Teacher education has become a scapegoat for the problems of public education. One of the views that must be overcome is that inadequate preparation can be improved by eliminating the preparatory experience altogether. Greater fiscal support is also necessary for quality preparatory programs. (8 references) (CJH)

Three hypothetical cases illustrating adoption of National Diffusion Network programs in adult basic education are used to identify problems that can occur when attempting program adoption or development of new programs. The importance of making the innovation one's own is stressed. (SK)

The General Accounting Office conducted a study to determine whether particular funding mechanisms play a role in helping universities improve program quality and whether funding mechanisms have different effects on research performance. Findings from the study are reported and discussed. (JN)

Discusses the importance of program evaluation, detailing the first step, selecting and working with an evaluator, and the terminology and uses of evaluation. Argues that evaluations should be cooperative ventures between evaluators and those evaluated, and should be part of a program from its inception; and that evaluators have both rights and…

Dimensions of teacher development that warrant special attention in the move to improve the quality of the experienced teacher work force are discussed. Common features of teacher development programs, characteristics of effective programs, and elements commonly omitted from programs are described. (DF)

It is common practice to associate recommendations for program improvement with evaluation reports. In this article, several classes of recommendations are identified, and aspects of one class are explored in some detail. Consideration is given to certain logical, methodological, and practical issues relating to the derivation of recommendations…

Outlines the establishment of a program to aid children who are seriously behind in basic math and reading skills and seeks specific causes and provides minimal solutions directed at increasing the child's standard performance. (Author)

The reason for the failure of a training program was the lack of a clear definition of the trainee's needs. The following goals were formulated for a new training program: regroup, identify needs, set objectives, general alternatives, evaluate alternatives, design and develop the program, and test the program. (EC)

Why would mental health clients sign release-of-information forms unless they thought a refusal to do so would jeopardize their access to service? The author believes that the practice of not advising clients of their rights to privacy has ethical implications that can compromise the value of the treatment. (Author)

This directory contains 355 discretionary projects addressing the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that received funds in 2004. It was compiled from 4 volumes separately published by the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY). The Research to Practice Division of…

This study investigated how funders and grantees are thinking about sustainability and how best to support promising community-based initiatives so that they do not simply fade away when initial funding is over. Following a literature review, researchers developed questions to guide interviews with approximately 24 funders and grantees. No theme…

Noting that young children under age five are still without comprehensive public policies to protect or enhance their status, this issue of the NCEDL Spotlights excerpts an article proposing a quality support system for early childhood education programs. The components of a quality support system are highlighted: (1) personnel preparation; (2)…

This handbook lists the International Reading Association's 10 recommendations for improving the standards set by Congress' latest reauthorization of Title I, a program that uses federal funds at the local school district level to improve the performance of students in the early elementary grades who are at risk of school failure. Each…

This annual report of the Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association (GMDCA) details the accomplishments of the organization for 2000-2001. The report begins with a letter from the executive director focusing on the need to change our thinking about the care and education of young children, then describes components of quality child care and how the…