For staff development training to be most effective, planners must determine the nature of the staff development objective (imparting knowledge, changing attitudes, or developing skills) and use the appropriate type of training activity (presentations, demonstrations, discussions, case studies, role plays, or readings) to accomplish that…

This study evaluated the sign language skills of 17 adults with mental retardation living in community settings and their habilitation instructors. Results showed staff's sign language competence was only slightly better than that of the residents and was used minimally in interactions with the residents. (Author/DB)

This article examines critical staff development issues that must be addressed if cooperative learning is to produce quality implementation across classrooms. Staff development programs should consider teacher ownership and governance, teachers' levels of concern regarding education innovation, formats for training, relevance of ecological impact,…

Discusses the use of computers in educational programs for school-age children in out-of-school settings. Principles for organizing educational activities in which computers are used as tools are discussed; examples of community-based programs are described; and suggestions for funding and staff development are offered. (eight references) (LRW)

Describes a three-unit inservice training course on cognitive styles developed by a Pennsylvania school district and approved by the state's education department. Course learnings may be applied to lesson planning, journal-writing observations, peer-coaching experiences, student-teacher learning style differences, analysis of teaching/counseling…

Suggests that educators must broaden their field of vision and learn to see professional development as a means of cultivating and harvesting the rich knowledge already present in schools. Discusses David Perkins'"Pocket Model of Intelligence"; dialog; writing for publication; group writing; and technology. (RS)

Describes and compares the foci, methods, and outcomes of experiential-education and organizational-development models. Explores the synthesis of the two models in developing corporate adventure programs and services. Lists the contributions that each approach offers to corporate programs. (KS)

Metaphoric learning in corporate training should be "isomorphic" (paralleled experiences bearing strong resemblances to one another) for change to occur. In addition, the outcomes of the newly created metaphor must be different from the preexisting condition if change is to occur. (KS)

Analyzes dynamics of an online discussion group of graduate students who teach introductory composition and literature classes at the University of California at Irvine: advantages of a listserv over a distributed mailing list; benefits of a local listserv over a national listserv; resistance to a listserv; and various "nuts and bolts"…

After 2 decades of effort and investment, new technologies remain tangential in most American classrooms. To integrate technology, schools must clarify learning goals, identify classroom opportunities, provide funding and equipment, stress robust staff development, combine rich information with powerful tools, match rigorous program assessment to…

Presents a rating scale for evaluating programs that are working to include students with high-incidence disabilities. The scale evaluates 12 general components with 47 items. Its use in over 50 schools in Florida to aid in program development, program monitoring, program evaluation, staff development, and parent education is described. (DB)

Competence models have evolved into a link between organizational strategy and organizational and individual performance. Training professionals use them to synthesize individual capabilities and organizational core competencies. Educators and policymakers use them to link workplace requirements to educational programs and curricula. (SK)

Discusses ways to help prevent crime and violence in schools by predicting risk, and training and planning for security. Highlights signs of potential violence in students. Highlights ways of guarding against bomb threats, use of preventive technology, sources for security information, and community characteristics where prevention, intervention,…

Summarizes a study applying a focus interviewing technique to assist stakeholders with evaluating a 3-day staff-development training with monthly follow up sessions. Contrasts use of surveys and focus-group interviews as assessment tools. New information gained from focus groups helped the principal identify weaknesses in the staff-development…

In this age of accountability, evaluation must become an integral part of staff development. This paper describes what evaluation is; the three types of evaluation (planning, formative, and summative); and the five critical stages of staff development evaluation. It presents 12 guidelines for improving the quality of professional-development…