Outlines the 14 points of Deming's business philosophy of Total Quality Management in terms of rural education, including adoption of a common mission, movement from mass inspection (standardized testing) to individualized assessment, constant system improvement, training for those involved in the process, improved communication, employee rewards…

This study aimed to increase the independent engagement of integrated elementary students with disabilities, by decreasing prompts from aides and using pictorial activity schedules to diminish dependence on adult support. A nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design, replicated across three aide-child pairs, revealed that the intervention resulted in…

This article describes a comprehensive, credentialed training program for family child-care providers that is family-centered, community-based, and focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for all children, including those with disabilities. The development of and rationale for this program are discussed, and a description of field test…

Identifies six principles to inform professional development of mathematics teachers in the United Kingdom for the 1990s: (1) Localization; (2) Personalization; (3) Collaborative Practice; (4) Training the Trainers; (5) Whole School Policies; and (6) National Planning. (MDH)

Reports effectiveness of modeling as teaching strategy on learning science process skills. Teachers of urban sixth through ninth grade students were taught modeling techniques; two sets of teachers served as controls. Results indicate students taught by teachers employing modeling instruction exhibited significantly higher competence in process…

Describes the development and use of a problem-based computer management simulation called In the Center of Things (ITCOT). Used to develop instructional leadership for school principals, the system is based on direct problem solving instead of traditional classroom coursework. (GH)

Surveys confirm the prevalence of racism and prejudice in schools and colleges. School executives are offered the following strategy: (1) establish that prejudice will not be tolerated; (2) get students involved; (3) expand contacts between racial groups; (4) offer students training in conflict resolution; and (5) provide staff inservice training.…

Teachers can demystify mathematics and science and motivate African-American students by providing limitless opportunities to succeed in computation, problem solving, and comprehension within a structured environment. There is need for appropriate materials, teaching reinforcement, continuous monitoring of progress, and constant practice and…

Meeting teachers' differing training needs calls for an assortment of staff development strategies to be selected by the teachers themselves. Choices should include individualized education plans, short-term sabbaticals, substitute-teacher teams, teachers as instructors, peer coaching, teacher exchanges, released time, summer workshops, weekend…

Describes a staff development program designed to assist financial aid personnel in handling interpersonal difficulties encountered in the workplace. Program phases include a large group outreach workshop, a customized inservice for financial aid, and short-term counseling. Discusses effectiveness of program as well as connection to other student…

Describes the experiences of a teacher during her year as Virginia Community College System's faculty-in-residence in instructional technology. States that the year rewarded professional-development opportunities as well as opportunities to participate in system activities, and was appealing because it offered the opportunity to do concentrated…

Questions whether self-assessment helps teachers develop new conceptual structures in the context of integrated science. Examined 22 inservice teachers with concept maps, interviews, and questionnaires while they used teaching materials for eight integrated topics in the German PING Project. Discusses the importance of using self-assessment to…

An HIV/AIDS education program was given to 121 family-based foster care providers and 61 supervisors of foster care facilities for individuals with mental retardation. Although these service providers had some prior knowledge about HIV and AIDS, there were significant improvements in knowledge following the training. Implications for serving…

A recent study surveyed the extent and sources of educators' relevant legal knowledge, their consultation patterns, and everyday legal problems confronting them. Areas of greatest concern were school safety, teacher liability, child protection, and custody and access issues. Training and professional- development implications are discussed.…

Discusses the effect of collaboration via e-mail links on the quality of 10- to 11-year-old students' science investigative skills in six elementary rural schools. The project identified several important issues related to teacher-inservice training requirements, development in cooperative groupwork for children, and software design. (AIM)