in science, mathematics, and technology education. It shows that high academic standards can support good professional development, and vice versa. This article describes the use of standards; explains the layers of standards (national,…

Presents lessons learned from a Minnesota project that used a computerized system to help teachers implement the state's academic-content standards. The project also created new ways of looking at curriculum that have become useful tools for Minnesota teachers. The paper explains the project's vision, early steps, unforeseen obstacles, and…

The term universal precautions refers to infection-control measures that all people who work in a camp setting must understand. The basic principles of universal precautions relating to blood and body fluids are outlined with specific examples of safety and prevention measures. A glossary of related terms and a list of recommended readings are…

A well-understood camp philosophy motivates the entire staff to work toward a common purpose, which is more meaningful than money. Camp administrators can ensure that staff members implement the camp philosophy by interviewing prospective staff members with the mission in mind, teaching staff the camp's vision, praising staff with specifics,…

Discusses how to, or whether to, limit access to objectionable material available through the Internet in public and school libraries. Topics include the American Library Association's position; intellectual freedom; filters; personal responsibility; parental responsibility; censorship; creating choices; and policies and staff training to help…

Presents a collaborative, writing-across-the curriculum staff development training model developed by Central Michigan University and a rural school district. Details the following: (1) the need, commitment, and delivery system; (2) team selection; (3) team training; (4) development of workshop schedules, content and formats; (5) implementation;…

Examines why videos are a good staff development tool. Discusses 14 recent educational videos appropriate for staff development in individual, small-group, or large-group settings. Notes responses from primary teachers and from pre-service teachers about the videos reviewed. (SR)

A structure of interlocking contingencies was designed to train and support managers' provision of effective feedback to subordinates, peers, and superiors at a large state residential institution for children with developmental disabilities. The system included formal scheduling of feedback, reinforcement, and goal setting. Increased feedback…

Reports the results of a survey of 914 library employees in three states (Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin) without ALA-accredited MLS degrees. Discusses results in terms of gender, age and education; job experience; and job titles and wages. Concludes the library profession must identify the skills needed for library positions and develop professional…

Describes Nokomis/Mishomis Place, an assisted living home for elders of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Discusses background on Native American elderly in the United States and Michigan, development of the home, services offered, culturally relevant environment and activities, funding, and problems related to facilities planning…

Examines the issues that language researchers may face when planning and executing research in facilities which are not traditionally or frequently involved in research with individuals who have language disorders. Addresses informed consent procedures, administrative approvals, staff education, and enlisting the help of staff speech-language…