A survey of 380 trainers/personnel managers received 80 responses indicating that (1) larger organizations were more likely to institute ethics policies and programs and (2) most organizations are at a conventional level of moral development. (SK)

This article discusses comprehensive staff development plans for providers of services to individuals with visual impairments. It addresses how staff development can be planned, the purposes of staff development, how staff development differs from staff training, and options for delivering staff development (such as distance education). (JDD)

Organizational change should be approached first by identifying organizational goals, what people should produce to meet them, what kind of people are needed, and how performance can be elicited. The role of performance technology is to assist people in accomplishing the tasks necessary to achieve the goals. (SK)

Discusses some principles, considerations, and cautions for those creating staff development programs in whole language. Discusses factors necessary for effective implementation of whole-language programs. (RS)

The University of Missouri's Career Center uses student paraprofessionals as career specialists. They receive 100 hours of training and ongoing updating; responsibilities include interpreting assessments, helping deciding students, critiquing resumes and cover letters, sharing job hunting strategies, and updating occupational information. (SK)

Isolation, limited access to colleges and universities, and financial constraints restrict staff development opportunities for rural school systems. Recognizing these problems, the Virginia Middle School Association has adopted a regional conference structure that shifts meeting locations throughout seven major areas. The "hot topics"…

Suggests ways that transactional learning can be reflected in staff development practices. Addresses issues raised during attempts to implement a whole-language staff development program. Contends that what unites whole-language teachers is a unique but common orientation toward instruction and curriculum and that this orientation can be reflected…

Describes the Efficiency-Based Change Model, which takes into account the complexity of the change process for individual teachers. Notes that the model is being tested and refined within a variety of settings, including a staff development project designed to support a group of teachers as they explore ways to provide whole-language services to…

A rationale for teaching thinking skills to gifted students is presented, and a five-step approach is offered, including create a skills taxonomy, develop a scope and sequence chart, provide staff development time, develop unit plans, and teach and evaluate the lessons. (JDD)

Far West Laboratory has been working with groups of teachers to develop thematic Close-to-the-Classroom Casebooks. The cases are candid, dramatic, highly readable "snapshots" of on-the-job dilemmas, complete with the author's thoughts and feelings. The teacher narrative is accompanied by at least two educator commentaries aimed at…

Nebraska Cooperative Extension coordinated early childhood education conferences including child care provider training. Expansion throughout the state indicates that it is meeting an expressed need for staff development. (Author/JOW)

Describes a workshop on human development for home companions of older adults that includes sessions on identity, intimacy, generativity, integrity, trust, and communication. (SK)

A former teacher-turned-principal presents a model for providing new teachers with necessary peer support, information, and assistance. Components include a clear, concise introduction to materials, schedules, and daily school and classroom operations; a thorough building orientation; a presentation of the principal's expectations regarding…

Successful training abroad requires attitudes (respect for other values, tolerance of ambiguity, commitment, persistence, sense of humor), skills (cultural flexibility, communication, creativity, self-management), and knowledge (of home, target, and corporate cultures; human resource development theory and practice, language of the host country, a…

Describes an adventure-based initial tutor training program designed to promote effective teamwork and enhance organizational ability. Notes that an added advantage of the outdoor activity is that it renews the importance of principles that have always made writing centers effective by metaphorically echoing the mental challenges of writing…