The number of students taking online courses in K-12 has increased exponentially since the inception of virtual schools in 1996. However, K-12 virtual schooling is a relatively new concept for those involved in teacher education. As teacher education departments build pre-service preparation programs, in-service professional development…

A study examined school personnel perspectives on barriers to the implementation of a statewide program to influence change in curriculum and instruction. Interviews were conducted with personnel from 5 schools and districts and generally positive results were reported in moving from their existing curriculum and assessment programs to the…

This newsletter theme issue focuses on the value of supervision in developing personnel in programs for infants with disabilities and their families. The first article, titled "Learning through Supervision and Mentorship To Support the Development of Infants, Toddlers and Their Families" (Emily Fenichel), is an essay explaining the thinking of the…

Designed for high school students interested in careers in special education and related services, this guide outlines the role of interpreters for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. It addresses the nature of the work, the education required, personal qualities that interpreters should have, job outlook and advancement, and how to prepare…

To develop and implement diversity initiatives in the university community requires the effective implementation of initiatives in many areas. Diversity leaders should be cognizant of institutional values and attitudes and the vision espoused by the university's president. The diversity leader should inform the university community about…

In 1985, the Early Childhood and Family Education Program (ECFEP) established a preschool in a Hispanic neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This paper discusses the risks for families in this community, and the ways in which these risks can be countered by an empowerment process model. The operation of the preschool is intended to empower…

This pamphlet answers the question "How can we best involve parents in the classroom?" at the level of the school council, school staff, and classroom teacher. Issues to be negotiated by school councils include the changing nature of Australian family structures, parents with small children at home, parents helping after school hours,…

This document brings together four papers from the American Occupational Therapy Association Forum, authored by individuals affiliated with the Trace R & D Center on Communication, Control and Computer Access for Handicapped Individuals. "The Critical Role of Occupational Therapy in Augmentative Communication Services," by Jenifer…

The text examines issues in the roles of allied health professionals serving disabled children and youth. An introduction by C. Del Polito reviews the effects of negative public attitudes toward people with disabilities and describes an advocacy project to serve allied health professionals. In unit 1, J. Barresi traces the history of public policy…

The development and structure of the comprehensive Low Vision Service of the New York Association for the Blind are used as the basis for discussing both positive and negative features of agency-based low vision clinics for the partially sighted. (LH)

In longitudinal studies, the same variables must be measured, in the same way, on at least two occasions. Research personnel are very important in keeping the necessary continuity of the procedures and the comparability of the measurements over time. As staff turnover can create serious problems, this paper suggests several strategies for reducing…

This report identifies and discusses the management issues and resources associated with establishing a microcomputer support center within an organization. A general introduction supplies a definition of a microcomputer support center and a historical perspective on data processing services. The remainder of the document is divided into two major…

Program presentations on issues related to staffing considerations in research libraries and business meeting minutes are combined in this report from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Under the program title, "Organizational Futures: Staffing Research Libraries in the 1990's," a report by the Task Force on Research Library Staffing…

Intended for Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) project sponsors and staff, as well as for advisory council members and ACTION staff, this handbook provides guidance for the management and operation of FGP projects based on the provisions of Public Law 93-113. An introductory chapter provides basic information and definitions, and in the 10…

In February 1986, a Dropout Prevention Office was created by the superintendent of the Denver (Colorado) Public Schools to develop a comprehensive approach to address the dropout issue. The Office was also to evaluate existing dropout efforts, and serve as a clearinghouse on dropout programs and information and as an encouragement to partnerships…