Describes transdisciplinary (TD) team model as holistic approach for identifying and educating young migrant students with special needs. Describes differences between TD and multidisciplinary team models. Describes half-day TD assessment of child. Assesses TD approach regarding student needs, staff training, ongoing staff development, and child…

Statewide career ladder programs may be unable to match local needs. Alternative models, like the Professional Incentive Plan described in this article, should be provided for local school districts. A study of 170 Texas teachers suggests Texas' career ladder program goals (teacher motivation, career advancement) are not being realized. (IAH)

Through a questionnaire survey of 267 school districts, the actual practices of United States school districts identified as having outstanding staff development programs were compared with those of randomly-selected school districts. Discrepancies and similarities are discussed, along with support needs for instructional improvement. (SLD)

Describes Provo (Utah) School District's efforts to establish instructional leadership roles for its principals. To achieve instructional improvement goals, Provo principals are expected to provide leadership in four fundamental areas: staff development, curriculum review, clinical supervision, and evaluation and assessment. Includes four…

True educational reform is the creation of a renewed identity at the school and classroom level when teachers and students interact in new, more productive ways. This article describes California's educational reform movement, presents evidence of successful change, and identifies where continued work needs to be done. (TE)

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)

The article examines four basic elements of staff development needed to manage the changes in educational systems today and in the future: multidimensional professional development for all staff, decentralized performance-based systems, understanding and implementing the change process, and the changing role of the staff developer. (SM)

This article profiles Bena Kallick, a renowned consultant on thinking, assessment, and school restructuring. The constant thread throughout Kallick's staff development career has been her focus on helping educators and parents examine what they want for their schools, how to achieve their vision, and what their children are learning. (SM)

Presents the edited transcript of a discussion among 10 library school deans and the American Library Association's accreditation officer that was held to address issues concerning library education, including the role that library schools should play in educating library support staff, curriculum changes, and differences in library school…

To maximize comprehensive school health education, professional preparation would include a focusing component that integrates elements of the comprehensive school health model and develops the leadership and management capabilities of potential school health leaders. The article describes how to integrate the comprehensive school health model and…

Two key principles in recognizing, empowering, and tapping the potential of "behind-the-scenes" college and university employees are discussed: finding leaders among them and linking the role of backstage employees to the core mission of the institution. A third and essential ingredient is administrative consistency in applying these principles.…

Discusses concerns about the current state of elementary school reading programs. Suggests specific ways these programs may be improved for the benefit of children and society. Discusses priority of reading in the schools, beginning reading programs, remedial reading programs, staff development programs, and the incidence and quality of…

Results are reported for an evaluative study of a multidistrict innovation in Pennsylvania that instituted a teacher peer-coaching program across multiple school districts. The program, which promotes peer-coaching teams through workshops, flourished in schools where there was good staff development and high administrative support. (SLD)

Discusses ways to achieve peak performance in academic libraries by emphasizing staff development. Highlights include self-assessment; conflict of commitment; self-absorption; institutional loyalty; focusing on the future; and understanding the library's strategic plan, mission statement, and policies. (AEF)

Provides an overview of a district-wide computer network created by the Mankato (Minnesota) public school district that allows all its staff and students full Internet access. Includes the goals, scope, and history of the project; provides a technical overview and cost analysis; and projects future directions. (Author/LRW)