A telephone survey of 200 farm operators regarding adoption of innovations found 52% were early adopters or early majority adopters and 48% were late majority adopters or laggard. Importance of scientific research, learning about new concepts, and use of sources other than extension were factors distinguishing the categories. (SK)

A concept mapping process conducted with Illinois tech prep practitioners generated cluster themes in four areas: goals, process, clientele, and partnerships/teamwork. The most important clusters of statements included outcomes, business-industry linkages, and articulation. The resulting concept framework will facilitate tech prep program planning…

Large numbers of part-time adult educators necessitate staff development. Effective staff development should determine needs, define audience, identify clear objectives, match content with needs, and involve participants actively. (SK)

One process for developing a training program on a limited budget involves the creation of job competency profiles using a modified DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) technique, the identification and development of job aids, and the use of the profiles and job aids to deliver training. (JOW)

Describes a marketing plan to increase enrollment in summer camps. Includes analyzing enrollment statistics, implementing marketing strategies that focus on retaining current campers, establishing a ranking system to concentrate efforts on inquiries most likely to enroll, and analyzing the effectiveness of marketing strategies. (LP)

To bring more young adults into the Thurmont Branch of the Frederick County (Maryland) Public Library, a children's librarian and the Young Adult Advisory Committee created Teen Poetry Night, at which teens were invited to read their own poetry or the work of a favorite poet. Program planning and implementation are described. (PEN)

Describes an aviation/aerospace teacher-education workshop that allows elementary school teachers to become familiar with aviation fundamentals and issues and with ways to incorporate aviation topics into their curricula. (JOW)

Describes an under-recognized target population for adolescent pregnancy prevention: the younger sisters of childbearing teens. Data from several studies highlight several potential prepregnancy-risk characteristics that are particularly present in this group. These young women have disproportionately higher rates of early pregnancy and…

Describes experiences during the field-testing and development of the Mathematics in Context (MiC) project from the developer and classroom teacher points of view. (ASK)

Critiques recent educational-management policy reports. Considers whether the current thinking about educational management at the legislative level accurately assesses the legacy of apartheid, and offers a viable alternative framework for reconceptualizing educational-management development in South Africa. Contains 10 references. (MMU)

The Department of Education recommends that schools allocate at least 30% of technology funding to professional development. Programs generally begin with strategic planning and a realistic budget, are designed to improve student achievement, emphasize people over technology, and have widespread stakeholder support. Core components are discussed.…

Discusses various paradigms and treatment strategies in working with troubled youth. Proposes a shift from traditional approaches that stress deficits and pathology toward strength-based interventions that focus on positive development. Describes a range of specific innovations in program development that result when research on resilience becomes…

Reviews current literature on mentor-program development and provides guidelines based on an Arkansas early-childhood-educator mentor program. Highlights areas of concern, including mentoring definition; effect of mentoring on mentor; communication and listening skills; characteristics and attitude of effective mentors; aiding mentors to insulate…

Explores the implementation and development of an emergency street-kid shelter in Montreal. Concludes that, by merging locality development with a commitment to social action, the program has fostered an empowered community. (Author/JOW)

Describes the use of video simulation for teachers' self-assessment of their training needs in five teaching skill areas. Explains the diagnostic/prescriptive training model for teacher professional development; simulation-based assessment, including feedback reports; and developing a teacher professional development program. (LRW)