A preschool program for 14 handicapped children in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, is described and evaluation findings reported. Program objectives are listed for instructional, parent-family, staff development, and demonstration and dissemination components. Among findings were that mentally retarded children showed greater than anticipated…

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…

Special education teachers and administrators from each of 17 small rural school districts (N=34) were interviewed on staff development needs. A lack of staff development activities was identified as a critical problem in such districts in New Mexico. Training in instructional technology was the most frequently mentioned inservice need. (Author/CL)

Personnel from 175 transitional programs for persons with disabilities rated academic/vocational integration and staff development as highest technical assistance needs, administrative leadership and budget as lowest. Special education coordinators rated ongoing career guidance/counseling significantly higher than did program directors. (SK)

A conference on academic library services to disabled students is summarized. Presentations which focused on the global context of library services and the information role of library personnel, the need to develop qualitative and quantitative standards dealing with technical as well as service aspects, the growing body of information resources on…

The manual describes the Focus Expanded Placement Process, an approach to implementing training programs in sheltered work centers. Trainers are offered solutions to common problems, with sections on the following topics: breaking down initial resistance to training; individualizing training; creating a learning atmosphere; making training…

The author discusses improvement in quality of special education through the use of the individualized education program (IEP) as a placement, instructional, and planning tool. Conditions necessary for using the IEP effectively are listed. Implementation of the IEP as placement, instructional, and planning tools is noted to depend on four…

A mobile interdisciplinary consultation and training team trained residential staff in behavior modification and program development. Involvement of top and middle administration as well as of direct care staff was critical to program success. Training emphasized active and direct methods, emphasized maintenance, and confronted political/social…

The authors propose a model for statewide planning and dissemination in the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development process, as mandated in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (CL)

The components of the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) in special education are reviewed. CSPD structure is seen to include four aspects directly applicable to the provision of a free appropriate public education: needs assessment, inservice training, preservice training, and dissemination and adoption. (CL)

The author describes the Massachusetts and Northeast Region manpower planning projects, discusses the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) as a dynamic process, and reviews problems in its implementation in special education. (CL)

The article outlines the process used in Oregon to initiate a Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) in special education. Factors contributing to the CSPD success include extensive involvement of a wide array of people in the process, clear responsibility outlines, and workable size of the cooperative personnel planning council. (CL)

This article identifies factors that gave rise to current educational models to prepare rehabilitation practitioners for work in community-based services in Alberta, Canada; examines recent changes in resources available and services to be delivered; and offers examples of personnel preparation models being organized for the future. (JDD)

This article suggests ways to develop effective substitute special education teacher programs. Suggestions are framed around the Standards for Staff Development created by the National Staff Development Council. Detailed recommendations on substitute training and support systems stress the need to address appropriate context, process, and content.…

The Single Skill Training (SST) Courses were developed to meet staff development needs by providing short, concentrated training modules in the areas of mainstreaming handicapped students, providing individualized instruction, and implementing a Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The program was set up to offer staff development courses to public…