Extension educators in Fairfield, California, worked with nontraditional clientele to develop a training program to encourage citizen participation. The analytical problem-solving model and interactive group processes helped city government staff eager to deal with the public in a proactive manner. (JOW)

Records of 360 students evaluated via outreach programs at the low vision clinics of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School over a 10-year period were analyzed concerning age, sex, ocular condition, best-corrected visual acuity at far and near, and recommended optical devices. (JDD)

This excerpt from "Managing the Facilities Portfolio: A Practical Approach to Institutional Renewal and Deferred Maintenance" offers higher education business officers a conceptual framework comprising four steps: (1) establish baseline; (2) estimate needs; (3) compare model alternatives; and (4) report to management. (DB)

A survey of 57 beginning teachers in Newfoundland, most of them in rural schools, revealed teachers' needs for inservice education in techniques of classroom and instructional management, and their concerns about teachers' legal rights and special problems related to teaching in small rural schools. Contains 31 references. (SV)

Continuing an earlier historical review of educational needs assessment (ENA) in the United States, this article considers certain criticisms of ENA in light of basic assumptions about the process; the relationship between ENA theories and practices; and their impact on schools and students. ENA's role in educational planning and renewal is also…

The development of special education in Pakistan since 1947 is outlined. The relevance to Pakistan of Western-style education is questioned as is the possibility of providing services to the majority of children with special needs in the foreseeable future. Some alternative measures such as providing information services to basic health workers…

The effect of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic on child abuse prevention is considered on two levels: its indirect effect as resources for child abuse prevention are diverted to meet increased demands for health care, social service, and public assistance systems; and direct effects in terms of abuse and neglect of HIV-infected…

Describes telecommunications technology available to school library media specialists for use with distance education programs. A needs assessment process developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is explained, and a sidebar describes distance education programs currently available nationally over satellite and cable TV. (LRW)

This commentary on EC 231 901 discusses whether resource allocations and service policies for mentally retarded individuals should be based upon purported findings of scientific theory or the purported needs of service systems. The paper calls for improved research utilization and understanding of what makes a social movement work. (JDD)

The Alternative Learners Project of College Misericordia (Pennsylvania) helps students with severe learning disabilities to determine what accommodations are needed (such as Books-on-Tape, Kurzweil Personal Readers, notetakers, test readers, voice-input word processors, alternative testing arrangements, and other types of adaptive equipment) and…

Describes a survey of services provided by schools for pupils with learning difficulties and challenging behavior in Britain. Analysis of the responses of 80 teachers indicated a need for in-class staff support, curriculum access, and additional facilities and resources for such pupils. The value of teacher collaboration in solving problems is…

Asserts that staff development is best conceptualized and operationalized as one facet of an integrated staffing function that is inextricably and purposefully intertwined with supervision and performance appraisal. Offers suggestions for implementing staff-development plans in the form of a scheme to analyze available methods or avenues for…

This brief paper reviews six studies which examined out-of-home placement by Israeli parents of children with severe developmental disabilities. Implications for policy and practice are drawn, including the need for respite-care services, extended hours in schools, recreation programs, support services for parents, and training programs for…

Outlines a five-step process to help school and community members in planning the initial phases of a new school: (1) establish a realistic planning timeline; (2) select a design team with diverse perspectives; (3) develop a sense of team/community among design-team members; (4) develop a vision for a new facility; and (5) select an architect.…

A nationwide survey of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) project directors for state and local education agencies examined the status of middle school HIV/STD (sexually transmitted disease) programs. Results indicated that instruction about HIV prevention tended to decline after seventh grade. The decrease related to lack of opportunities for an…