This handbook presents a collection of over 35 experiential and adventure-based activities using only a single item of equipment--a 15-foot long section of 1-inch tubular climbing webbing, called a raccoon circle. Some of the activities are quiet, some are loud, and they range from low to high challenge levels. Different-sized groups can be…

The purpose of strategic planning is to align the institution with the external environment. In fact, it is a complex solution to a complex problem. Environmental change is inevitable and it will always impact one's institution sooner or later. It is better to be proactive, thoughtful, and in charge of change, than to be always in a reactive mode…

Classrooms in the United Kingdom are beginning to open up, with teachers working in multidisciplinary teams composed of classroom assistants, nursery nurses, learning support auxiliaries, educational psychologists, community educators, health and social workers, and parent volunteers. This paper identifies published sources of information on…

This workbook is designed to assist educators in establishing a team for planning for paraeducator supports and addressing paraeducator issues. Worksheets are provided for implementing the following 10 planning steps: (1) inform the local school board of the intention to establish a team to address paraeducator issues; (2) ensure that the team…

This paper discusses creating story boards to help students with disabilities to develop effective career plans. It describes storyboarding as a technique for project planning which requires active involvement of both hemispheres of the brain. A group of 6-8 people, including students, teachers, counselors, and vocational rehabilitation…

This presentation outline with overheads demonstrates differentiated planning, a system with four separate planning methods designed to reduce confusion and increase staff commitment to planning efforts. Differentiated planning involves: (1) prioritization (used for single question issues, multiple question issues, and as a follow-up to the…

Responding to the America Reads Challenge and the increasing emphasis on using volunteer tutors to help all children learn to read, the activities and suggestions in this easy-to-use book are from the journal "The Reading Teacher" and are classroom tested. It provides instructional tips for teachers and tutors who are collaboratively…

This videotape and accompanying guidebook are intended to help teachers as they support and supervise paraprofessionals in the classroom. Section 1 of the guidebook provides a self-assessment to help teachers evaluate their present support and supervisory skills. Sections 2 through 5 address four key knowledge and skill areas. These sections…

This longitudinal study analyzed planning processes in teachers' collaborative curriculum-making, working with two teacher teams in a Finnish elementary school and one American team. Data from discourses, interviews, and observations addressed: differences and similarities in the planning processes involved in curriculum making; changes in the…

This study examined collaborative planning and decision making in a grade level team of elementary teachers during team meetings. Fourteen teachers in a suburban district participated over 3 years. Participants were predominantly white and female and ranged from first-year to experienced teachers. Teachers were observed during regular weekly team…

The author highlights the enormity of waste due to ineffective business meetings, and describes techniques behavioral scientists have developed to cope with this perennial problem. A case study dramatizes how the techniques are applied. (Author)

An instructional design team, composed of experts in nursing, education, and media production, is used at the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing, Madison, to produce instructional units for a new curriculum. The authors summarize steps of team/faculty communications, team methodology, and factors influencing the team's effectiveness. (EA)

This study confirmed the prediction that members of a dyad, whose work inputs are equal, endeavor to divide their joint reward equally. Results also suggested that outcomes intentionally produced by relevant others are included in the computation of equity, while unintentional outcomes are ignored. (Author/KM)

After pointing out that the concept of competition lies at the roots of our economic system, the author points out that competition is not always a good thing. (Editor)

In this study the researchers attempted to analyze the factors of age, sex, racial-ethnic background, operational life of the team, educational status, leader status, team size, caseload size, and the location of program site in terms of their potential effects upon team cohesion. (Author)