A study of 27 Fortune 500 companies established benchmarking as a continuous quality improvement tool used in implementing exemplary work force diversity practices. Applicable in educational settings as well, it is a lifelong educational process for the individual and the organization. (JOW)

Argues that, to increase minority participation in student affairs, the profession must attend to the crucial roles of key administrators, the breadth and diversity of administrative and staff roles, and the informal processes by which persons are matched to administrative jobs. (Author)

This article provides an overview of how the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) affects employment of individuals with disabilities. Examples from congressional reports are included in discussions of each of the five Titles; definition of disability; and specific provisions concerning essential job functions, reasonable accommodations,…

According to a personnel director, principals should be able to specify the critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes they require of prospective teacher candidates. Personnel officials should be able to identify candidates who meet those criteria. (MLF)

When written clearly and distributed correctly, employee handbooks often represent the first line of communication between employers and employees, and serve as a resource for employees' questions. This article discusses how handbooks can be unnecessary liabilities for Head Start programs and offers suggestions for the development of satisfactory…

Review of literature on downsizing from 1994 to 1998 found evidence that some downsizing is inevitable and can have positive outcomes (increased efficiency, competitiveness, profits). However, poor implementation by unprepared managers makes the experience worse than necessary for individuals and organizations. (SK)

Over 2,000 interviews and 74 case studies with small business owners, employees, and policymakers in Britain indicated that owners' attitudes to vocational education were positive, but actual provision significantly failed to meet their needs. They suggested that national training policy lacks coherence and continuity. (SK)

A study of 14 manufacturing firms found significantly better financial performance among those that strongly emphasized recruitment, compensation, and training and development (a human resource orientation). Human resource development that helped sustain competence combined with that orientation to form a valuable competitive advantage. (SK)

Interviews with 21 school-to-work directors identified barriers to successful transition of minority youth into the work force, including poverty, resistence to change, lack of understanding regarding different cultures, lack of integrated/relevant curriculum, and lack of communication between businesses and schools. Initiatives that assist…

Interviews and other data collected from a high-tech firm found that organizational instability raises workers' inclination to quit, independent of whether their job security is threatened. Instability undermines trust and impairs the usefulness of incentives intended to increase commitment. (SK)

Many academics, whether married couples or professional partners, are teaming up to share tenure-track positions, and, although the evidence is largely anecdotal, their numbers seem to be increasing especially in the smaller institutions. The biggest drawback may be earning only half a salary; the benefits include more time for research or family.…

Suggests that human resources development professionals need to change their performance improvement focus and philosophy to embrace the importance of building on strengths and managing weaknesses. Identifies five characteristics indicative of employees' strengths. Describes seven strategies to help employees minimize their weaknesses while…

For half a century, merit pay for teachers has been intensely debated in school systems of various sizes and in virtually every state in the nation. Yet current data on the extent to which merit pay and incentives are actually used in education have not been available. To help fill this void, Educational Research Service conducted the most…

In recent years, tenure has increasingly come under fire as an anachronism, not only for appearing to be out of touch with modern society but also as protection for the allegedly incompetent. Administrators and governing boards find themselves spending inordinate time defending it. So, in March 2005, the University of Colorado took the…

This guide provides information on Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in a question-and-answer format for employees. The guide covers such topics as the following: which employers must comply; what employment practices and activities are covered; who is protected against employment discrimination; definitions of a person with a…