Provides suggestions for phases and objectives for quality assurance (QA) programs in expanded school mental health programs. Suggests that important QA activities include examining staff training activities, assessment of stakeholder perceptions of services, conducting satisfaction surveys, examining therapy process, and investigating treatment…

Compares the distance education model of Western Governors University, which offers online instruction and degrees and competes with existing colleges, with that of Southern Regional Education Board's Electronic Campus, which offers students easy access to online courses offered by participating colleges. Notes that the SREB model has been more…

This paper proposes a model for computer-based assessment systems that utilizes a step-wise approach to assessment design and implementation, within which the management and assessment of operational, technical, pedagogic, and financial risks are made explicit. The cyclic model has five components: planning, risk analysis and management,…

Review of the history of clinical education at Yale Law School focuses on the influence of practitioners versus scholars. Discusses evolution from practitioner-based apprenticeship approaches, to university-based legal education, to student attempts to inject a measure of realism into theoretical studies through work in local legal aid offices, to…

Examines the benefits of dual-language (two-way) bilingual education programs. Discusses critical components in the development of such programs: defining the optimal program model, gradual phase-in of the program, importance of a balanced population of minority and majority language speakers, materials, teacher training, administrative support,…

Article examines selected school-based prevention programs that represent a dual focus of risk attenuation and competency promotion, and exemplify a shift from risk to resilience in the prevention of antisocial behavior. Identifies characteristics of improved outcomes and draws conclusions for enhancing future efforts. Stresses the urgent need for…

Describes pilot program, undertaken with staff from eight bars in Ontario, Canada, that uses a peer learning model to teach problem-solving skills regarding prevention and management of aggressive behaviors in bars. Participants showed significant positive changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding effective approaches. Program illustrated the…

Focus group and survey results were used to create a continuing education outreach program in gerontology. The model includes aging knowledge and interpersonal and organizational skills. Core areas included the structure, contexts, theories, and concepts of aging; stability and change; ethics; scholarship; and practice. (SK)

An early education program for children under 5 worked on creating an environment in which fathers feel welcome and acknowledged as influences on child learning. Publicity and programs were designed to reflect gender differences in values and motivation. (SK)

A study explored the perspectives of 12 parents of children with disabilities who attended inclusive play groups between 1987 and 1996. Factors that should be considered when planning and implementing inclusive play groups to help parents of children with disabilities feel more comfortable within the groups are discussed. (Author/CR)

A nursing school implemented a strategic schoolwide plan for technology-enhanced learning at a distance. Key features included a core group of faculty, adequate computer infrastructure and technical support, staff development, user-friendly student support, establishment of policies, and ongoing course and program evaluation. (Contains 18…

Honors Phil Smith for his outstanding contribution to the English profession. Notes that as chair of his department, Phil Smith understood the social complexity of the organization he administered, and his example is particularly instructive when it reveals the thoughtfulness with which he addressed the issue of work for all his colleagues. (SG)

Although emergency preparedness is a high priority for administrators, training staff can be challenging. A scenarios approach involves all staff members. Changing scenarios every year relieves boredom. Customizing scenarios to specific building and program characteristics makes training more realistic for participants. Sample scenarios are…

Elements of a competency-based leadership and management skills program include assessment center evaluation, personality and self-assessment measures, experiential learning, development of career plans, meetings with career coaches, and selection of courses to enhance skills to achieve career and life goals. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)

This article describes the Integrated Studies Program, an emotional support program for 16 students with emotional disturbances attending a small public high school near Philadelphia. It offers vignettes of student participants to illustrate program goals, the academic program, the sense of community, the importance of art, parents as…