The superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (Kentucky) describes an administrative restructuring process that removed layers of bureaucracy and dramatically improved principals' and teachers' shared decision-making opportunities and increased their enthusiasm and commitment. The key is willingness to take risks and remaining open to new…

This article examines polydisciplinary groups in the human services, identifying four types: multidisciplinary, pluridisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary groups. Various problems in the use of these groups are then discussed, followed by an exploration of possible solutions. (Author/TE)

Five assumptions are inferred from the literature concerning the roles and responsibilities of elementary regular classroom teachers in educating low-performing children. These assumptions are used to define the target group of students most aptly served in regular classrooms. Models of partnership between regular education and specialized…

Some conclusions reached by colleges that participated in one of the regional workshops being sponsored by three U.S. agencies on substance-abuse and traffic-safety programs in higher education are discussed. More colleges have moved from punitive to educational measures in dealing with students who violate substance-abuse rules. (MLW)

The article provides practical information and techniques for effectively using creative problem-solving. Six stages of problem solving, with both convergent and divergent thinking phases, are discussed. Also discussed are equipment, time frames, and environmental requirements for creative problem-solving sessions. Sample exercises are offered.…

A direct instruction model is applied to the teaching of library skills to students with mild/moderate handicaps. The model involves determining students' skill levels, setting objectives, providing instruction, and monitoring student progress. A team approach is recommended, involving the library media specialist and the special education…

Suggests that English teachers use sports metaphors as a different way to communicate with their students about writing. (MS)

Principals are responsible for initiating career development with teachers at all age and experience levels. Although most teachers want to remain in the classroom, many desire new and expanded roles. Principals can assist new teachers' socialization process and help mature faculty avoid the "plateau" trap. Includes 14 references. (MLH)

Encourages music teachers to make allies of classroom teachers in order to use their influence to build positive student attitude toward music. Provides concrete suggestions for establishing rapport with classroom teachers and gaining their support for the music program. (LS)

Describes a Total Quality Management training plan implemented at Wayne State University (WSU) that allowed the university's reference librarians to construct a cost-effective rotational cross-training program. This program was designed to improve reference referral service among WSU's five libraries. Participants concluded that the program was…

Assesses the effectiveness of a teambuilding intervention among a group of department leaders. Finds that, three years after the intervention began, group members reported an increase in ability to raise issues and manage conflict; increases in mutual praise, support, and cooperation; clarification of roles and responsibilities; and a long-term…

The Electric Maze is an interactive learning device that promotes group learning skills among management teams. It provides a "practice field" where participants can explore and apply the principles of effective teamwork under realistic conditions of uncertainty, discomfort, and mistakes. This training aims to enable management teams to…

Describes an inservice elementary school teachers' training program that used the HyperCard-based "Laser Disc Made Easy" software for creating lessons. Grade-level team activities are described; the ease of use is discussed; and advantages of editing capabilities are considered. (LRW)

Discusses issues to consider when developing a faculty training program for interactive distance education. Topics include the technology; administrative considerations; the concept of an instructional team; and instructional planning, including the use of copyrighted instructional materials and teaching styles. (LRW)

Using computers only for word processing, drill-and-practice, and computer literacy wastes expensive technology. After allocating funds for computers, the Shawnee Mission (Kansas) School District established a study team to investigate district computer use and develop an integrated system. Success depended on planning, commitment, training,…