Suggestions are offered for developing positive relationships among teachers and parents and the community in general. (Author/MLF)

Presented are brief descriptions and comments by administrators of some California arts programs on producing a quality arts program inexpensively. Topics discussed are: initiating a Comprehensive Arts program, the use of CETA artists-in-residence, curriculum development, and the coordination of a high school fine arts program. (Author/SJL)

A personal approach to instructional development that uses teaching consultants is described and illustrated with anecdotes from the first year of one such service at a large midwestern university. This individualized approach emphasizes the particular needs, interests, and limitations of each teacher-client on a case-by-case basis. (JMD)

Presents tips to teachers on preserving their enthusiasm, organizing their time, maintaining class control, boosting school morale, and maintaining public support. (Editor/SJL)

Since first-year psychiatric residents were observed to lack many interviewing skills necessary for both physicians and psychiatrists, a method of teaching the skills in a group setting with live patients was constructed. Research results supported self-report changes in empathy, congruence, and level of regard. (Author/LBH)

The background of the current lack of concern with faculty attitudes when planning instructional improvement programs is reviewed. Data from a survey of faculty attitudes on one campus indicate a need to rethink the basic model of instructional development as currently used. (Author/LBH)

Describes the changes the Douglass school district (Kansas) underwent as they began to implement "Transitions," a school improvement model that is based on individual student accountability. Provides insight into the capacities that need to be developed within a system before Transitions can be implemented successfully. Includes a sample…

Describes how the North Central Association (NCA) school improvement process helped Auburn Elementary School (Kansas) achieve improved student performance. Asserts that critical elements for a successful school improvement process include: trust, organization, and strong steering committee and peer review chairs. (KP)

Discusses extending distance education into Inuit settlements across the Canadian North and illustrates the need for adult education for preemployment training. Describes the Atii pilot project, carried out in 1993, and its potential for developing the newly self-governed territory of Nunavut by upgrading Inuit management at a distance. (AEF)

Introduces a series of six installments on making the transition from a training/instructional design approach to human performance technology (HPT). The first installment topics include defining human performance technology; obstacles to effective HPT; and the necessary role characteristics for trainers performing HPT. (AEF)

Advocates the Redfern Model of teacher evaluation, which involves the teacher in the evaluation process through goal setting and self-evaluation in cooperation with the evaluator. The Redfern Model can be combined with the Classroom Observations Keyed for Effectiveness Research (COKER) as an objective measurement of classroom performance. (KS)

Describes psychological consequences of life in urban neighborhoods. Offers three conceptual models that relate neighborhood physical, structural, and social characteristics to mental health outcomes. Contains 66 references. (MMU)

Describes the planning steps and other practical considerations to establish successful trails, outdoor classrooms, or other environmental education improvements on school grounds. Steps include determining needs and methods for promoting projects, resources, site assessment, property lines, safety, and maintenance. Possible projects described…

Discusses six initiatives that organizations can support to ensure peak performance: individual knowledge portfolios; mentoring and apprenticeship relationships; electronic conferencing systems; organizational knowledge repository; community of practice; reward and recognition. Defines each initiative and describes how to make each one work in an…

Analyzes two possible assessment outcomes: (1) differing results on two or more assessments; and (2) loss of achievement after improvement cycle. Proposes short- and long-term solutions to problematic results, including analyzing differences in tests and pre-planning to avoid flaws in assessment design. (NB)