Based on a San Antonio principal's experiences, this article outlines steps for building shared visions and empowering communities. Principals should reflect on their motivations; hire supportive staff; introduce community members; acquaint staff with community needs, characteristics, and key individuals; converse with community groups; select a…

A review of several adolescent suicide prevention procedures and empirical evidence regarding their effectiveness finds that, although research is limited, best practice involves a school-based prevention approach that includes a mixture of primary and secondary prevention components. Seven specific recommendations to schools are offered. (DB)

Centerstone Community Mental Health, a private nonprofit agency based in Nashville, Tennessee, has responded to community needs by establishing new service programs to address them with whatever funding is available. Three described here are: an alternative school for students who cannot make it in public schools, school-based mental health…

This article describes a school-wide system of early identification and intervention for children recognized as being at risk for learning and behavior difficulties. Suggested guidelines for implementing such a program include: evaluating existing theory, knowledge, and practice; providing ongoing professional development; creating a school-wide…

Discusses the need to shift from the old models for organizational development to the new methods of quality management and continuous improvement, visions and visioning, and strategic planning, despite inappropriate criticisms they receive. (AEF)

Discusses the value of training interventions for performance improvement based on the author's experiences with various training events. Topics include making clear expectations; accomplishment-based project planning; understanding performance problems; and participant learning and instructional benefits. (LRW)

Describes development of an outdoor club at a special elementary school for deaf children. Addresses starting the hiking club, obtaining financial support, and recruiting adult volunteers. Student participants develop an appreciation of the environment while experiencing teamwork, competence, responsibility, companionship, and freedom. (DB)

In 1992, the Texas Commission for the Blind formed a student leadership committee, Leaders in Transitioning with Excellence, to facilitate the development of leadership skills and involvement in communities by students with visual impairments, aged 15 to 20. This article describes the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the committee and…

Explains the EEVL (Edinburgh Engineering Virtual Library) which has developed a free gateway to Internet resources in engineering as part of the United Kingdom's Electronic Libraries Programme. Highlights include project development, promotion of the service, evaluation, and plans for future developments. (Author/LRW)

Describes the three-year development of the Standards Project for English Language Arts. Discusses the context-centered framework, "bad news" from the Department of Education, funding from the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association, working with a more linear structure, and uncertainties in the…

Reviews examples of interventions and programs that address the first strategic target of the National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance. Outlines a framework for improving the effectiveness of these programs and discusses implications for teacher educators, practitioners, researchers,…

Strategies for developing hands-on learning activities for a camp nature program include working with themes, establishing goals, structuring time, providing a "hook," keeping instructions simple, and appropriately supervising campers. Includes ideas for nature themes, a sample learning activity, and suggestions for linking projects to…

Outlines a peer leadership program in the schools. Provides a brief overview of the historical roots of peer leadership and addresses the issues relevant to implementing a peer leadership program, such as selecting peer leaders, peer leaders' role in education, educators' roles, and how educators can become involved in these programs. (RJM)

Examines the current state of higher education programs for students with disabilities. Defines essential program standards and components, and explores related service delivery issues. Makes recommendations for student services professionals who strive for full participation by people with disabilities in all institutions of higher education.…

Assesses the accomplishments in assisting students with disabilities over the past two decades. Outlines the critical issues for complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Defines disability and access, and examines ways to organize and structure services, fund accommodations, evaluate services, and collaborate with faculty. (RJM)