The evolution, design, and implementation of the University of Cincinnati (Ohio) Foundation's plan in the event of a disaster that would destroy its building and computer system are described. The plan focuses on rapid assessment of damage, getting the system back into working order, and recovery of any losses. (MSE)

The core of the education system must be transformed to make it supportive of exceptional students in transition. Attempts to improve the system by adding on programs rather than instituting core changes have not been effective. A "teaming" process that promotes school-community and interagency collaboration and infuses transition into the core of…

Cooperative learning can help children understand and accept children of other races. In cooperative learning, students work in small teams with students of differing abilities and help each other master material. The highly structured format involves five elements: positive interdependence, face-to-face interaction, individual and team…

Describes a social studies teacher's efforts to help junior high students deal with perceived problems of sexual harassment in the classroom. With a social worker's assistance, students learned to recognize personal and gender power issues and to distinguish between flirtatious behavior and genuine harassment (MLH)

This article describes a program for preschool children with speech language disorders, based on collaborative consultation during both assessment and program development processes. The article discusses program assumptions concerning child needs, the role of language, knowledge acquisition, and service accessibility in terms of the roles of…

The case method should be used in both preservice and inservice training for administrators to strengthen training programs and help administrators develop practical human relations skills, learn stress reduction and burnout prevention strategies, learn team-building, and develop critical and reflective thinking skills. (14 references) (MLH)

Educators at a Connecticut middle school are creating programs to help students develop more positive self-images within a safe, supportive learning environment. Schoolwide restructuring efforts led to teams of professionals concerned with school learning climate, team teaching, monitoring of pupil progress, staff development, at-risk students,…

In a letter to a Japanese university president, a French-Canadian educational administration student ponders the fundamental contradictions between the authoritarian, hierarchical Japanese education system and the Total Quality Management principles driving Japanese industry. The university president's reply explains how de-individualization,…

By coupling the creative synergy of a school's staff with some field-tested planning strategies, any advisory program can be improved and focused on students' concerns. This article describes a middle school's efforts to link thematic units for learning with advisement opportunities. Step-by-step lesson plans for exploring stereotypical…

Survey data from 21 otolaryngologists (70 percent return rate) and 32 speech-language pathologists (46 percent return rate) in Maine found differences in opinions between the 2 professional groups concerning referral patterns and treatment of vocal nodules in children and adults. Attitudinal problems were found to hamper a teamwork approach for…

The article reviews the use of paraprofessionals in special education programs and offers specific guidance on hiring (including preemployment orientation, vocational assessment, and interviewing); training and supervision (including roles and responsibilities, the importance of regular cooperative planning, and enhancing job status); and…

Describes a team as a group of people energized by their ability to work together, fully committed to high-level output, and concerned with each others' feelings. Examines barriers to team building, contrasts teams with committees, and describes the characteristics and functions of effective team builders. (DMM)

Representing English, history, geography, science, graphic arts, intermediate special education, physical and health education, and environmental studies, six Ontario (Canada) teachers cooperating on an integrated curriculum project found that their "separate" subject areas came together naturally in a theme approach to teaching. Success…

This article describes a program called Blind FOCUS, in which the medical community and rehabilitation services cooperate to provide integrated services to people with diabetes who become visually impaired, in the Kansas City, Missouri, area. (DB)

Mainstreaming students with disabilities into regular physical education classes is becoming standard practice. Successful mainstreaming involves a multidisciplinary team approach. Physical educators must be involved in the multidisciplinary team process, helping with student evaluation and planning. The paper explains how to encourage teamwork.…