Reports on a study of 208 manufacturing managers that found a positive correlation between the seven dimensions of learning organizations and four measures of business financial performance. "Invited Reaction" by Timothy T. Baldwin and Camden C. Danielson critiques the use of key respondent perceptions and bottom-line performance.…

Because of the trend toward using temporary workers and outsourcing, companies often no longer develop people. This causes a problem because managers are often not in charge of hiring, firing, and promoting staff. Knowledge based companies must pay closer attention to the health and well-being of their work force. (JOW)

Describes a staff development project based on a literature discussion format that allowed teachers a forum for discussing their perceptions of common readings relative to current practices. Presents anecdotal and statistical results revealing that the study group realized increased effectiveness for the staff. (NH)

Shares the results of a yearlong project of staff development where teachers kept a personal inquiry journal and participated in group activities. Finds the teachers grew together as a cohesive staff in learning to appreciate the inquiry process, to value the interests of their colleagues, to develop meaningful curriculum, and to enjoy the beauty…

Interviews with four nurse educators and four education administrators in Canadian hospitals identified (1) organizational demands and constraints that shape nurses' educational needs; (2) the skills needed to be developed; and (3) staff development delivery systems to respond to those needs. An organizational culture that fosters learning…

Describes a model of implementing multicultural education that uses a four-step process of awareness, knowledge, skills development, and action. Professional education is a key component of this program, which was evaluated in 1995 and 1996. Teacher responses to questionnaires showed the positive impacts of the approach. (SLD)

Responses from 127 private, 99 public, and 26 multinational corporations in India described current practices for evaluating training and development. High pressure for innovation and productivity drives training. The effectiveness of training components is the key factor measured. Participant reactions are the primary data source. Lack of…

A significant challenge to schools is selecting the staff development approach that aligns most clearly with the assumptions and beliefs of staff members and produces the results desired for students. When beliefs are in alignment, change in behavior accelerates; when beliefs underlying a new staff development program contradict long-held beliefs…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the teaching beliefs of non-formal environmental educators who work in state and local parks. Findings reveal that teaching beliefs are much more complex than purported in the literature. Three broad insights are offered: including roles and responsibilities of the non-formal environmental educator,…

Currently, considerable difference exists between learning experiences for school administrators at the pre-service and in-service stages in their careers. Individuals aspiring to formal school leadership roles participate in learning experiences that are part of university-based administrator preparation programs. Those already serving in…

The 2003 UK's government White Paper on the future of higher education (DfES 2003) included the broad statement that 'all students are entitled to be taught well, and to be given the support they need to learn effectively.' But quality teaching--in the sense of quality in the classroom or online--is not the whole story, according to the author,…

The Online Delivery Model Project was funded by the Office of Special Education Programs in follow-up to the Online Academy (Award # HO29K73002). The purpose of the project was to engage teams of educators from nine states in the development of models for implementing online staff development at the state, regional, and national levels. Five…

Over the next ten years, retirements will bring a leadership crisis in community colleges. One way to combat the impending crisis is to develop formal mentoring programs which nurture future leaders. One way to ensure the mentoring program achieves its objective is by using a framework to assess leadership strengths and weaknesses. Mentors who are…

Conventionally, apprenticeship is understood as a linear journey from novice to expert in which "old-timers" mould their successors. This paper challenges the assumptions that expertise is equated solely with status and experience in the workplace, and that all novices and experts, regardless of context, are seen as the same.

Quality career/technical education and its role in school improvement was a primary theme of the 2008 "High Schools That Work" ("HSTW") Staff Development Conference. This newsletter covers crucial topics in quality CTE (career and technical education), including assessing the quality and effectiveness of CT programs, preparing students to succeed…