The paper surveys the planning necessary for effective inservice education for early childhood special education staff. A definition is offered, followed by an outline of general assumptions and guidelines. Next, a planning approach consisting of four interrelated phases is described: support and start-up, initial planning, program design, and…

An effective inservice program in special education identifies objectives, selects qualified staff, uses effective content delivery, uses the appropriate level of intensity, and evaluates inservice effectiveness. An example of an intensive inservice program that documented student progress illustrates the benefits of implementing a well-planned…

Innovation insurance involves planning in order to avoid pitfalls. When adopting microcomputers, this means answering 10 preliminary questions, appointing a coordinator of computer services, and arranging inservice teacher training. (Author/JM)

The authors define a needs assessment, consider issues involved in conducting a problem-focused needs assessment, and outline practical considerations in conducting needs assessment for inservice training in regular education. (CL)

The article discusses the application of business and industry-derived training techniques, strategies, and ideas to the in-service training of special education and regular teachers. Three scenarios are presented to illustrate serious deficiencies in providing training at the local, regional, and state levels. (DLS)

In this digest the functions of an administrator in gifted and talented education are explored. Administrators are seen to have responsibilities in awareness of the students, in community, and the curriculum. Among specific tasks outlined for administrators are developing plans for continuing identification of gifted students, ensuring that…

The nature of strategy instruction combined with prevailing teaching models necessitated that the University of Kansas Institute for Research in Learning Disabilities create a new inservice teacher education format, based on such "best practices" as having ongoing training, requiring active and continued participation by key…

This manual incorporates the Clinical Teacher Education Guidelines which grew out of a program of research studies conducted by the Research in Teacher Education (RITE) program from 1980 through 1985. Three major studies covering preservice, induction, and inservice contributed to a better understanding of the nature and effects of clinical…

Use of building-level teacher assistance teams (TATs) to provide suggested alternative instructional strategies and support services to regular teachers with problem learners prior to referral to special education is discussed in terms of relationship to special education, purposes, organization and operation, staff training, attitudinal issues,…

Proposes the use of an adaptive inservice model, which describes the mechanisms by which educational change and professional growth occur. Argues that to implement effective inservice programs based on the adaptive model, the program must be systematic, long-term, and guided by a common set of goals and expectations. (FL)

Chapters in this guide provide practical guidance and useful information and resources relating to important aspects of faculty development, from setting up a faculty development program to assessing teaching practices. The chapters are: (1) "Faculty, Instructional, and Organizational Development: Options and Choices" (Robert M. Diamond); (2) "Ten…

Staff development programs and activities are common methods of stimulating change in the behavior of educators. These programs may be designed for a number of purposes, including (1) problem-solving within the local school or district; (2) remediation to develop work-related skills; (3) motivation to change and improve staff; and (4) development…

A seven-step procedure designed to direct and encourage inservice staff development presentations by special services personnel is described. Steps include needs assessment, analysis of logistics, development of objectives, arrangement for incentives, preparation of content/format materials, presentation, and evaluation. (Author/DB)

Outlines criteria for system of professional teacher development/retraining: provides for system/individual needs; includes retraining and ongoing development; is cooperative, integrated, accessible; uses principles of adult education; incorporates teacher involvement; and addresses real classroom needs. Considers obstacles of money, skills,…

This publication provides a step-by-step guide to help schools and districts implement strong, sustainable professional development that drives achievement of student learning goals. The toolkit is based on the experiences of national professional development award winning schools and districts. The most common thread among the winners is that…