A study was done to: (1) classify competencies needed by training and development specialists in the field of professional education; (2) identify the competencies most important to a postsecondary education program; and (3) identify the backgrounds and personnel characteristics of training specialists. Recommendations were made for a broad-based…

A procedure for evaluating concerns of drug users was applied with drug users entering an outpatient treatment program. Abusers had major concerns about areas which might not be predicted on the basis of their actual situation. The utility of such information for treatment and program planning is discussed. (Author)

Using as a case study an attempted change in student evaluation and reporting procedures in a junior high school, this paper proposes an analytic framework that identifies specific organizational features which impede the innovation process. (SJL)

This paper is designed to help our understanding of the incidence and distribution of special education programs throughout the world. There are huge differences among countries. In one country, one of every 5,000 elementary and secondary pupils receives special education; in the United States, it is one in 20. (KC)

This paper examines implementation of two innovations in first-year science: mixed-ability grouping and guided-discovery methods. Interviews with 24 teachers indicated that they interpreted and implemented the innovations so that their conventional teaching methods were minimally changed. The paper concludes with recommendations for effective…

Report-writing and consultation competencies of new students were compared with graduate students in order to evaluate a school psychology competency-based training model. Results confirmed success of the training program, although no difference was found between the two groups. (RC)

Describes a part-time instructor needs assessment survey devised during the 1978 spring term at Richland College in the Dallas County (Texas) Community College District. The survey provided a way for part-time faculty to share in the planning of relevant staff development programs to help them function more effectively. (MF)

A survey of 59 faculty at two very different colleges investigated assumptions and influences on them as they worked with colleagues in planning program curriculum. While some common factors influenced course and program planning, program planning was irregular or infrequent compared to course planning, typically responded to a specific catalyst,…

Three mildly retarded 11 year olds were administered reading probes for a period of 4 months, and number of words read correctly were compared to student performance on a criterion-referenced mastery test. Findings questioned whether such probes alone yield sufficient information for making program decisions during the course of instruction.…

Described is a South African program in which gifted boys, aged 12-14, were combined into a single class. The program included accelerated learning; formal examinations only in English, Afrikaans, and mathematics; and development of social relationships. Questionnaires completed by 30 students, parents, and siblings identified the program's…

A study found that a slight majority of Illinois agricultural production teachers requires all vocational agriculture students to have supervised occupational experience (SOE) educational programs. Teachers who place higher expectations on their students for SOE participation are more systematic and extensive in their planning and supervision…

A survey of campus publications directors and designers in a variety of institutions concerning the transition to computerized publication design revealed some common problems regarding staff relations, training needs and considerations, retention of some traditional methods, and cost effectiveness. Suggestions for minimizing them are made. (MSE)

In an exploration of the challenges of creating a collaborative approach to parent involvement, the beliefs of 19 African American adolescent mothers about learning and literacy were determined through peer group discussions. Data revealed a continuum of perspectives and a great deal of intergroup variability, as well as some shared goals. (SLD)

Analysis of focus group discussions, involving 21 family members (having young children with disabilities) and 19 professionals, identified issues associated with families' use of time in the area of needed supports and time as a constraint. Implications are discussed in relation to developing early intervention programs. (DB)

Includes two reports: a report of the results of a survey of state library association executive officers that examined the practices and priorities given reference activities at state conferences; and an annotated bibliography of 100 books, articles, and dissertations published between 1980 and 1990 that discuss librarianship in Ghana. (12…