As part of a project to improve professional development for adult basic and literacy educators in Pennsylvania, a literature review was conducted of studies of professional competencies needed by adult educators. Extensive review of previous studies showed that hundreds of competencies had been identified. Some states also had generated their own…

This brief discusses some of the results and conclusions from the Professional Development Project of the National Institute for Science Education (NISE). The project was intended to explore whether the science, mathematics, and professional development communities share a common understanding of what professional learning experiences look like…

Technology is the subject of so much attention in education today, first, because of its prevalence; second, because it promises to provide education at lower cost; and third, because technology can help some people to participate more easily in education, to learn more effectively, and to enjoy learning more. Although there are problems connected…

School counselors refer to themselves as professionals who provide services to clients. Nonetheless, a critical examination of perceptions and roles is necessary before this assertion can be accepted. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to examine the extent to which school counseling in Queensland, Australia is considered a profession, and…

This report provides brief descriptions of a variety of community and educational programs for children and families with special needs, especially at the early childhood level in Vermont. Part 1 describes six programs characterized as community/regional-state partnerships. Part 2 describes family-centered resources, supports, and services,…

In preparation for a 1996 restructuring at State Community College, in Illinois, from a state agency to an independent community college, a project was undertaken to develop a strategic plan to guide the transition. Specifically, the project sought to determine the necessary elements of and functions and activities required by the plan,…

This workshop discussion paper addresses the issue of professionalism in school-age care. After explaining that "professionalism" means different things to different people and offering a brief history of professionalism, the paper provides a working definition of a professional: Someone who operates out of a theory base, someone who not…

The progress report on implementation of the 1993-1994 Massachusetts plan for professional development covers four goals: (1) work with members of the educational community to establish state professional development priorities and identify resources; (2) assist school districts to create coherence among state, district, school, and individual…

This report reviews the opinions of the National Education Association (NEA) and the approaches taken by and concerns of employee associations that are state affiliates of the NEA. The NEA supports the concept of charters if appropriate standards are upheld and appropriate practices are enforced. The energy and enthusiasm being brought to the…

Written expressly for the National Home Study Council (NHSC) school executive, this course is an introduction, refresher, and reminder on the various ethical and administrative standards developed by and required of NHSC-accredited schools. It is intended to acquaint accredited school staff with the NHSC Business Standards and should become an…

In 1997, Maine's local telephone companies have been required to provide free Internet access to all public schools, which will help to eliminate cost as a prohibitive factor in bringing the Internet to schools. The inservice training and support, however, must be supplied by individual school districts. This study provides an overview of how the…

DART is a New Jersey statewide center for Dissemination, Advocacy, Research, and Training related to infants and toddlers, their families, and caregivers. This article describes the Trainer of Trainers mentoring model adopted by DART to increase the competency of child care supervisors and therefore the quality of care for infants and toddlers. It…

The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 to achieve greater unity among European parliamentary democracies. The Council for Cultural Co-operation (CDCC) is responsible for the Council of Education's work on education, culture, and sport. This publication contains proceedings of the CDCC Conference of the Network on School Links and Exchangers.…

Born out of more than 20 years of working within international information development and exchange projects, conferences, and consultancies, this collection of papers offers insight into the many issues involved in the international exchange of information and ideas. The information contained in this work helps to build a bridge between the…

The challenges faced by urban schools as they aspire to reform science education are immense. Under the auspices of the National Science Foundation through the Urban Systemic Initiative, teachers and administrators throughout the Detroit (Michigan) Public School system have been deeply involved in a wide array of professional development…