Describes the Strategic Interaction Approach, which is built around the use of scenarios, rather than a grammar syllabus, and requires students to work through communication problems. Discusses its usefulness for short term courses aimed toward training professionals to gain working knowledge in specific fields. (EKN)

Discusses the pros and cons of the Dartmouth Intensive Language Model (DILM) and offers some advice on introducing such a program in any language. Concludes that DILM-trained students do learn to communicate more effectively than traditionally taught beginners. (EKN)

Argues that, apart from the students themselves, clinicians and parents are the most important elements in determining the success or failure of the reading clinic. Discusses the unique strengths of each group. (FL)

Educators must think clearly about how they want students' education to improve, what computers can do to help, how that assistance can be accomplished, and whether any of this is affordable. (Author/JM)

When evaluating the effectiveness of an educational program, multiple matrix sampling is particularly effective and efficient when the goal of the evaluation is estimating group (as opposed to individual) performance. The technique is described in some detail, with its advantages and disadvantages, and examples of its application are given.…

Skillfully interviewing students can elicit useful information about the quality of the educational program. (JM)

Suggests ways to adapt five methods of evaluation to recruitment literature. Methods discussed are: (1) evaluation as measurement; (2) evaluation as the assessment of congruence between objectives and achievement; (3) evaluation as professional judgement; (4) evaluation as decision-maker; and (5) evaluation as comprehensive or goal-free…

Several in-service models are presented including a provision of services model, job maintenance model, personal development model, and three problem-solving models. (JMF)

Discusses the challenges of teacher retention and proposes that systems thinking can be used to address those challenges. Considers five strategies for retaining teachers. Suggests that the five strategies discussed can provide comprehensive programs to reduce teacher attrition and create stable teacher teams. (SG)

An experienced university fund raiser discusses the staff's role in dealing with potential donors, including developing donor awareness, knowledge, interest, involvement, and commitment; maintaining constant contact; using an effective tracking system to manage, coordinate, communicate, and stimulate major fund-raising activity; and encouraging…

Discusses seven important criteria of successful infant/toddler child care programs. Criteria include: (1) positive interpersonal relationships; (2) a sound philosophical base; (3) clear delineation of policies and procedures; (4) good staff selection, planning, and development; (5) feedback to parents; (6) a strong support base; and (7)…

Notes that one of the most critical challenges the child welfare field faces is the need to understand and respond effectively to striking changes in the multicultural nature of American society. Discusses leadership approaches to the delivery of services to a multicultural client population and outlines several guidelines for developing…

Strategies for making the best use of time at a conference or other professional development activity include suggestions for thorough pretrip planning, travel, attending sessions, getting the most from exhibits, using the conference situation to make contacts or gather information, keeping track of family and personal concerns, and preparing to…

Describes the institutional and programmatic context in which a consultant-evaluation visit was requested at Washington State University and the evaluators' recommendations and subsequent changes that have taken place. Lists five reasons for requesting an evaluation. (MG)

For a pilot program to succeed, administrators should take the following steps: state the program objectives; keep lines of communication open with school staff; broaden available resources; be clear about expected time demands; see that staff members know the availability and how to handle funds; and take time to review, assess, reflect, and…