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…

It is important to dispel myths that pervade current professional-development planning and establish and follow specific guidelines for effectively using additional professional-development time. The paper dispels three major myths that diminish the effectiveness of professional-development planning and offers four guidelines for ensuring wise use…

Presents a professional-development template to help increase teachers' growth, satisfaction, and motivation. Programs should offer small, significant doses of user-friendly, high- challenge, low-threat, and hands-on activities that encourage teachers to construct their own knowledge, reflect on their practices, and try new approaches. (MLH)

Lawrence (Kansas) Public Schools has discovered that four components--clear expectations, focus on results, effective support systems, and good modeling--have substantially helped staff keep pace with constant societal and educational changes. The program's success may be attributed to six components: a professional development council,…