Examples of qualitative investigations of traditionally hard-to-measure college and university characteristics using multiple investigators are rare, despite their potential for in-depth understanding and broad comparisons of institutional contexts. A team approach to qualitative multisite research was found useful and effective in a 9-researcher…

A discussion of the relationship between campus public relations professionals and media relations consultants looks at why consultants are used, the best ways to use a consultant, searching for an agency, establishing fees and parameters, and making the relationship succeed. (MSE)

An informal survey of 19 media relations firms whose clients include schools, colleges, and universities revealed that institutions can contribute most to the success of the consultant-client relationship by planning, establishing goals and expectations, building a team, and identifying worthwhile stories. (MSE)

A study identified eight cognitive roles played by college presidents' administrative teams and concluded that the resulting complexity, although difficult to manage, may improve executive-level leadership. Teams with multiple cognitive roles typically include a cognitively complex president, norms favoring cognitive diversity, and varied…

Describes how an (industrial) organization's control system evolved in response to a managerial change from hierarchical, bureaucratic control to concertive control via self-management teams. The organization's members developed a system of value-based normative rules that controlled their actions more powerfully and completely than did the former…

The Restructuring through Interdisciplinary Team Effort project focuses on changing the culture and structure of vocational special needs education in the Pacific Basin. Its three dimensions are cognitive core (best practices, outcome-focused design, strategic planning); team network of stakeholders; and systemic renewal (school-to-work…

A principal gained the cooperation of five teachers (representing science, history, reading, English, and remedial reading) for using diagnostic information to drive instructional practice. After administering the cognitive section of the NASSP Learning Style to students and tabulating results, the principal worked with teachers to personalize…

The Program for Organizational Interdisciplinary Self-Education teaches group self-education skills such as team development, management, and maintenance. Training includes defining and negotiating team member roles, case study approach, group simulations, and problem solving. (SK)

The use of peer review for federal research impact evaluation is described. Advanced review processes can improve the efficiency of a review, but the most important factors in a quality review are leader motivation and the competence and independence of review team members. No single method provides complete impact evaluation. (SLD)

Explains how and why the Key Concerns in Team Teaching Rating Scale was developed. Suggests how the scale can be used by others who become involved in training for team teaching. Includes the scale. (RS)

This article presents a model for efficient assessment of young children with visual impairments or multiple handicaps. The approach has team members simultaneously observe various aspects of a child's functioning to gain an understanding of the child as a whole. (Author/DB)

To produce self-reliant teaching professionals, the Ferrum College teacher education program requires portfolio presentations, extensive field experience, and "clinical cycles," a process whereby a team of peers and professors observes particular aspects of a student teacher's work. The student teacher assembles the team, sets time and…

Rather than workplace wellness and stress management programs, the most important factors affecting job stress are personal power/control of job factors, reduced work load, and work teams. (SK)

Fifteen guidelines are proposed for families and school personnel placing a child who is medically fragile or technology dependent into the school environment. Guidelines address differing priorities of parents and teachers, the role of health care professionals, the transition from home or hospital to the classroom, communication between school…

Many schools and other organizations use the quiz show format to showcase their students' academic talents. Except for national championships, most school-level competitions are held in classrooms. "It's Academic," a Washington, D.C., quiz show with 81 competing schools, allows bright kids to be on television--something athletes might…