Information on family context was used to individualized behavioral support plans designed to support family use of functional communication training (FCT) for three children (ages 3-5) with autism. Results indicate problem behavior decreased and functional communication increased when FCT was introduced into family routines selected for training.…

Presents the annual bibliography of literature from 1989 on the education and training of information professionals. Highlights include library and information science schools and departments; professional qualifications; career development; continuing education; training; the role of associations and societies in library education; and the…

Mothers and caregivers of 28 preschoolers were trained to facilitate children's play. Play training of adults was shown to be an effective mechanism for enhancing preschoolers' verbal cognition. Training of mothers and caregivers was more effective than training of caregivers only. (CB)

Children with mental retardation are particularly prone to failure on relational tasks such as oddity and match-to-sample, suggesting a differential sensitivity to relational information. This paper reports on several studies in which characteristics of stimulus arrays were enhanced. Results demonstrated the theoretical and practical significance…

Presents a two-part training activity by means of which teachers can learn the quality components of accreditation of child care and early childhood programs. (BB)

In response to Whitman, "Self-Regulation and Mental Retardation" (EC 222 812), the author raises four points: use of alternatives to language based interventions, questionable effectiveness of verbal self-instruction with the retarded, questionable practicality of gradual withdrawal of teacher prompting, and need for immediate testing of…

Evaluation of treatment acceptability was conducted with 78 staff members at a community-based residential facility for youth with severe behavior disorders and mental retardation, where the institutional treatment philosophy was explicitly behavioral. Unlike a previous study, in this setting acceptability ratings were not influenced by severity…

Summarizes the objectives, conceptual model, results, and implications of a project called Foster Care Training: A Comprehensive Approach, in British Columbia, Canada, which was designed to illustrate ways in which a networking model can provide increased support and training for participating foster parents. (BB)

Examines the role of nonprofessional staff in information science and the need for education and training of such personnel. The discussion covers available types and methods of education and training and the roles of various agencies and organizations. Subjects outside of the information field which nonprofessional staff may need to study are…

Describes a Macintosh computer-based Instructional Development Model (IDioM) that provides a platform upon which an expert system for course development can be constructed. Goals of IDioM are explained, including instructional design and facilitating the development of interactive training courses; the use of HyperCard is discussed; and future…

Discusses the importance of including evaluation as part of training programs. Topics discussed include the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) Training Program Development and Evaluation Model; audience analysis; modularized course development procedures; instructors' guides; and checkpoints to observe during the course development process.…

Discussion of cognitive apprenticeships highlights a computer-based coached practice environment called SHERLOCK that was developed for Air Force technicians. Training for complex skills is discussed, comparisons are made between results with SHERLOCK and results with apprenticeship models that have human coaches, and possible future enhancements…

Seven papers are presented that demonstrate new directions and practices in the evaluation of training programs. Different perspectives and approaches are represented, but in each case the evaluation described has been successful in making trainers more effective and accountable. (SLD)

The study investigated the effects of a self-instructional training package on the on-task behavior of four adults with mental retardation employed in a sheltered workshop. On-task behavior increased substantially across all subjects following the training and the behavior generalized from the training setting to the actual work environment.…

Two social validation studies assessed the vocational gains of six high school students with severe or multiple handicaps over a five-month training period. Comparison by special education teachers and university business students of pre- and post-video vignettes found significant improvements in work behaviors, breaktime skills, and getting ready…