Discusses four challenges in providing staff development in rural schools. Distance education links using audiographics, sharing responsibilities between the university and local schools to promote ownership of training, and using school-based teams or grade-level units for increasing collaboration among staff are described. (Contains seven…

Presents a structured, integrated continuing education program for university science and engineering reference librarians. Program components, including departmental tours, reference collection tutoring sessions, extensive subject-specific projects, and subject-related, hands-on exercises, are described. Program evaluation results are presented,…

Indiana University has been working with several rural school corporations to provide staff development to special and general education personnel using distance education and computer-based audiographics. Successful components of the training programs are on-site coordinators, immediate application to the classroom setting, and collaboration…

A regional survey of 142 supported employment program managers and 519 direct service personnel found most of the personnel are female, young, highly educated, minimally paid, and with basic knowledge of supported employment philosophy, management, and implementation strategies. A need for technical assistance to refine skills was identified.…

A management program was implemented to increase the training activities and decrease nonwork behavior of eight direct-care staff in a facility for individuals with mental retardation. Improvements were maintained during a 43-week period, staff acceptability measures were positive, and beneficial changes occurred in clients. (JDD)

An urban Louisiana school system successfully graduated 23 adult dropouts, awarding them real high school diplomas, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various social service agencies, intensive staff development, and sensitivity to students' economic and affective needs. Although schools cannot solve all the personal problems confronting the…

Reports on a study of 24 Australian secondary teachers before and after an inservice program on the whole-school approach to discipline. Finds that higher principled teachers provided more perspective and guidance than those in the low moral judgment group. Recommends more joint decision making by teachers in developing a school's discipline…

Describes the methods and results of a major research effort which sought to identify and verify dimensions of educational leadership. Staff development implications are explored that could improve the effectiveness of educational leaders. (GLR)

School districts experiencing student transportation problems along with limited staff ability and time, and extremely sensitive issues, can benefit from a transportation consultant. A pupil transportation consultant can assist districts in management studies, staff development, and operations. (MLF)

Describes the long-range efforts to develop a comprehensive, multitiered multicultural education program in the Columbus (Ohio) Public School District. The article includes discussions on the philosophical framework underlying the program, staff development, curriculum changes, program planning and evaluation, course descriptions, and program…

Describes an Italian project designed to prepare elementary teachers to teach science by helping them understand basic physics concepts and realize the importance of considering students' conceptions in the teaching process. A practicum-based strategy, requiring that teachers carry out experimental activities designed for students is recommended.…

Study examined the effects of staff development specialists, study group teams, and peer coaching teams on implementation of classroom cooperative learning. Staff development was the most significant influence. The article recommends careful selection of peer coaching partners, adequate time for study group meetings, and set agendas for study…

This article describes a professional development six-part model based on a holistic approach which assumes that educators' professional behavior is not influenced by a single factor in their professional environment, but by the totality of their educational and professional experience. (IAH)

Principals can help at-risk students in the middle school by identifying them early; scheduling them with counselors and teachers who can meet their needs; keeping in close contact with teachers about student grades; and offering opportunities for academic success. Finally, the entire staff must support the philosophy that failure is not an…

To support educational reforms, new assessments must stress the performance of complex, holistic tasks, not snippets of performance in segments, elements, or chunks of complex tasks. Sidebars present helpful guidelines for developing staff and creating an assessment. Assessments can assume numerous shapes, including budgeting activities,…