Effective professional development is a faculty-directed process that encourages modification of behaviors based on critical self-reflection and evaluation of one's assumptions and beliefs about targeted development areas (such as teaching, curriculum, or school environment). This article presents a comprehensive faculty-development model that…

This article describes the fundamental components of a comprehensive training program that would enable principals to become more effective in their roles as leaders of special education. Components described include essential beliefs, knowledge, skills, and reflective behaviors. Lists of critical attributes and activities for effective inservice…

Describes the goals and structure of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and presents some of the results from a 1992 Mathematics NAEP Assessment as an example of the program's utility. Further highlights ways in which background data collected by the NAEP can be helpful in interpreting assessment results and monitoring…

Analyzes the sessions of the 2000 MENC National Biennial In-Service Conference in terms of categories, such as general, educational, concerts, and sessions with performances. Reports that the educational category had the most sessions (65 percent), followed by sessions with performances (17 percent). Addresses trends in relation to the findings.…

This study evaluated the effect of a training course for staff working in British learning disability residential services on their attributions and practice. Decreased usage of the attributional category "communication deficit" was found 8 weeks later. Also, practice appeared significantly changed from baseline to follow-ups 4 and 5…

Reviews research on structured on-the-job training (SOJT) and summarizes the results of a study of training and development professionals that investigated SOJT practices in their organizations. In-house classroom training on how to conduct SOJT is discussed, and how employees learn to train others when classroom training is not offered is…

This study evaluated the effects of computer-assisted video instruction (CAVI) on three paraprofessionals' implementation of the firming strategy (which presents new material in alternation with previously learned material) with three severely brain-damaged young men. Results indicated CAVI effectiveness with proficient strategy implementation,…

In Ecuador, field workers are trained in community organizing and hygiene education methods to promote maintenance of water and sanitation systems. Workshops based on a community development approach teach workers how to gain entry into communities, collect and analyze information, and develop community education programs. (SK)

Compares employment opportunities for graduates and dropouts of two types of education in the Netherlands, using an estimation model for labor market position (employed and underemployed) in the first years after leaving school. Completed inservice training does not offer more advantageous transition probabilities than full-time education in the…

Presents 16 ideas on in-service training contributed by child care directors across the nation. The ideas include weekly staff meetings, workshops, and training programs for new staff. (RJC)

Recommendations for developing comprehensive programs for gifted learners based on the Richardson Study focus on administration, the process of discovering talent, program features, staff development, teacher support, and evaluation. The Pyramid model of program options is presented, and program implementation by four school districts is…

Reports results of study examining the effect of inservice education program on middle school science teachers attitudes toward teaching and on teaching behaviors. A nonrandomized control group pretest/posttest design was used with a sample of 44 teachers. Results showed no significant attitude difference between the treatment groups. However,…

An orientation program for 110 incoming housestaff was implemented at the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Residents received instruction in large-group teaching skills, bedside teaching, small-group discussion, and student evaluation. The program was rated positively by residents.…

A regional survey of 142 supported employment program managers and 519 direct service personnel found most of the personnel are female, young, highly educated, minimally paid, and with basic knowledge of supported employment philosophy, management, and implementation strategies. A need for technical assistance to refine skills was identified.…

Advocates mentoring as a means to increase the opportunities for women to advance in educational administration. Describes characteristics of the mentor and the mentoring relationship. Formalized mentoring programs allow more opportunities for women to gain mentors. Mentors can increase the visibility of the protege, provide informal training, and…