Discusses the use of volunteers in school libraries. Topics include possible functions of volunteers, including the area of technology; interviewing potential volunteers; training needs and suggestions; effective supervision; and recognition of good work. (LRW)

This study demonstrated the increase of social interaction skills in four preschool children with autism as a result of a daily 10-minute intervention emphasizing naturalistic teaching tactics designed to stimulate children's play and interaction with others. Two of the four children continued to display high levels of interaction during the…

A pilot study evaluated the viability of trained co-workers (n=12) providing direct job training and support to 10 individuals with mental retardation. Employment outcomes for consumers with co-worker support were as good as for those with job coach support. Consumers also experienced high levels of involvement with co-workers. (Contains…

Examines the history of peer coaching, describes changes in coaching practice, and makes recommendations for its future. Consultants have found that all teachers must agree to be members of peer coaching study teams, verbal feedback must be omitted, "coaching" must be clearly defined, and collaborative teamwork increases teacher learning in…

This response to Torgesen et al. (EC 608 625) considers educational implications of their longitudinal study on phonological processing and beginning reading. It addresses the stability of phonological processing abilities, training in phoneme awareness, and variables that influence training effectiveness. (DB)

Discusses ways to keep established teaching assistant (TA) training programs vital using a case study of the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. Identifies seven key elements in the maturation and subsequent revitalization of the TA training program, including leadership, teaching attitude, financial resources, modest…

Two functional communication training (FCT) conditions were compared to treat behavior problems of a child with mental retardation. The child was taught to emit a single FCT response to obtain one of six items or multiple FCT responses that specified the exact item. Only the FCT-multiple conditions reduced problem behavior. (Contains four…

The effectiveness of video-based staff training with manager-led exercises in improving the performance of six staffers in residential support for persons with disabilities was examined. The training procedures improved performance in hand-washing, glove usage, and frequency of positive interaction, but not in the frequency of valued activities.…

Describes a project that converted a stand-up training class to an interactive Web site posted on an Intranet for access by all employees. Topics include the wide range of possible users with different locations and time schedules, cognitive flexibility theory and flexible learning environments, and use as an electronic-performance support system.…

Describes confluent presentation strategy (CPS) (i.e., a philosophy for developing student-centered, user/computer interfaces) and discusses its use to minimize student disorientation when using interactive computer-based training programs. Instructional design for computer interfaces and navigation are discussed, and an example of a CD-ROM that…

Discusses problems that users with disabilities, particularly visual impairments, have with Web-based classes. Discusses efforts by the Texas Commission for the Blind to offer Web-based training to visually impaired staff members; and explains how to test a Web site for accessibility and how to make a Web site more accessible and effective. (LRW)

Considers the learning process and suggests that learners need to be more in control. Topics include learning that takes place without leaders; the influence of past experiences; learning from context as well as from content; engaged learning and the importance of interaction; instructional objectives; and the effect of values. (LRW)

Describes how electronic learning was used to train employees from three companies that merged into one. Discusses the use of online and CD-ROM courses to train salespeople; just-in-time training; employee attitudes toward technology-based training; and rising profits that have resulted from training success. (LRW)

This article addresses ways that regular and special education teachers can provide training for paraeducators and delineates the roles and responsibilities appropriate for paraeducators. Training suggestions cover the interview, orientation, sharing information, meetings, and team skills. Paraeducator responsibilities require teaching students…

There has been little research on the effectiveness of different training strategies or the impact of exposure to treatment manuals alone on clinicians' ability to effectively implement empirically supported therapies. Seventy-eight community-based clinicians were assigned to 1 of 3 training conditions: review of a cognitive-behavioral therapy…