This article briefly reviews findings from more than 250 research studies on instructional leadership and productive schools and discusses development and field testing of a needs assessment instrument for assessment of the continuing education needs of principals. (IAH)

This case study describes an unsuccessful research proposal submitted in response to a request for applications for projects to implement and evaluate up to 18 innovative programs for homeless persons with alcohol or other drug problems. This unsuccessful proposal reflects several tensions inherent in evaluation research. (SLD)

Discusses "Night Owl," a Maryland public library's after hours telephone reference service. Issues include project start-up, user profiles, types of questions, volume, after hours reference accessibility, security, costs, service limits, publicity, staffing, and employee turnover. Similar services in other states are cited. (Contains six…

This paper reports a survey of 1,283 Michigan families of children with severe mental impairment, multiple impairments, or autism, concerning the state's cash subsidy program. Families reported that the subsidy amount was adequate. The greatest need was for sitters and respite care, followed by life planning, speech and physical therapy, and…

Discusses characteristics identified by the Center for Occupational Research and Development as indicative of fully functioning advanced technology centers, including the provision of training and retraining in such areas as design, manufacturing, materials science, and electro-optics; technology transfer; demonstration sites; needs assessment;…

Evaluates adequacy of academic and personal services to international students at the New York City Technical College of the City University of New York. Questionnaire responses of 137 students highlight academic needs for all 15 categories examined and inadequacies in all but 2 of 17 personal service areas. (SLD)

A Colorado school district has adopted Total Quality Management (TQM) to improve quality and reduce costs. The basic components that drive continuous improvement in TQM are focusing on responding to customer needs, basing decisions on data, and allowing everyone to participate in the process. (MLF)

Discussion of child care for college personnel, fast becoming requisite in every benefits package, presents three composite cases illustrating the range of child care options available, looks at the kinds of flexibility parents need and program options available, and examines federal child care initiatives and program legal liabilities.…

A survey of the technology needs of 560 Arkansas school-age children with disabilities indicated needs for technology in all identified areas of life functioning, a credit plan to assist in purchasing technology, more information relating to technology, and transportation services to receive technological devices. (Author/JDD)

Describes the training strategy developed by the Community Based Rehabilitation Programme in Guyana. The strategy has three components: the identification of training needs of families and support workers, the production of video-based training packages on specific topics, and the utilization of available personnel to act as local tutors.…

Explains the two components of an effective child-care-program needs assessment: purpose identification, and process and implementation. Discusses the types and sources of specific information needed for a successful assessment, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. Outlines four steps in the process and implementation component. (TJQ)

This study surveyed 214 secondary teachers of students with mild disabilities in Virginia concerning their perceptions of level of knowledge, involvement and importance of transition planning, and service-delivery activities. Findings suggest that teachers have gaps in knowledge and involvement in transition planning and service delivery.…

Discusses the provision of continuing professional development (CPD) for health professionals by open and distance learning, focusing on the experience of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland). Describes the needs-analysis and pilot evaluation of a primarily text-based resource, reporting high satisfaction with content…

This article describes Technology Option for At-Risk Readers (TOARR), a program that uses technology to help students with reading difficulties. The program uses specialized reading software plus a host of motivating reading activities to encourage reading. Steps in developing the TOARR needs assessment and implementing the program are discussed.…

Discusses the use of technology in training and higher education. Considers current technologies; establishing a vision before implementing technology; needs assessment; hardware and software considerations; facility limitations; design considerations; curriculum support; and student and instructor needs. (LRW)