Recent research suggests that principals can improve the content and delivery of staff development programs by selecting practical topics, involving teachers in topic selection and presentation, keeping teachers' experience levels in mind, emphasizing ongoing staff development processes, avoiding lecture-based programs, and encouraging personal…

Points out that teachers with specialized training in early childhood education tend to focus on adult-directed cognitive development. Offers recommendations on how training programs can help teachers enhance the development of the whole child in more child-centered programs. (BB)

The author applies the evolutionary idea of reciprocal relationships between people and their environment to the possibilities for change in teacher education. Teaching as an intellectual activity and the need for interdisciplinary study are advocated. (MT)

This article presents 10 ideas for developing successful interdisciplinary curricula as suggested in the allied health literature. Implementation of the ideas is illustrated by examples from a clinical geriatric course involving physical therapy, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and medical students. (Author/CT)

This article reports on productivity programs being undertaken by private sector organizations. One private sector case described here was based on identifying productivity problems and linking information/measurement systems with participative management efforts and could be adapted and applied to public sector organizations. (CT)

Nine reasons that training programs do not succeed (for example, limited training resources, reasons for training unclear, critical nontraining factors ignored, management support is lacking, role of supervisor not recognized, little preparation or followup) and five training success factors (value, focus, power, mass, duration) are presented. (CT)

Argues that before all members of an organization can be taught how to write plain English, the highest levels of management must make it clear by their active participation in the program that clear communication is their highest priority. (DF)

Interviews with adult basic education students revealed that (1) some program demands and conditions threaten them with fear of failure; (2) some adults want more autonomy than instructors want to give; and (3) the special needs of some students demand special learning conditions. (SK)

Describes a project to study characteristics of employee publications. Identifies three potential editorial strategies, and concludes that most publications tend toward noncontroversial, "trivial" content like employee recognition themes. (MS)

The author states that an understanding of the legal doctrine from which malpractice charges arise, as well as of the rationale behind the courts' reluctance to decide educational matters, and a commitment to make improvements within the system to stop malpractice claims before they happen are the keys to avoiding educational malpractice suits.…

Questions concerning the use of microcomputers in schools are examined and are categorized by utility (what needs are we trying to fill), human factors (do microcomputers enhance one's growth or fulfillment), resources (what functions do they accomplish), and strategy (how will the impact of computer usage be assessed). (CT)

Renewed interest in program reviews has developed in recent years as resources for higher education have declined and demand for accountability has increased. University-level program review and department and unit-level program review are discussed. (MLW)

Future models for teacher education may take many forms. This article suggests that extended clinical experience will improve teacher education programs. An internship program implemented at the University of Pittsburgh is presented as an example program. (DF)

Teacher certification procedures in the Pacific Northwest are used to illustrate the kinds of problems facing the nation in terms of teacher certification and program accreditation. Proposals for change include: cooperation between public schools and universities; five year programs; and use of research to study the teacher education process. (DF)

Many guidelines for school improvement have emerged from recent research and experience. The connected issues of school improvement and staff development are explored. Guidance for staff development as a part of school improvement is delineated. (DF)