The most essential set of skills that camp directors can impart to staff are effective group skills. One trick to working with campers in groups is to formalize brief meetings as part of the program. Types of meetings described are daily group, bunk, or cabin meetings; briefing and debriefing before and after activities; public appreciation;…

Shares the results of a yearlong project of staff development where teachers kept a personal inquiry journal and participated in group activities. Finds the teachers grew together as a cohesive staff in learning to appreciate the inquiry process, to value the interests of their colleagues, to develop meaningful curriculum, and to enjoy the beauty…

As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) releases its "Guidance for School Responses to Influenza During the 2009-2010 School Year," the U.S. Department of Education reminds states, districts, schools, students, staff, families, and communities about the importance of ensuring the continuity of learning in the event of student or school…

Intended for mentor teachers who assist beginning teachers, this handbook includes a description of the mentoring process, including its definition, purpose, and application to professional development in education. Characteristics of good mentors, their relationships with their proteges, and typical activities associated with mentoring are…

Intended to be used as part of the existing school bus driver training program in New York State, the guide sets forth responsibilities and suggestions for transporting students with handicapping conditions. School district and BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) responsibilities for transportation are outlined. General guidelines…

A dozen suggestions to improve school district inservice programs are made. (1) Bring a university program to the district; the teachers and administrators who participate will pay for it and earn college credits on their own time. (2) Be sure to provide some time for people to meet by grade level or subject area. (3) Use teachers as presenters…

This paper presents three objectives designed to increase teachers' knowledge about Cuba, its political refugees, and Cuban Americans. For each objective, specific activities and materials are listed. Suggestions for using these materials in the classroom are made. (EB)

The paper is designed to help managers of mainstreamed programs set up intensive staff training courses on mainstreaming. A brief analytic survey of the literature is followed by a discussion of practical applications of mainstreaming (including philosophy, curriculum, support services, and evaluation). The remainder of the paper reviews…

Discusses the need to include teachers in the development of educational reform. (MD)

Advocates restoring vision of early outdoor education leaders for the welfare of children and the strengthening of society through enlightened policy of recruitment, sensitive appraisal of camp activities, and realistic staff training programs. Details purposes and activities to include in 15-25 hour staff field training model. (NEC)

The principal of an Indiana high school relates how he involved staff in the development of a writing program (Project Write) through the use of "skills models." Includes references. (MD)

The Comprehensive Instructional Management System (CIMS) is a partnership between the state of New York and local school districts. Regional teams integrate curriculum, assessment, instructional support, and staff development for local schools by focusing on student outcomes. (MD)

The article describes a model of paraprofessional placement in special education. The process involves four steps: (1) assessing needs and skills; (2) comparing role expectations; (3) resolving differences in perceptions of teacher and paraprofessional; and (4) writing individualized job descriptions. A list of resource materials for training…

Outlines the characteristics and components of clinical supervision and presents 10 suggestions for implementing the process. (MD)

Communication assistants can fulfill an important role in assessment of language and hearing problems as well as in direct therapy. Four model preservice training programs are summarized and results of efficacy studies noted. (CL)