Describes a literacy program at one Ohio elementary school in which students, parents, and school personnel share in the process of literacy development. Discusses empowering the community through literacy; ownership through shared decision making, celebrating diversity, welcoming parents as educational partners, and the school as a community…

ThinkQuest is the fastest-growing, non-profit Internet-based education program in the world. Each year, students and educators from around the globe compete for scholarships and cash awards as they create content content-rich Web sites. In this article, one of the winners, now a ThinkQuest coach, shares his vision about lifelong learning and the…

Sports participation can help young people appreciate health, exercise, and fitness; learn about themselves and handling adversity; and experience teamwork and sportsmanship. The key to a good high-school sports program is not winning, but student improvement. Athletic participation and achievement should not determine kids' social status. (MLH)

The second of two articles, this article describes a qualitative analysis of one family's experience during a 10-month process of assessment and intervention for the behavior challenges of a 9-year-old with severe disabilities. The impact of the positive behavioral support on the child and his family is highlighted. (CR)

This study evaluated behavior support training for a residential and vocational support agency. Three training sessions were provided to managerial and direct-care staff, during which trainees worked in teams to plan or complete functional assessments and behavior support plans for focus clients. Frequency of problem behavior was reduced for all…

The key to making smart decisions for school district facilities lies in comprehensive planning--a team effort that crosses lines of responsibility and expertise. A sidebar offers examples of questions that need to be asked and answered. (MLF)

A study involving 17 Canadian parents evaluated "Together for Kids," a program that focuses on preventing child abuse and neglect through family support. Clients found the informal support received from team members the most beneficial aspect of the project. Other benefits included the availability of support during stressful times.…

Describes ways to develop productive international teams in the international marketplace. Discusses obstacles, including language and distance; a model for effective global team performance; cultural differences; shared goals; communication; lack of information; leadership; work procedures; compensation; lack of knowledge or skills; and hindered…

Students at a St. Louis middle school experimenting with hands-on learning methods have scored consistently higher on the Stanford Achievement Tests than those in other district schools. A hands-on learning environment requires a thematic, integrated curriculum; creative, self-motivated teachers; and a supportive, facilitative principal. (MLH)

A study involving 28 Virginian parents of adolescents with disabilities found they identified the quality of their relationship with service providers as the key factor affecting their participation in transition planning. A model is presented that illustrates the potential positive or negative cycle that occurs as families and professionals…

Describes one Washington superintendent's efforts to have 90 percent of district students reading at or above grade level by the end of the second or third grade. Also describes seven attributes of effective reading programs: Leadership, clear focus, assessment, effective early intervention, quality materials, time, and a sense of team. (PKP)

This article describes a transdisciplinary team approach to functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and intervention for young children with autism who exhibit severe challenging behavior. The article discusses the types of information needed to conduct an FBA, gives examples of information collection, and examines benefits and barriers to the team…

The purpose of this study is to analyse pupil welfare team meetings as an institutional context for handling dilemmas of schooling. Our focus is on how difficulties encountered by teachers and pupils are categorized and accounted for by team members (teachers, school administrators, and various experts). As a discourse community, the pupil welfare…

The authors propose a model of the stages of interdisciplinary collaboration grounded in their experiences as external evaluators of a university-community partnership. (Contains 1 table.)

Over the past decade, cross-functional quality improvement teams have been formed not only to reengineer work processes but also to enhance community and create incentives and recognition; they have moved the university from planning to action. (Contains 1 table.)