Developed over centuries, Japan's key strengths are education, management, and training. To emulate Japanese success requires individuals with a missionary commitment to self-development, managers who value coaching and staff development, and organizations that reward managers on their ability to develop staff and maximize organizational learning.…

Suggests that the director is key to the quality of an early-childhood organization. Updates promising developments in leadership training. Notes that 12 states, two national organizations, and 17 foundations have launched credentialing initiatives for child-care-center directors. Highlights several national organizations that provide development…

Several tools exist that school districts can use to help solve current or potential problems in compensatory programs. The school district should begin by conducting (1) a study to determine the extent to which students are served by multiple compensatory programs, (2) on-site observations of the programs, and (3) a review of the curriculum and…

Presents a format for designing and running workshops to train personnel employed in positions of high customer contact, focusing on the practice of patron contact skills, i.e., communication with problem patrons. Describes opening exercises, attitude exploration, integration skills and attitudes, stress management, and evaluation. (WAS)

An alternative to cross-cultural training for companies in the global marketplace involves helping trainees develop a global mindset, work through a model of cross-cultural reconciliation, and develop relational skills. These methods transform cultural diversity into a competitive advantage. (SK)

Questions and answers about staff development examine: what it is; why it is important; what teachers did not learn in college; collaboration; funding; connections between staff development and student learning; indicators of effective staff development; and improving staff development quality. Data come from six key national reports on…

Discusses the importance of staff development as reflected in the literature and describes the role of the chief student affairs officer. Presents a systematic process for designing and implementing staff development programs and identifies some obstacles to successful efforts. (JAC)

Discusses several ingredients which represent a reasonable sense of direction for promoting effective inclusionary practices in schools: staffing, teacher-led staff development, effective classroom practices, the importance of higher-order literacy, and other considerations. (SR)

Notes that staff development programs can provide opportunity for growth and development of student affairs staff. Discusses approaches to staff development and identifies common obstacles to program development. Provides four program examples from institutions with differing approaches to illustrate current staff development practices, issues,…

Describes two projects: an employee development consortium of small and midsized enterprises in Nottinghamshire and the National Development Project, testing development strategies of further/higher education providers. The projects demonstrate the need for a wider view of workplace learning that recognizes the value of different types and styles,…

Provides excerpts from the task force report which proposes the use of individual professional development plans and calls for strengthening the bonds between elementary and secondary music educators and college faculty. (JDH)

NIE feels that it has an important role to play as contributor and participant in the process of mediating the respective needs and expertise of the various constituent groups involved in in-service teacher education research. (JMF)

Presents the enneagram as a tool to identify one's personality type, leading to increased self-understanding and the ability to communicate with others. Describes staff inservice sessions for faculty and administration to identify personality type, discuss "hot buttons and openers," and elaborate on implications for work relationships.…

Education requires continuing renewal of members to retain and increase its rigor and artistry. The article examines hallmarks that demonstrate that educators meet the criteria necessary and provide justification for ongoing professional development. Programs must focus on professional competence to guarantee students a safe, stimulating,…

Discusses growth of online staff and professional development courses and some of the issues and concerns related thereto. Also discusses several of the advantages for school districts, teachers, and administrators. (PKP)