A recent effort to improve supervision by principals of teachers teaching through cooperative learning techniques was conducted at Iowa State University (Ames). The 26 principals who participated in the 20-week program improved their effectiveness, self-confidence, and sense of efficacy in supervising and helping teachers. (SLD)

Reviews: "Blueprint for Action: Achieving Center-Based Change through Staff Development," by P. Jorde-Bloom, and others; and "Explorations with Young Children: A Curriculum Guide from the Bank Street College of Education," by A. Mitchell and J. David, editors. (BB)

Discusses elementary students' preconceptions in science education, describing a research group for chemistry and integrated science education at the University of Pisa, Italy. The article indicates a need for inservice teacher training, proposing a teaching model for teacher educators which addresses student preconceptions and introduction of…

Describes a computer simulation which enables principals to understand how to implement instructional leadership practices. The article recommends that staff developers view instructional leadership from the perspective of problem solving and strategic thinking. Six suggestions for leadership development are provided. (SM)

The article examines reasons for the decline in use of quality circles in higher education. A 1988 survey of eight universities and colleges using circles in 1986 found that because quality circle principles were violated, similar problems (such as inadequate training, problematic group membership, and exclusion of supervisors) were encountered at…

Questionnaire data were collected from 64 direct-care staff members in a residential facility for people with multiple disabilities. Path analyses identified factors predicting levels of perceived stress, overall job satisfaction, overall life satisfaction, and perceived likelihood of leaving the organization. Factors included staff support, job…

Four educators respond to the article in this issue which suggests that statistical data do not support a link between student achievement and staff development. The responses revisit the research used in the original article, suggesting that the link exists and discussing how future research could be improved. (SM)

Teacher evaluation needs to move to the next generation to become a process facilitating teacher growth and development in a supportive and collaborative way. The articles of this issue were prepared for a conversation on teacher evaluation held by four Florida school districts looking at the next generation of evaluation. (SLD)

"Schools and Businesses Need to Work together to Close the 'Job Skills Gap'" (Cortina) discusses Los Angeles efforts to implement recommendations of the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. "Employer-Sponsored Education Is a Win-Win Situation for Both Businesses and Employees" (Lipshutz) describes a…

Assesses literature regarding how to plan and implement information technology in the community college, as well as literature that deals with the implications of technology implementation. Suggests that community colleges consider hiring a full-time information specialist responsible for installing and maintaining software and hardware. Contains…

Reflects on issues raised at the Library of Congress Institute on "Reference Service in a Digital Age." Discusses technology-oriented changes at the Library of Congress; the changing reference service model; collaborative partnerships; staff training; and the role of the reference librarian in the digital environment. (AEF)

Discusses a workshop designed to help middle and high school counselors and teachers learn about the complexities of the college admission process. Information about variables related to success in college provided a discussion about how middle and high schools can change their counseling programs to address more psychosocial concerns. (MKA)

While the nation's six largest for-profit child care organizations followed the same path of rapid growth in the 1970s and 1980s, slower growth in the 1990s has led the chains in different directions. Two organizations plagued by heavy financial losses have greatly reduced their expansion, while others have focused on moderate growth or…

Describes the North Suburban Library System (Chicago) experience of becoming a Learning Organization which involves issues relating to management, decision making, knowledge transfer, and empowerment at all staff levels. Discusses teamwork, collaborative efforts, communication, information sharing, annual planning, and staff development and…

Focuses on effective technology training for library staff. Discusses helping staff overcome technophobia; suiting technology-based jobs with staff members' needs and capabilities; providing a policy/procedure manual to guide the training; the steps that should occur in training; aligning training with in-house library resources and services;…