Discussion of interpersonal communication in distance education highlights a project developed at St Francis Xavier University that used voice mail, a telephone-based computer communication system, to enhance communication between students and staff. A needs assessment study is described, and current communication patterns are examined. (15…

A survey conducted of 902 legal, health, law enforcement, and social services professionals attending child sexual abuse educational programs found that those professionals with formal training, more years of professional practice, and who see 5 or more victims per month were more knowledgeable about child sexual abuse, but differences were not…

Recent changes in the organization and structure of higher education in Australia offer challenges to institutions of higher education, including clear articulation of the institutional mission. The three institutional features of institutional governance, academic governance, and human resource development and management offer major management…

Presents findings from a British study of nearly 200 teachers who attended in-service education and training (INSET) courses at 4 British universities. Examines perceptions of course effects on teacher abilities. Finds teachers who felt their skills improved also reported improvements in student attainment. States INSET improves teachers'…

Reviews 13 professional materials that explore the uses of expository texts and informational materials designed to be used with elementary and middle school students in the classroom. Discusses a book that provides a whole-language perspective on language learning and teaching. (MG)

The articles of this special issue are summarized. A new model for schooling is calling for a change in which adults in schools can inquire into and reflect on their own and their students' skills and on dispositions that need to be developed as well as on adult development. (SLD)

Summarizes research being conducted by project directors under the auspices of the National Center for the Study of Writing and Literacy. Considers assessment of writing issues, the professionalization of teaching, and the teaching of nonnative speakers. (HB)

The "window-wall" in the San Diego State University/Cajon Valley Union School District Model Education Center provides a mechanism for linking theory to practice for preservice teachers at this professional development school. Several observation activities are described, and the value of the window-wall to school and university faculty…

The Participation Reasons Scale (PRS) was used with Army Engineers to study the effects that academic preparation, leadership and functional roles, and occupational specialty have on reasons for becoming involved in training and education. Five general factors were identified: professional improvement and development, personal security, enhancing…

Presents three personnel issues and related problems for case studies that confront developmental program administrators, faculties, and staff. Addresses the challenge of team building when individuals do not want to participate and how to define workload equivalencies. Looks at professional development for personnel as it reflects upon academic…

Results of a survey of teachers of children and youth at risk indicate that reducing school and classroom violence is considered most critical among five broad areas of training for professional development. Inservice training course modules for seven topics related to this area are described. (SLD)

Examined the impact of a two-year leadership training program that used a problem-centered and site-specific curriculum for program directors to improve the quality of 14 early childhood programs in the Chicago area and to increase the number of programs receiving accreditation from NAEYC. Found that administrators expanded their repertoire of…

Examines three case studies of educators (teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals) who came together initially during a summer professional development experience. Through a two-week immersion, educators and facilitators engaged in challenging their assumptions and practice through the lens of constructivist pedagogy. The immersion evolved…

Classroom research addresses the why and how of learning, encouraging teachers to use their classrooms as laboratories for the study of learning. At its best it involves students as collaborators rather than as subjects. Classroom research has the potential for creating teaching and learning communities with the shared goal of understanding…

Discusses staff development in the area of technology integration in secondary schools. Highlights include how the new technology can be useful; staff motivation; training considerations, including staff needs; and student participation in producing videos on various educational technologies for staff to watch. (LRW)