An advisory committee oversaw and guided an investigation of credentialing adult education instructors in Illinois. At its direction, a series of focus group inquiries were conducted into issues surrounding the development of a system of professional credentialing. Requirements varied widely in 13 states found to have some form of mandatory…

This data-rich report provides a detailed analysis of the performance of K-12 limited-English-proficient (LEP) students in bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs in public schools in Austin, Texas. Results are generally mixed. The report begins with an executive summary of major findings. Following are six sections covering…

This issue of a newsletter designed to promote human resources development among adolescents and adults in Florida is devoted to a description and assessment of "Crossroads Cafe," a series of multimedia materials for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. Trends in language teaching methodology since the 1960s are first…

The Women in Technology (WIT) program at Texas' El Paso Community College (EPCC) was established to recruit women into nontraditional occupations, offering technical education, services to help retain women, and community outreach efforts to help change attitudes. This report describes outcomes for the 1998-99 fiscal year, focusing on six WIT…

This book provides a conceptual scaffolding and practical guide for educators and evaluators as they respond to the challenges of diversity in schools. It introduces ways to assess the capacities of various professional development programs, curriculum transformation projects, diversity initiatives, and study abroad opportunities to realize…

This volume consists of four issues that present best practices, current research on adult learning and literacy, and how research is used. Issue 1(A) on adult multiple intelligences has seven articles: "MI (Multiple Intelligences), the GED (General Educational Development), and Me (Martha Jean); "Understanding Multiple Intelligences:…

All principal preparation and professional development programs operate within a local, state, and national policy and financing context that influences their structure, shapes their priorities, and, in some cases, dictates their existence. Financing and policy directly affect how much professional development for principals takes place, what…

This publication is one of a series resulting from the broad study, "Qualification and Preparation of Teachers of Exceptional Children," which since 1952 has been one of the major projects of the Office of Education. The participation of more than 2,000 persons concerned with handicapped and gifted children is an example of cooperative action…

Purpose: This study examined the professional and research needs of distance learning librarians in higher education in order to inform program development by the Association of College Libraries Distance Learning Section. Methodology: 270 members of the section completed a 23 item online questionnaire on distance learning librarians' work…

This report summarizes some Austin Independent School District (AISD) activities to support parent and community involvement during the 2005-2006 school year.

Argues for developing a storytelling culture in early childhood programs to encourage staff enthusiasm and engagement. Describes five development strategies: (1) descriptive observation; (2) using children's books in staff meetings; (3) creating persona doll stories; (4) using stories from professional literature; and (5) creating visual stories…

Responds to three articles in previous issues of this journal on teaching classroom management in preservice teacher education. Outlines how Texas Southern University students learn and practice management approaches in field-based classes, which makes their learning constructivist, learner centered, and powerful. (SM)

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Technical Support Network (HBCUTSN) helps strengthen teacher preparation programs at historically black colleges and universities. The HBCUTSN developed a technical assistance model with four components: assessing, educating, coaching, and collaborating. This paper highlights collaboration,…

Discusses the benefits of laptop computers in higher education, including students' increased motivation, performance, cooperative learning and critical thinking. Describes a Microsoft/Toshiba pilot laptop learning program, technology implementation models for schools, changes in teaching and learning, and teacher training. (AEF)

Describes the successful, grass-roots approach to staff development at Winona Middle School in Winona, Minnesota. Discusses categories of learners from early adapters to technophobes, staff training models, technical support, networking, policy plans, funding, and new challenges. (AEF)