Describes how previously trained teachers, principals, and professors work with educators at different stages of development to implement successful cooperative learning. Examines four staff development stages in cooperative learning (awareness, trial and experimentation, growth and maintenance, and renewal) and specific activities of key role…

Syracuse University models effective adult learning and professional development practices in its leadership program for K-12 educators. Its newly redesigned graduate program helps break down longstanding barriers between teacher and administrator preparation, emphasizing core functions of schools (teaching and learning). This paper examines key…

The National Writing Project and the National Geographic Society's Geography Education Program are two highly acclaimed staff development networks that are models for other organizations. Both programs feature intensive summer workshops and numerous followups during the subsequent school year. This paper describes the networks and presents six…

The Character Education Partnership, a national coalition, has developed 11 principles to help students internalize desirable societal values. Successful character-education programs require committed school leadership, a common vocabulary, staff development, integration with academics, a focus on respect for others, and service learning. Program…

Grants received by 32 programs for training personnel and conducting research in visual impairments from federal, state, and other sources were surveyed. Resulting recommendations address training grants, the 75 percent rule, and research funding. Issues considered include personnel needs, discrepancies in Department of Education annual counts of…

Describes a comprehensive human resource program, the purpose of which is to enhance the quality of Catholic education for all students. Defines the assumptions on which the formation and implementation of human resource programs for Catholic schools are based. Highlights the role and responsibilities of Catholic school system leaders. (VWC)

Computerized discipline referral data are a valuable resource in identifying at-risk students and staff development needs. Graphing referral data according to grade level, types of problem behavior, gender, or other features can facilitate decisions about applicable types of prevention programs and schoolwide strategies. (Contains 44 references.)…

Defines two large categories of risk for camps: relationships and program activities. Relationship risk can be minimized by recruiting qualified staff, providing precamp training, teaching appropriate staff behavior, and defining appropriate touching. Program activity risks can be managed through scheduling responsive to campers' needs and staff…

Examines how library managers can work with staff to make change initiatives more successful, based on cooperative planning experiences at Duke University Library. Focuses on (1) what the worker wants; (2) barriers to workers getting what they want; (3) technology's liberating influence; and (4) recommendations/predictions. (AEF)

The Torrance (California) Unified School District is proving that learning flourishes when the community collaborates to create a conflict-resolution program. This article profiles North High School's efforts to develop and select peer mediators, integrate conflict-resolution principles into the curriculum, address roots of conflict in the…

Camp staff who develop competency, understand that they can make a difference, and feel part of a team will have a more positive camp experience and will want to return. Continuous in-service training can accomplish this via daily 15-minute briefing sessions in which precamp training issues are revisited and staff input is sought. (TD)

Evidence from the field of evolutionary psychology suggests inherent reasons for the promotion process triggering negative emotions and behaviors among unsuccessful candidates. To reduce interpersonal casualties related to promotion, camp administration should educate staff about these reactions, provide extra supervisory time for successful…

Differences in men's and women's communication styles affect their interactions with each other. Organizations must be flexible enough to recognize situations in which traditional male values of competition may be most functional and those in which more collaborative, female strategies are more appropriate. Personnel training can help ensure that…

Summarizes a survey of 239 New Zealand elementary school educators. New Zealand's experience shows that national policymaking, which largely excludes school staff, still substantially influences everyday school operations. When site-based management occurs in a vacuum, devoid of interest, support, initiatives, and well-grounded information, school…

Survey responses from Arizona extension agents identified competencies needed for working with at-risk persons. In an experiential staff development process, agents conducted community assessments of issues, needs, and resources concerning children, youth, and families at risk and developed integrated programming for them. (SK)