Aspects of the organizational contexts of schools and classrooms and various teacher psychological states are examined to explain variations in individual outcomes of staff development intended to improve teacher performance. A path model--based on theories of individual behavior and change within organizations--is presented and tested. (TJH)

A rural staff developer's decisions should be based on a clear understanding of the unique characteristics of rural schools and rural teachers. The staff developer must understand rural staff development needs, obstacles and potential advantages of the rural setting, and characteristics of ideal staff development. (JD)

According to a recent Washington State survey, middle school educators need more than general training in teaching and administration to meet young adolescent students' needs. Respondents desired more knowledge about young adolescents' emotional, social, and intellectual development, and appropriate teaching and discipline techniques. Includes…

Presents directors of day care facilities with suggestions about ways to help staff members make the transition from one school year to another. (BB)

Discusses the use of role plays in training for human communication skills, sales skills, and management skills. Rules for the application of role plays are given, steps in designing role plays are described, typical role play structures are explained, and materials for instructors and participants are discussed. (LRW)

Descriptions and implications of five stages of professional development of science teachers are provided. Behavioral characteristics for each stage are stressed. (CW)

Presents a chronology of the growth of the National Staff Development Council from 1969-94. Some information is provided to offer a broader context about the world that surrounded the council at each particular time. Information is also included on council affiliates, staff and board members, annual conferences, publications, and awards. (SM)

Examines research about the effectiveness of professional development. Procedural guidelines drawn from research on individual and organizational change provide a framework for developing the optimal mix of professional development processes and technologies for specific contexts at particular points in time. The potential impact of implementing…

Through individual interviews and focus groups, teachers, support staff, parents, deaf students and administrators participated in a training needs assessment (TNA). The focus was on actual teacher signing skills, the optimal performance desired, and possible solutions. TNA proved to be an effective staff development planning tool. (Author/DB)

Examines the financing of 20 Federal University Libraries in Nigeria by the World Bank, which provides for acquisition of books, journals, and equipment based on conditions to be met by the universities. Considers socioeconomic effects and assesses the impact of the loan on selection, acquisition, and staff development. Discusses the inability of…

Describes the Technology Integration Enhancement (TIE) model that was developed to encourage technology integration at the elementary school level. The conceptual framework, staff development, and the Concerns-Based Adoption Model which comprise the TIE model are explained; and an evaluation of the TIE model is described. (Contains 14 references.)…

This paper describes the Oklahoma Statewide Training and Regional Support (STARS) program, a system of early intervention inservice training developed to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part H. Major challenges included identification of technical assistance needs, facilitation of training attendance, identification…

Reports on the design, implementation, and evaluation of a teleseminar on instructional design and computer-mediated communication (CMC) at the University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba, Australia). Results show that CMC was a viable medium for professional development, that moderation of strategies influenced the nature of contributions, and…

The Leadership Accessing Symposia is a program to provide local school personnel in Indiana with the opportunity to hear and interact with well-known scholars in the field of gifted education. Methods of publicizing the symposia and results of symposia evaluation are discussed. (JDD)

Provides an overview of Japanese management theory and suggests applications to library administration. Highlights include participative management; shared decision making; long-term objectives; organizational philosophy; staff training and human resource development; strategic planning; staffing issues; cooperation; quality control; and total…