Explored model integrating human capital, family resource, employment, and psychosocial factors to explain variation in economic self-sufficiency among 851 single mothers on public assistance. Workplace support was most significant factor affecting degree to which mothers reduced their reliance on welfare as source of household income over…

Summarizes study that interviewed 25 rural teachers identified as having strong "principal potential." Only five teachers expressed interest in becoming principals. The seven "maybe's" felt principalship would have to change significantly before they would consider it. Many viewed the principalship as too distant from the…

Truman Colleges' cooperative education seminars use an interdisciplinary approach. In each of four terms, the seminar takes a different focus--self, organization, field, and society--enabling students to see interrelationships and interdependencies. (SK)

Special issue includes "Creativity at the Workplace" (Donnelly); "Creativity Revisited" (Iandoli); interviews with 16 people who work in or teach industrial engineering, software, and graphic design; "On Creativity and Schooling" (Coppola, Iandoli); and "End Notes: What I Learned" (Iandoli). (SK)

In Hollywood movies, straight shooters often expose scoundrels' folly. School-based straight shooters seeking to clarify their positions and hear colleagues' views are hampered by lack of agreement about needed changes, an overly polite work environment, and contrived evaluation sessions. Recent Essential Schools initiatives show that…

Computers may have some value for screening potential employees before a face-to-face interview. Experience has shown that people respond more candidly to computers and employers have a better chance of selecting applicants who will be better employees. (JOW)

Queried 150 1st-year teachers and 150 mentor teachers from 86 southern urban schools regarding their work environment and professional aspirations. Questionnaires addressed affiliation, professional interest, resource adequacy, and work pressure. Resource adequacy influenced beginning teachers' intention to continue teaching. Mentor teachers…

According to the chief executive of the South London Training and Enterprise Council (TEC), the key factor in the creation of a dynamic and successful modern economy in Britain is the development of the workforce. Adult learning is the essential component of the modern economy. (JOW)

Increased turbulence in the workplace is affecting the careers of an aging workforce: changed skill needs, relations with employers and coworkers, and attitudes toward retirement and aging. Study of careers beyond midlife should bear in mind that retirement is an individual decision and the aging process is unique to the individual. (SK)

The issue discusses the role of the International Labour Office in the field of workers' education for rural workers and their organizations. Articles discuss labor conditions, child labor in agriculture, gender and equality training, trade unions, fair trade, and changing patterns of food production. Appendixes include information about…

Summarizes a study using latent-trait theory to construct a variable that conceptualizes practitioner perspectives about the deputy principalship in self-managing (Australian) primary schools. A sample of 403 deputy principals, 179 principals, and 138 teachers was analyzed according to both actual and ideal situations, using a Rasch measurement…

Examines whether findings on teacher role conflict may be generalized to instructors in (Israeli) military academies and training facilities. Aims to identify additional antecedents of instructor role conflict that may have especially powerful effects in total educational organizations (TEOs). Although work design characteristics may influence the…

Workplace gossip has consequences: stealing time, damaging morale, and hurting people. Gossip feeds on truth and falsehood, can become part of "corporate culture," and is inevitable. Administrators should plug information gaps, set a good example, promote a calm atmosphere, anticipate rumors, use informative staff newsletters, and teach…

Survey of 55 men and 57 women in 3 businesses found that those more positive about their work environment had greater commitment and career satisfaction. They received support both from inside and outside the organization, but interpersonal networks did not have a great effect on commitment, satisfaction, career prospects, or organizational…

Paul Stevens' model of career development--a holistic approach to work and personal life as the components of a career--was adapted for use at Australian Guarantee Corporation. The strategy included internal promotion, use of focus groups to identify staff issues, pilot workshops, executive support, linkage with other human resource functions, and…