A nationwide survey of teachers and administrators showed how central administration can facilitate school-based improvement. Results revealed eight practices that respondents believed helped facilitate the implementation of school-based improvement. Practices related to goals and planning, policy and procedures, staff development, recognition and…

Focuses on the application of the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) in three studies at the Department of Information and Communications, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. Examines staff-development needs as a key element in change in higher education; decision-making practices in small- to medium-size libraries; and development…

Recent research describes the two components of a collaboration ethic model--person-centered attributes and organizational-level elements. Camps can implement these components within camp; among friends of the camp (alumni, community, and parents); and between camps, resulting in strengthened communities, learning, and increased effectiveness. (TD)

A study investigated 57 Swedish day centers for individuals with mental retardation found that half of the staff had not received information on assistive devices and that inservice training was primarily with communication devices, mobility aids, and lifting devices. Knowledge of time control devices was limited. (CR)

Discusses library personnel role-blurring driven by budget cuts, technology, and promotion requirements for professional staff. Notes that hard feelings must be overcome, the need for compensation must be acknowledged, and job descriptions rewritten. Concludes with a discussion on the importance of staff development. (AEF)

School and union officials in California's Lompoc Unified School District turned what was an adversarial and distrustful process into highly collaborative one. The Lompoc experience suggests certain elements are crucial in transforming labor relations: (1) critical number of visionary key players; (2) sense of trust throughout the organization;…

Describes a study done at Midlands Community College in South Carolina to assess gender and race bias in staff promotion. Concludes that, although a cursory analysis shows bias in favor of white males, when the effects of time employed and grade are removed, there cease to be significant race and gender differences. Contains four data tables. (JDI)

Describes the ideal environment in school libraries for retaining professionals who combine the best tasks and skills from library science and technology. Institutions should have: a desire for change; ample support staff; staff development opportunities; high priority on people skills; and high expectations of staff and leaders. (AEF)

Anecdotes of adventure activities with children and staff at two Russian camps demonstrate that Russian people, historically dependent on strong leaders, are fascinated by experiential education because the core concepts of shared leadership and cooperation disrupt old models, ask them to look anew at their capabilities, and create a sense of…

Using ethnographic techniques, this article explores the complex interaction of control and caring in two alternative education programs for students resisting traditional schooling in Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools, a predominantly low-income, African-American urban school district. A community-based orientation for staff proves essential in…

Offers a descriptive account and critical analysis of three cooperative collection development projects undertaken by the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), a consortium of Virginia academic libraries. Reviews cooperative collection development processes and explains objectives that included cost effectiveness, improved access to information…

A staff training intervention, Active Support, designed to increase the participation in activities by adults with severe mental retardation living in community residences, was evaluated in 38 residences involving 303 staff members and 106 persons with mental retardation. Active Support resulted in increased engagement in activities, especially…

Presents staff development activities to enhance parental involvement in Head Start programs. Outlines specific activities, format, contexts, materials requirements, and instructions addressing the following areas: (1) staff role in empowering parents through involvement; and (2) understanding and recognizing empowered parents. (SD)

Analysis of 202 questionnaires completed by childcare center personnel found 90 percent of respondents agreed with the concept of integration of young children with special needs and 76 percent thought integration was beneficial for typically developing children. Curriculum adaptations, classroom integration, and identification of developmental…

Educational reforms fail because they are usually based on certain myths about training, advocacy, theory, knowledge dissemination, complete restructuring, paradigm shifts, and small-scale studies. These misconceptions result in wasted resources for staff development and dissemination, few professional validation standards, repeat cycles of…