With a continuous shortage of qualified agricultural science teachers (Foster, Lawver, Smith, 2014; Kantrovich, 2010), it is imperative teacher preparation programs identify and utilize effective cooperating teachers, as well as develop training for in-service teachers that will assist in preparing more effective cooperating teachers. The purpose…

A task force was created in a small, AACSB-accredited business school to develop a more comprehensive set of standards for faculty performance. The task force relied heavily on faculty input to identify and describe key dimensions that capture effective teaching and service performance. The result is a multi-dimensional framework that will be used…

Focus on social and emotional intelligence competencies to improve effective leadership has become commonplace in the corporate arena and is now considered by many a prerequisite to successful job performance and outcomes (Antonakis, Ashkanasy, & Dasborough, 2009; Grant, Curtayne, & Burton, 2009; Spence & Grant, 2007; Kampa-Kokesch…

Operational characteristics for successful mentoring programs of new university faculty include clarity of purpose of the program, methods for matching mentors and proteges, mentor training, mentor-protege relationship building, and program effectiveness assessment. Strengths of formal, informal, peer, group or consortia, intra-departmental,…

The authors demonstrate the comprehensiveness of a performance management system and why it isn't just performance appraisal anymore. They discuss choosing performance appraisal measures and standards, communicating performance expectations, planning for performance, monitoring and controlling performance, appraising performance, providing…

Defines literacy as an equilibrium between the achievement of the person and the demands of the context in which the person is situated. Suggests that understanding this equilibrium is the first step in developing realistic educational programs. (AEA)

A form of occupational analysis called DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) and its advantages in course development and performance assessment are discussed and specific suggestions on conducting a DACUM session are provided. (CT)

An effective administrator evaluation system builds in feedback opportunities, two-way communication, opportunities for improvement, enforcement of strengths, and a clear understanding of the system. The system must be valid, reliable, meaningful, useful, and feasible. Procedural answers to the why-what-when-where-what-who questions are discussed…

Skillful instructors in combination with well-designed and appropriate training programs are critical links in improving employee performance and increasing organizational productivity. Training directors use a variety of strategies to prepare competent, confident, and resourceful instructors. The author presents the essential factors to be…

This article explores some of the major issues in developing and implementing a competency-based human resource development strategy. The article summarizes a brief literature review on how competency models can be developed and implemented to improve employee performance. A case study is presented of American Medical Systems (AMS), a mid-sized…

A student work program at Adrian College in their Office of Publications and Information is described. Suggestions for generating quality performance from student staff include: seek talent, cover the basics, generate espirit de corps, provide a work space, establish a communication system, and be dependable and consistent. (MLW)

Avoid the one-shot approach to evaluating administrators by designing a continuous system that focuses on improved performance. The four parts of this school district's evaluation system--philosophy, procedures, instruments, and training--are described, and a sidebar lists the specific job duties used in evaluating administrative performance. (DCS)

A number of school districts have set up employee assistance programs (EAP) that offer help for employees having personal or family problems that affect their job performance. Guidelines for establishing an EAP are offered. (MLF)

There are a number of problems posed by employee evaluation, and professional development often suffers from similar issues. Suppose employee evaluation and professional development were intertwined in a collaborative and evolving relationship, and both components were brought to bear on linking individual and company goals. The answer is the…

Eight steps of the skill training process and 10 rules of learning psychology are discussed as techniques for increasing training effectiveness. The eight steps are: include preevaluate, plan, prepare, present, perform, practice, evaluate performance, and follow up. The 10 rules concern motivation, use of the senses, receptivity, association,…