This article discusses recent experiences with successful special education mediations. It examines several mediation cases, focusing on common elements that may have contributed to successful resolution, including the skills of the mediator, training for mediation, development of an educational plan, the assistance of well-trained advocates, and…

Discusses Parent-to-Parent support programs for parents of children with special needs, focusing on the matched experience of two parents, results of a national survey of Parent-to-Parent programs, guidelines for starting a Parent-to-Parent program, and resources for those interested in Parent-to-Parent support programs. (Author/DB)

Describes the implementation in the Fall River (Massachusetts) Diocese of "AIDS and the Arts," an elementary school intervention program designed to increase students' decision-making capacity, broaden their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and teach responsible social behaviors. (YKH)

Discusses the application of Vygotskian principles in a teacher developmental education program, particularly the idea of teacher self-identification in culture. Defines the international perspectives in the development of the cultural historical concept. (MMU)

A powerful vision can help a school focus its values and reach beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary. No matter how well-formulated a vision can fail if inappropriate or when poorly communicated or implemented. A Northeastern Regional Lab document entitled "The Walk" can prompt school community members' reflective thinking in the…

Tells what has happened the last two years at the University of Louisville's English department. Presents a brief explanation of why the University of Louisville's English department decided to redefine their mission--moving all professorial faculty into first-year composition. Offers some general comments about what the author has learned as a…

Discusses a Canadian public library's outreach program, whose objective was to connect with those families who were unable to access the library. Highlights include: the value of partnerships; funding and sponsorships; the visiting library for children; recruitment and training of volunteers; gift books for children; story boxes; community book…

Presents three specific curriculum recommendations that have been implemented at one counseling psychology program to increase the didactic and experiential scientific core. Recommendations include requiring an ongoing research practicum, a qualitative methodology course, and an advanced integrative research design course specific to the…

Professional counselors must assume the responsibility for the continued expansion and growth of the counseling profession. Article provides counselors with practical strategies to strengthen their public image and promote more positions and programming, particularly, at the elementary level. Background information is included on public relations,…

Explores and describes the relationships among elementary school counselors and their principals in programs that were deemed exemplary and beneficial for school communities. Findings indicate that a description of the role of the counselor, development of mutual trust and communication, and maintenance of support are components in building…

Western Washington University's Center for Vocational Educator Preparation identified a prioritized list of technology teacher competencies validated by practitioners and an expert panel. Instructional strategies, resources, and assessment methods for teacher education were developed based on the competencies. (SK)

Propositions about what works in program evaluation are presented: (1) evaluators should be involved from the beginning; (2) evaluation should be based on explicit programmatic theory; (3) quasi-experimental designs must have high internal validity; and (4) evaluators must combat the deterioration of experimental control that occurs in…

Describes the development of a journalism telecourse that, rather than present videotaped lectures, uses footage from interviews with practicing reporters and television news anchors to illustrate themes and processes in the field. Discusses issues related to the designing of the program, obtaining interviews with eminent journalists, and…

Explains how faculty at Quinnipiac College reconceptualized developmental English and designed a new program that provides additional instructional time within the regular freshman English course. Finds that developmental students are better motivated and achieve growth in reading and writing commensurate with students who had a prior semester of…

A new paradigm of education, talent development, may be the successor to gifted education. The talent development perspective involves extension and redefinition of the nature of giftedness or talents, identification, and programming. Emphasis is on identifying and nurturing talents in all students, rather than selecting and serving the "gifted…