An award-winning administrator of a college computer system discusses the role of networking and teamwork in successful information management, drawing on experiences during recent political upheavals in eastern Europe for illustration. Other success factors stressed include having and sharing a dream and developing future leaders. (MSE)

Two priorities of a Colorado elementary school (increasing the quality of parent-school partnerships and modeling and building student self-esteem) led to the school's parent-observation process. An accountability team selected two parent-observers, who worked with the principal and two teachers to develop a training guide, an observation outline,…

An Illinois elementary school principal realized that the district's "yellow tablet" teacher-evaluation system was not working. In lieu of observations by the principal, teachers agreed to visit one another, sometimes in teams, and the principal volunteered to substitute for observing teachers. The new process demolished barriers between…

A competitive mathematics program for deaf and hard of hearing junior high students is described. Rules for the competition were developed and a "Math Bowl" was implemented among six schools for the deaf. Sample problems are included. (DB)

Total Quality Management (TQM) is not another"add-on" but a wholly reconceived approach to managing educational institutions. Some common start-up problems are lack of feasible leadership commitment, poor data and deployment plans, and inadequate managerial skills. Postlaunch problems include team and measurement mania, overzealous selling of…

Problem-solving teams substantially influence organizational performance in restructured schools. This article examines the concepts of teamwork and team effectiveness, as related to functions of problem-solving teams. A case study of a successful team effort to improve elementary students' reading scores provides a framework for developing…

In two studies, the Team Development Indicator was repeatedly administered to intact work groups participating in intensive 48-hour residential corporate adventure training (CAT) and various follow-up procedures. CAT significantly improved team behaviors in all training groups, but improvements were maintained or increased only in groups that…

As school systems face more budget cuts, elaborate field trips are being axed. A Virginia middle school experimented with an overnight lockout in the school gym. Since seventh graders were already grouped into four heterogeneous teams for a pilot instructional program, these groups were maintained during the "gymboree." Each student wore…

The typical administrator certification program does not devote specific attention to shootings, suicide, terminal illness, and natural disasters. A crisis of major proportion calls for enlightened leadership: a take-charge manner, combined with effective teamwork and delegation of vital operations. Crisis teams should exist at regional, district,…

Focus group discussions with 21 Australian occupational therapists elicited the following perspectives: (1) therapists act as advocates for adults with intellectual disabilities; (2) occupational therapy contributes to quality of life; (3) occupational therapy is practiced as an interdisciplinary team; and (4) there are limitations to team…

The field of behavior analysis has not learned how to develop interventions that rely on positive reinforcement for all participants, including the normal adults who implement them. Thus, the field has not learned how to avoid evoking countercontrol. Establishment of collaborative relationships with the people targeted for help is suggested. (JDD)

To avoid bad decisions, principals must be willing to invest time, energy, and resources and prepare the problem-solving team for the frustrations involved in tackling tough problems. Simple probing techniques such as "creating (or intensifying) the problem,""the Five Whys""I wish" statements, the nominal Group Technique, and multivoting can aid…

Two approaches to work organization in the auto industry were compared: (1) the German model of apprenticeship and skilled production workers; and (2) the Japanese model of continuous on-the-job training and flexibility. The Japanese model may be better for British companies given the current labor market situation. (SK)

Describes how a videodisc of Alfred Hitchcock's film "North by Northwest" was repurposed by adding digitized and computer-generated sound, text, and graphics, to show users the capabilities of interactive multimedia. Recommendations are offered both for working in a design team and for the design of interactive materials. (LRW)

Describes an Illinois consolidated high school district's staff development program to offer teachers a variety of professional growth opportunities. Peer coaching, an important program component, succeeds only in an atmosphere of trust and respect. Other key factors are appropriate training for all participants and development of preconference,…