Discusses ways to improve collaborative communication between core and exploratory curriculum teachers in interdisciplinary team-taught middle schools. Considers techniques of curriculum integration, homebase/advisory alliances, extended teams, core-exploratory liaisons, rotating team connections, exploratory teams, equalized assessment,…

Focus group research methodology was used to identify professional skills regarded by educational team members (N=30) as necessary to support students who used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in general education classrooms. All valued five skills, including the ability to work together collaboratively and to maintain and operate…

Social support, a key factor in determining physical and mental health, strongly predicted changes in outdoor adventure participants' psychological resilience. The support received from the least supportive person best predicted gains in resilience. Outdoor education programs should provide a learning environment that is both challenging and…

Discusses requirements specified in the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that pertain to functional behavioral assessment, as well as positive behavioral intervention plans and supports as they relate to the responsibilities of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and to the IEP itself. (CR)

Provides guidelines for preparing successful school library media center staff orientations. Discusses outlining major items of information; listing goals for the presentation; starting with a slide show; and designing and implementing a team-based staff activity that includes a section for identifying personal goals and a reward for completion.…

Presents a new mentoring approach to school change called the whole-faculty study group process, unfolding a discussion of the following: the group process; change management principles; school culture; the process model and content; mentoring and co-mentoring; synergy and teamwork; multiple levels of co-mentoring; success factors in the process;…

Describes a literacy program at one Ohio elementary school in which students, parents, and school personnel share in the process of literacy development. Discusses empowering the community through literacy; ownership through shared decision making, celebrating diversity, welcoming parents as educational partners, and the school as a community…

ThinkQuest is the fastest-growing, non-profit Internet-based education program in the world. Each year, students and educators from around the globe compete for scholarships and cash awards as they create content content-rich Web sites. In this article, one of the winners, now a ThinkQuest coach, shares his vision about lifelong learning and the…

Sports participation can help young people appreciate health, exercise, and fitness; learn about themselves and handling adversity; and experience teamwork and sportsmanship. The key to a good high-school sports program is not winning, but student improvement. Athletic participation and achievement should not determine kids' social status. (MLH)

The second of two articles, this article describes a qualitative analysis of one family's experience during a 10-month process of assessment and intervention for the behavior challenges of a 9-year-old with severe disabilities. The impact of the positive behavioral support on the child and his family is highlighted. (CR)

This study evaluated behavior support training for a residential and vocational support agency. Three training sessions were provided to managerial and direct-care staff, during which trainees worked in teams to plan or complete functional assessments and behavior support plans for focus clients. Frequency of problem behavior was reduced for all…

The key to making smart decisions for school district facilities lies in comprehensive planning--a team effort that crosses lines of responsibility and expertise. A sidebar offers examples of questions that need to be asked and answered. (MLF)

A study involving 17 Canadian parents evaluated "Together for Kids," a program that focuses on preventing child abuse and neglect through family support. Clients found the informal support received from team members the most beneficial aspect of the project. Other benefits included the availability of support during stressful times.…

Describes ways to develop productive international teams in the international marketplace. Discusses obstacles, including language and distance; a model for effective global team performance; cultural differences; shared goals; communication; lack of information; leadership; work procedures; compensation; lack of knowledge or skills; and hindered…

Students at a St. Louis middle school experimenting with hands-on learning methods have scored consistently higher on the Stanford Achievement Tests than those in other district schools. A hands-on learning environment requires a thematic, integrated curriculum; creative, self-motivated teachers; and a supportive, facilitative principal. (MLH)