This article provides a conceptual framework for considering both the theoretical and methodological factors that underpin the successful validation of a competency framework. Drawing on educational assessment literature, this article argues that a valid competency framework relates to an interpretive judgement of the credibility of the claims…

Solve serious behavior challenges in K-8 classrooms with this easy-to-use book, the first practical guide to the research-proven Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model. Developed by some of the most respected authorities on positive behavior support, this innovative model gives school-based teams a five-step plan for reducing problems unresolved by…

Describes the elements required for a well-designed questionnaire, including appearance, question writing, organization, and cover letter. A checklist for effective questionnaire design is provided, as well as seven references. (BK)

The purpose of this guide is to provide local Head Start program decision-makers with a tool that will be useful in developing needs assessments appropriate to their communities, whether urban or rural. Although the guide focused on community needs assessments for planning mainstream services for children with handicapping conditions, its…

This manual has been designed to assist in the conversion of schools to the SIMS (Student Information Management System) School System. SIMS is based on a software package modified for use in the North Carolina Public School System. The term "conversion" refers to the process of changing the current records system to a new one, thus…

This article includes school improvement variables to be considered in the evaluation of school improvement under the provisions of California's AB 65. The variables are categorized as pupil and teacher attitudes, instructional methods involving pupils and teachers, and school plant data. (Author)

School district administrators can decide whether food service components are operating cost effectively. Explains ways to determine costs of energy, personnel, and supplies and equipment. Two tables provide cost-responsibility checklists for school food services and contracted operations. (MLF)

This guide enumerates important questions to ask and issues to consider in approaching promotion and/or tenure review, whether at large universities or small colleges, public or private institutions, or unionized campuses. Suggestions are offered concerning the materials submitted, how to document the impact of one's professional work, and data…

The Quality Education Checklist focuses on key inputs, processes, and outputs of schools needed to ensure continuous improvement. Intended as a self-auditing aid for schools, the checklist may also be used as a method to define the priority of areas for improvement, as a way to gather information from customers, as a professional development…

This guide is designed to assist managers of training and development or continuing education in developing a resource file of faculty at their own institution who have the potential to perform various training and development functions. Addressed in the individual sections of the guide are the following steps involved in creating such a file:…

This handbook is designed to help teachers create a transition portfolio that will accompany the student with mild to severe disabilities to new classrooms and schools, and convey special needs, accommodations, and other vital information to a new team of teachers. It offers practical details on gathering critical information and tips on what to…

This training module presents a social skills curriculum designed to be utilized as a tool for parents and teachers to increase levels of interaction between preschool children with and without autism. The curriculum consists of five social skills that were chosen based on evidence suggesting that they tend to result in more lengthy interactions…

This manual identifies critical factors to consider when conducting a least biased assessment of children from a non-English speaking background. The first section identifies relevant linguistic issues. The second section discusses aspects of English as a Second Language including legal issues, alternative means of assessment, testing without…

This document explains the DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) process for analyzing task-based jobs to: identify where standard operating procedures are required; identify duplicated low value added tasks; develop performance standards; create job descriptions; and identify the elements that must be included in job-specific training programs. The…

This document is intended to assist South Dakota schools in the development and implementation of Gifted Education Plans, and includes state laws and rules pertaining to gifted education, guidelines for reporting, and explanations of the necessary components of a district's written plan. A brief statement of philosophy addresses characteristics of…