Describes an assessment process in a public child welfare agency that included workers as a primary source of knowledge about their own needs. Argues that the use of focus groups (a marketing research technique) encourages high levels of direct input and helps engage workers in subsequent phases of the training process. (MM)

Explores how schools and community agencies collaborate to meet needs of at-risk youth, focusing on four youth services teams located in two rural Oregon counties. Challenges included loose structure, lack of defined objectives, lack of common understanding of related roles and responsibilities, school leadership burden, time management, need for…

An effective leadership model places the target clientele--undereducated adults--at the top of a pyramid of influence. The leader's role is to convince others of the importance of the mission and assist them in achieving it. (SK)

A 1988 Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) study of the accreditation process among 480 nationally accredited institutions found that of 279 respondents, 97 percent said that quality of continuing medical education had some or great impact and 91 percent indicated that discussions with ACCME staff was important. Of least…

Asserts that therapeutic gains for children may be maximized if important systems serving their mental health needs collaborate. Contends that collaborative efforts between clinic- and school-based practitioners may increase ecologically valid treatment options. Explores both the gains and the potential pitfalls that may arise when school- and…

A teacher member of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards describes the board's mission as enriching teacher preparation and making schools better places for learning. During the second phase of the board's strategic plan, members will research and develop standards and assessment instruments for 34 certification fields and devise…

To improve its alarming dropout rate, a southwestern Texas school district instituted the PRIDE Center, an alternative high school featuring self-paced curricula and flexible timetables for beginning and completing coursework. School social workers formed an ancillary coalition of community, business, and family forces to support prevention,…

Responses from 446 of 1,283 public agency personnel directors showed that 40% had ethical dilemmas when 2-career couples were employed in the same agency. Most prohibited only supervisory relationships between spouses and offered employment assistance. Reform of the merit system may be needed to stay competitive in the face of this demographic…

A number of bodies have produced guidelines concerning financial support from commercial companies for continuing medical education. Basic principles include independence of the continuing education provider, balanced content, no unusual benefits, and disclosure of potential for bias. (SK)

Reviews the history of the American Home Economics Association's accreditation program for undergraduate education. Reports results of a survey of 73 home economics administrators, 42 personnel directors who employ home economics graduates, and 32 accreditors, who feel accreditation indicates quality of programs and graduates. (SK)

Examines the actions Oregon is taking to prepare its work force for the twenty-first century. Focuses on the choices about work organization and training that must be confronted and explores potential challenges that must be faced. (JOW)

Critiques Annual Staff Reports, personnel evaluations in the British Civil Service. Considers the implications of management by objectives and staff evaluation practices in the National Health Service and universities for Civil Service evaluations. (SK)

The transition of Estonia from totalitarian to democratic society poses challenges for adult education. Changes already taking place include voluntary training, use of private sector schools, opportunities for study abroad, reestablishment of folk high schools, and formation of the Adult Education Association of Estonia. (SK)

Maintains that investigations of abuse of children in group care settings rely heavily on ex post facto interviewing of children and staff. Describes the role of the child advocate, or ombudsmen, in guaranteeing children's rights in the treatment center. Discusses indices of plausibility as the basis for reliable inferences in the absence of…

The practices of the Overlap Group, a group of colleges that pools information to arrive at common financial-aid packages for applicants, are examined and a Justice Department inquiry is discussed. An antitrust analysis and some possible conclusions by the Justice Department or reviewing court are offered. (MSE)