This article describes service outcomes for people with disabilities, achieved by local Oregon communities during the past five years as they have implemented a community capacity building model called the Community Transition Team Model. Principles of successful programs included active participation of diverse stakeholders, change viewed as a…

Focuses on the resurgence of action research in teaching. Based on the concept that education is a social science whose theoretical principles should be grounded in the practitioner's knowledge, action research is a viable model for getting teachers involved in educational research. A typical action research project develops in successive stages.…

The University of Illinois' Leadership Development Program for special needs professionals uses Program Improvement Projects--action plans for a program change to be implemented by participant teams (vocational educators, special educators, and adult service providers). (SK)

The concept of risk-adjusted measures of quality is discussed, and a methodology is proposed for risk-adjusting and integrating multiple adverse outcomes of anesthesia services into measures for quality assurance and quality improvement programs. Although designed for a new anesthesiology database, the methods should apply to other health…

The use of qualitative data in the refinement of a research program in human immunodeficiency virus studies in a military population is described. Three mechanisms of patient participation (a protocol advisor, a participant advisory panel, and focus groups) provided important feedback for adapting the research process. (SLD)

Reports on a United Nations appraisal of the preschool component of India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the program, the efficacy of preschool programs in India, and the role of staff training, calling for the upgrading of initial and on-the-job training. (MDM)

Presents a historical sketch of American Montessori teacher education and discusses issues that should be addressed in the future. Suggests that teacher educators should teach their students strategies for individualizing their interactions with children rather than encouraging their students to memorize large amounts of material. Advocates the…

Discusses academic support programs for distance education students and describes the results of an evaluation of the orientation program at the University College of Central Queensland (UCCQ). A questionnaire was used to determine the costs of the program, whether student needs were being met, orientation attendance, and needed changes or…

This paper cites modest beneficial effects of early intervention for children with developmental disabilities or children at risk, and examines two specific program features, age of start and family involvement. The moderating influence of the level of disability severity is also analyzed, and future directions for improving early intervention…

Effective practice reviews (EPRs) are described as used in evaluation studies for the Office of Evaluation and Inspections, a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Examples are given of EPRs in addressing new problems, structuring and improving federal programs, and decreasing costs. (SLD)

This rejoinder to commentary on the authors' proposal (EC 605 232) for a simplified basis for determining special education program eligibility (based on local school reading achievement norms) stresses that the proposal is intended only as a first phase, to be followed by emphasis on overall program improvement. (DB)

To help national leaders work toward the first of six national education goals set forth in America 2000, which states that all children in America will start school ready to learn, surveyed the opinions of early childhood professionals. Reports on changes that have occurred in early childhood education efforts in the states and offers suggestions…

The Head Start community has recognized that the mental health program has been a weak spot in the program's comprehensive services strategy. A brief telephone survey of 101 programs identified the services most desired and resulted in recommendations for strengthening this aspect and making the program a laboratory for innovative practices. (SLD)

To help institutions meet National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards, the article presents a research-based accreditation self-study process model incorporating three factors: recognition that program improvement is worthwhile, a well-designed curriculum benefiting from continuing improvement and a strong knowledge base, and…

Discusses results of a survey of professional leadership of library and information organizations in Malaysia that was conducted to gather perceptions about the trends in the field during the next 10 years, the extent of preparedness of entry-level professionals, and strategies for improving education and development programs. (Author/LRW)