Reports on a parent group model available to parents, whether or not their children live at home or in a treatment complex for disturbed adolescents. The group, led by professional leaders, focuses on the needs of the parents rather than those of the child; it is not a replacement for family therapy. Parents provide mutual support for each other.…

The increased accessibility of learning-disabled persons to higher education has created the need to address program development, student psychosocial growth, parent adjustment, and transitional needs. A new, federally funded (Office of Special Education Rehabilitation Services) Master's Degree program has been developed to teach counselors and…

The University of Massachusetts/Boston's program of short- and long-term orientation, organizational communication, career development, and professional recognition for administrative support staff is described. (MSE)

Organizational change and technological developments have impacted community college library staffing. Every job description at every level requires some degree of computer expertise. Many libraries have developed new computer-related positions, while other libraries have incorporated these responsibilities into existing staff positions.…

This theme issue focuses on family-centered practices and policies for service delivery. The first article, "Family-Centered Service Delivery," reports on a study of 130 published sources in education, social work, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, and related disciplines, which found that the key components of family-centered…

This document outlines the factors necessary in creating a faculty handbook for distance learning programs. It begins by discussing the various uses for this kind of faculty handbook, such as clarifying faculty responsibilities, defining policies and procedures of distance learning, and serving as a reference and marketing tool. It then describes…

This paper discusses alternatives to court litigation in special education disputes between schools and parents of students with disabilities. It begins by describing problems with the current hearing process and dispelling myths about alternative dispute resolutions (ADR). The advantages and disadvantages of mediation are then outlined, along…

This final report discusses activities and outcomes of "Caring for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: A Continuing Education Program for Nurses (CFIT Nurses)," a Virginia program designed to develop and implement a model of training to ensure that nurse practitioners and registered nurses have the information and skills needed to be…

Executive Directors of parent centers have very challenging careers. For example, they need to ensure that high quality services are developed and provided; funds are raised; bills are paid on time; staff are hired, trained and supported; boards are recruited and effective; community awareness is high; and reports are accurate and submitted on…

Presents a New York City high school principal's account of how she, with staff and student support, was able to improve the school environment, increase student achievement, and change the total image of a school which had been considered the most problematic in the borough of Queens. (Author/MJL)

Examines the implementation and operation of Tri-County Technical College's developmental education program. Specific topics covered include the selection of program personnel, the development of a diagnostic testing component, articulation with other academic departments, and the compilation of progress reports which provide for continuous…

Provides a checklist of considerations for installing document image processing with an electronic document management system. Other topics include scanning; indexing; the image file life cycle; benefits of imaging; document-driven workflow; and planning for workplace changes like postsorting, creating a scanning room, redeveloping job tasks and…

This article applies whole language techniques to children with cultural and linguistic differences and provides guidelines for enabling speech-language pathologists to assume a role of active involvement. Whole language can provide a context for involvement in the areas of bilingual education and other language and dialect learning and for…

The paper discusses properties of whole language theories applied to spelling development and examines interrelated processes between spelling and speech sound production. Speech-language pathologists are encouraged to serve as resources to teachers in spelling instruction and to utilize whole language strategies that relate speech production to…

Describes a program developed in Chino Valley (Arizona) schools that integrates computer technology into the curriculum to support heterogeneous grouping of students while providing special assistance for at-risk students. Highlights include the instructional management system, the role of teachers and support staff, and the role of the computer…